Have you all had inductions for ur phd? I havent had anything and theyve told me to go into lab and just start. i dont get it...

What were you expecting? You're probably the only PhD student starting in that lab - so they won't be planning too much. Just go in on the first day, say hallo the lab members, get yourself sorted out and then ask your supervisor where to start.

err, what exactly is an induction?

Inductions are mainly for taught courses, to help you start off

More and more departments provide introductory lectures and seminars for new PhD students. Not all of them are given right at the start (they're too busy inducting undergraduates). If you're having trouble finding your feet ask other PhD students or postdocs in your department for advice. Your supervisor should help you as well.

its jst wierd going in and sitting down and starting....and gettin on with it. i dunno.

From my experience of an induction programme, you are not missing out on that much really! I would love the chance to actually get on with my research without having to bugger off to silly talks every day!

Seriously though, i think you should have a chat with your supervisor or maybe others in your lab just to say that you are not really sure what you are meant to be doing etc and are not comfortable being chucked in at the deep end! And if you are not having an induction, make sure you get out and meet other PhD students in your department. I reckon 3 years could be a very long time in isolation!!! Maybe you could see about organising a social or something to get everyone together in place of an induction?

I Have spoken to her and phd students get a formal induction the week after next. i dont think i am 2 worried about being chucked in at the deep end - this phd is carrying on work that i started in undergrad and been doing over the summer- i can imagine itll be more complex but thru a natural progression. Its still a bit scary if it doesnt work out.