Hi guys

I`ve just started a part time PhD- i plan to continue working in my current job (local government) as i can`t afford not to. I`m worried that i will be missing alot of student life- meeting other students, lecturing opportunities etc. Is anyone else in this situation?

I'm part-time and do miss out on a lot. It's full-time students who are offered teaching opportunities (especially since such teaching takes place during the working day/week). They're also the ones on campus everyday who see staff most regularly, and can take part in informal events. There are other opportunities for socialising out of hours etc. but if you want to take part for example in postgraduate seminars (if they are offered), or to attend departmental research seminars, you will need to take time out of your job to do so.

Sorry that I can't be more positive but I do feel pretty cut off, and have done for years. I've moaned at my department's PG staff person, but he's totally geared around supporting people who are on campus (full-time). We do have a Blackboard bulletin board system which should provide some contact with other students. Virtually no-one uses it :-(

But maybe your experience will be different. Good luck!

I'm also a part-timer although I actually work as a lecturer in the department where I am registered for my PhD. Even though I work there and obviously teach as part of my job, I haven't been involved with the post-grad community at all. The majority of PhDs in our department are part-time and so there isn't a great social scene anyway as most are mature or from overseas and have other demands on their time. It has meant that I've felt very isolated at times. One major tip I can give you is to keep using this forum - it really does help. There may also be other part-timers in your department who you could network with and since they will be working outside they'll understand what you are going through.

I also have a full time job, and have commented several times about the way that everything appears to be geared to full timers, all the events being in the daytime etc. I have an added problem in that I work in education, (not a teacher) but my school is not at all supportive. so much so that I had to make up the time I spent at the induction week and note this on a card, signed by my HOD, even though the head knows I always work overtime that I do not claim, and it is very hard to get any time in school tim eto visit my supervisors etc.. The postgrad school listened a bit and have put on at least one course during the school hols, and are planning some evening sessions too, but it isn't quite the same. i find the most difficult bit is trying to get all the necessary bits of paper signed at the right time and delivered to the right place, which is why formal hurdles take much longer to get through. However I do make an effort to get to things I can attend, and keep in e-mail touch with others, but I'm sure it is easier for those who are on campus all the time.