Another interesting fact about Imperial-

Brian May (Guitarist in Queen) quit his PhD at Imperial about 20 years ago to join some rock band but apparently is now, trying to finally submit his thesis!

Roops, I prefer reference manager- I just prefer the layout.

Jradetzkey,
'I suppose I could make minor concesions like master's level instead of PhD or any other reputable university and not necessarily Oxbridge, or a bit older and not trilingual, but that's about it.'

I fit the criteria! I am at masters/PhD level, at a reputable university, good looking (if I do say so myself), may be a bit older plus I am trilingual (if you count the language of LOVE)! Sounds like you need ME to be the sister before and the mother after marriage.

Most importantly, if we were to start courting, I promise I wouldnt touch SBM with a 6-9 inch pole!

I think I just vomitted in my mouth.

Cryo, anything outside zone 4 is not worth it!

My budget handling is pretty much like Adem's. Moomin if your supervisor is Scrooging it, maybe you can try collaborating (ie promising their names in your paper) with other groups that have better equipped labs?

Clairet707- What does OH stand for?

I was walking with my supervisor outside and an insect flew into my eye. The tears wouldnt stop streaming and its a pretty nasty feeling knowing that their is a live animal in your body. It still bugs me when I think or type about it.

Cheer up misery guts!

Mate, www.match.com.

I think most science-based PhD programmes in the US are based on MS+PhD. I know that some universities will only allow you to sign up for the full 5 year PhD even though the first 2 years are spent on the MS. Also there is a lot of lab rotation during the MS years, which gives you a lot of time to work out which lab you want to work in.

I have known students in the US who on starting their PhD projects were unhappy in their choice of PhD lab but were allowed by the dept to change supervisors and project. So no fear, its never too late to change your mind.

H, are you a bit of a misery guts?

Ha ha! Dublin and Dublin! Finally the standard of humour on this forum is 'exponentially' rising! Haha!

Why are we even arguing. London town is the best place to be innit.

Verdy, I think your supervisor's taking the piss.