I'm 5months into a PhD & though my supervisor & grp are nice & I'm enjoying the work, I don't have any real friends here & I've no intention of persuing the subject for a career. My friends & longterm boyfriend are far away & I've got to the point where I need to make a decision. Do I take the MPhil or stick with the PhD, knowing it'll only get harder but be a better qualification? Against some of your problems this may sound trivial but it's really getting me down.

I think you may be feeling homesick and obviously missing your friends. However, it sounds like you have a good PhD project and research team. It's far better to do the PhD - better job prospects, maybe nearer home, and quicker promotion. Try and socialise with your colleagues. The long-term benefits will be much better for a short-term sacrifice. Stick out the PhD and make new friends! All the best.

Unlike undergraduate days, PhD study affords a lot less free time to get out an meet new friends. Whilst you may have met many lifelong friends in your first 5 months as an undergraduate you can't expect to do the same in a new place as a PhD student. Give yourself a bit more time to settle in.

I agree with what the others have said! It takes alot more time to settle in and make friends in a new place esp when people are very serious about their research! It's taken me a nearly a year to feel settled where I am so hopefully I won't have to leave too soon! Stick at it and it'll be worth it!