Hi everyone,

I'm really fed up. I have been doing my phd for nearly 4vmonths now and I still haven't really got past the reading stage. I have been in the lab very occasionaly - i have practiced one technique once. Delays are main prob I'm waiting on samples and also on someone deciding when I can start work in their lab. Is anyone else experiencing this?? How can I ever get a PhD if I never get any lab work done?? Im really worried about it.

:(

p.s. sorry all i ever do is moan!

hi frankie,

I'm glad its not only me. I have started my lit rev I have written about 3000 words so far. Hopefully I will get some samples on wed. What area is your phd in? Its nice to talk to ppl in the same situation.

:)

Stick with it Jen. I'm in my first year too & know just how you feel.
I have spent 9 months mainly reading, writing up a draft of my lit review & re writing my bloody propsal AGAIN & AGAIN. Though I have combined all this with a little teaching, I too am chomping at the bit to get on & actually do my research. It seems a really common experience from all the other research students I have spoken to @ my uni & am begining to see light at the end of the tunnel i.e I think my supervisors are prepared to let me move on.
Hang in there!

that sounds interesting, mine is all to do with immunology and microbiology. Looking at how bacterial and fungal infections effect the immune response.


Thanks pea, what are you studying?

I was totally going mad last week butI have managed to calm myself down now and have been getting on with some more reading and planning this morning. So I'm feeling a little better now.

well at least your doing an experiment I can't do anything till wed at the earliest!! I know exactly what you mean about waiting for someone to get back to you. It seems like I send loads of emails but noone ever replies!!

Are you doing your PhD in the uk?

yeah I am but I wouldn't describe it as sunny! its raining here

thats in bristol isnt it? I'm in rainy liverpool.

I am about 18 months into my PhD and am in the same boat. believe me you are not alone!! Its so difficult when you are waiting on other people to get your research started! I am waiting for samples too but they only come in occaisionally. You are lucky that youre only a few months in! Just try and get on with other things in the meantime and try not to get too stressed out about it. :-)

hi
It's so good to read about everyone else feeling the same as i do. I started my PhD in October and have been doing reading and planning mostly. I'm starting to feel guilty for not being busy enough though, What stage should i be up to by now?