I simply can't believe how quickly time is going! I feel like I'm six months in still yet I'm into final year. I was originally thinking I'd take an extra six months to finish if I needed it (most people in my subject take an extra 6 months- 1 year), but my sup is on my back to finish bang on time as if we get funding the post-doc position will start around then....eeeek! Feeling a bit scared having realised the enormity of the task ahead. I have 4 papers written which will hopefully form 4 chapters of my PhD but there's still so much left to do. I feel a bit scared and a bit overwhelmed. Anyone else just starting final year? Best, KB

Same here, the new first years came today and i started my 3rd year.

what i cant believe is I am apparently submitting by 31st Jan latest for a particular post doc app needs a viva by 30th March.

If that happens, in addition to my 2 jobs and conferences, by 31st Jan, ... well, then i myself will be surprised.

comiserations bug and keenbean - Just starting 2nd year myself and honestly feel no better informed than I did 12 months ago - if anything I feel stupider

Hi keenbean,

Exactly the same feeling here. 2nd yr Annual review went well this week and starting 3rd yr from 1st Oct. Supervisors said that the progress is exemplary. I am happy for what I achieved but very scared for the work ahead. Planning to complete within 3 yrs. Sometimes I lose confidence in myself - the more I am into it, I feel there is so much to do...ughhh
swetch

Another one just starting 3rd year here!

Over the summer I started panicking about having to write those enormous 80,000 words in the next year and got really down about things as I was convinced I'm not capable now that it is coming to crunch time.

Another girl in my research group has written half of her thesis already and is on track to submit at Easter 6 months early and is in the middle of writing her third journal article. Argh. I'm just doing my best to plod along and although I feel like I'm working quite slowly, to keep it consistent...

I am one month into my third year!
It's been so fast for me, too...
I never thought that by my third year I would have been writing (I have already 2 chapters ready and a third one as a schedule) as I am working full-time, I am doing my PhD part-time AND I am living in another country (and have another first language)....
Typically, I am not in my final year yet, but I feel like I am! As a matter of fact, if I wanted, I guess I could finish by June, but I don't want to pressure myself do muc (mind you I am not very young, I am 32, and I also want to do other things in my life than working and writing all day)!!!!!!!!!

I can't believe I'm in third year either - its so scary! I feel like I've advanced about 6 months, not even thought about writing yet and still heaps of data collection to do, where does all the time go?!
Good luck with all the writing guys!