Hey, I feel pretty isolated doing my PhD too but not for the same reasons. My problem is that I don't seem to fit in the clique that has formed in the research group. I have been here almost five months now and it's really getting to me. I spend most of my days in silence unless I ask a question and even then the responses are abrupt and over with in a matter of seconds. Not only that, I started at a completely different time to all the other PhD students and as most of them go to the other campus and so I don't know any of them either. I'm really enjoying the project but it's really getting me down and I feel like quitting because of it. I don't want to spend another 2 and half years miserable but then I don't want to give up my PhD. I completely sympathise!

You're definately not alone! I haven't been on a proper holiday for 6 years, I might go out once a month (if I'm lucky) and I sometimes caan't afford to pay for my travel to get to uni to do my work and I regard myself as luckier than most because I live with my partner and he earns so helps me out when he can. Without him, I'd have to live with my parents because I simply couldn't afford to live on my own. I think it's best, no matter how embarressing it is, is to just be honest and say you're skint but how about sitting out in the sun while it lasts? Or something similar. I think you'll find that most people will either offer to buy you a coffee or accept the alternative option you give them ;)

I was exactly the same during my undergrad but since I've started my Phd, I just can't be bothered. OK, I'm a little unhappy with my research group and I think that's getting to me and making me not want to work - I guess that's my reason for lack of motivation, mine's so bad I'm thinking about quitting but then what?? I spent all this time working towards this only to give up when I get there! As for ur lack of motivation, I think there's no point pushing yourself to do something if you're not in the mood, it's better to take time out - look after yourself and come back to it when you're refreshed and feel ready for it ;) Get well soon, you should be easier on yourself espescially if you've had some health probs ;)

Well, I think although publications will most definately help your long term career (i.e. you are looked on more favourably by potential employers if you have publications), I would not rely on this to pass your viva. It seems, so long as you can defend your thesis with or without publications you should pass (assuming your thesis is at a high standard). As you already have 3 publications under your belt, I would concentrate on knowing my thesis inside out, why you made certain decisions, why you used certain methodologies as opposed to others etc ... Any other publications you achieve will be a bonus but should not be your entire focus ;)

Unfortunately, I am in the lab 8 hours a day unless I've got something to write up or read. So whatever way I decide to take it, I've got to put up with the atmosphere. I'm currently being 'nicey nice' just to see if it's a pure 'acceptance' thing into the research group. If it continues then I'll know it's personal I suppose. I've decided to take a holiday to clear my head and decide what I really want to do with the situation. I think I'll grit my teeth get on with the work and hope that the atmosphere lifts. If in a years time nothing has changed and I'm completely miserable then I'll just take the MPhil that I'm working towards in my first year instead of transferring it over to continue with the PhD. Does that sound like an acceptable decision guys? I'm so confused, you work so hard to get somewhere, you get there and happy with what you're doing and then there's people out there that want to make you miserable grrr!

I do have some great friends outside of PhD, I don't think that's the problem. It just feels unbearable when I'm at uni & no1 wants to speak to you. I'm starting to feel like I've crash landed from outta space into this lab and I'm one of their 'experiments'. I'm sure I'll get through it, it just feels like I want to run out as quickly as I can because it feels so uncomfortable when I'm there .... not a good way to be when you're trying to do a PhD.

They do all go out on very rare occassions but as yet have not been invited. There's a small group that go out on a more regualr basis but again, I don't seem to be welcome I don't really know what I have done to upset these people. I don't want to give up but it's really getting me down. I know I should thicken my skin and forget about these people but it's difficult. Thanks for your support guys!

Hi,

I started my PhD three months ago and at first it was great. I started with a literature review and so I was writing alot at the beginning I was working alot from home, then when I returned very eager, then I realised there was a problem. I work very closely with my research group, we all share the same office and lab space. I've realised that they're not particularly happy with me. I don't seem to fit in, they hardly speak to me unless it's work related, I hear them talking in adjacent rooms and when I walk in there's a deadly silence. Their attitudes towards me makes me reluctant to ask for help. I feel like an outsider and I feel miserable. It's the thought of having to put up with this kind of atmosphere for the next three years, is driving me crazy. I feel trapped and it's making me want out. I'm interested and happy with the work I'm doing. I don't know how to get over this. These are the people I'm meant to be working with and learning from and they're not making me feel very welcome. Help! :(

Despair