hey everyone, am going to this conference in athens in the summer. they've listed activities such as cruises, visiting historical sites, concerts etc amongst others. my uni is willing to offer me conference funding. should i list these as expenses in the name of networking or am i expected to foot the bill for these on my own?

Hi

I would say that you would be expected to pay for these yourself. That is my experience but perhaps my Uni is a little stingy!

Sounds great though.

its only a hundred pounds for these, however, they are included in the list of costs that we should give our unis. i just wish i didn't have to spend a hundred pounds on a cruise with academics discussing books . i'll rather put it towards another holiday in better company. anyhow, am giving them the list anyway. i'll probably indicate a note saying am gonna pay for these or better still, am not attending these . sympathy votes.

ya, sounds great. am really looking forward to it - except the presentation bit. lol, there's always a catch.

Sympathy vote, good idea. Maybe try your luck, they might say yes!

I'd put the whole thing in under expenses, then wait until they call you out on it. You never know, you might get away with it! Good luck

am definitely putting it under expenses - seriously considering the sympathy vote tho :) thanks guys.

coastman - i didn't notice the call you out part of your post. am not sure they do that in my uni. i should find out. most things are usually done via email and pigeon holes.

Most conferences run these social events (organised trips to local attractions etc). However, I think it's unlikely that your Uni will be prepared to fund much beyond the conference registration fee, accommodation, travel and subsistence costs. I would think they would not expect you to attend these or if you do, that you'll pay for them yourself.

In my experience, these things always receive last minute cancellations, and the organisers don't mind letting a few students attend the events for free. I was quite lucky at the last 3 conferences I attended. I didn't have to pay for any of those extras including banquet dinners and sightseeing. So I suggest not to try to fool your university (because they always watch the budget so carefully) but see how it goes in the last minute. Try to attend at least one of those things with people though. Good fun