I got a form for 'extension of time to submit thesis' last week - didn't ask for it, it just arrived in my pigeonhole (and everyone else's). I've worked out that this means I pay fees to allow me to work in the lab for up to another year (my three years are up in Oct.) - so it's different from being 'thesis only' where lab work not allowed).
I've pretty much decided I should apply for it - the thought of not being allowed in the lab in 12 weeks time completely freaks me out - but need to talk to my supervisor - that's what I'm finding really difficult. I don't know how to bring up the subject. I don't want to complicate things, I just wish everything had gone well and I didn't need the extension :( What if my supervisor says I can't have it? (wants me out of the lab asap?) I guess that's what I'm most scared of...

Also, I have to fill in reasons why I need the extension on the form - I don't know why I need it!!! I'm just not finished! I can make stuff up, there are valid reasons I can think of, but who's to say they're the real reasons I haven't finished?
(I know 'being finished' is subjective in itself, but I haven't got enough results for one publication yet so that's why I say I'm not finished, as well as 'not having done everything I wanted to do' which is another thing altogether)
I think my approach with my supervisor is going to be that I need the extension mainly for security - to finish up a few things, or incase something important crops up when I'm writing up and I need to do some more experiments. I'll tell them I don't intend to be in the lab full-time, and try to stick to this when the time comes.
Or...should I just tell him what's maybe closer to the truth - that I reckon by October I won't have enough results to write a good thesis?

Hi Sue,
Sounds like the form is simply a formality - no pun intended...okay well just a little one - I would try not to worry. Just be honest and say you need some extra time to finish up lab work as you begin your write-up or something. If everyone has these forms then sounds like it is a pretty standard thing. I have to fill out something similar...another chance for the uni to get some money out of us!

thanks Hilly, I guess that's what I wanted to hear - that it's not a big deal. I've started the ball rolling with my supervisor.

I think you should write a thesis outline. Write down what each chapter should contain, what experiments are done and which still need doing. Then try to assas how much time these will take. Then go to your supervisor, show him/her your thesis plan and then mention the extention. If your plan is reasonable, she/he might even pay the fee for you.

I do this almost every week - Im always making lists of what I have done, what needs to be done, but I've found it really difficult to estimate the time things will take - there are so many obstacles! I think we talked about this before - you don't think more time is necessarily the answer (correct me if I'm wrong, I'll have a search for the thread in a minute). I know it might not be, but I'm *hoping* it is...

can't find the thread.

You (together with your supervisor) are the only ones who can decide if you need more time .... but without a thesis plan (and not so much a weekly plan)I personally think this will be difficult to judge.
You don't need a publication to finish a PhD (although it makes things easier), and many students don't get one out of the PhD and still get a first postdoc.