Hi Everyone,

I submitted my thesis in September and there is no viva date yet. My supervisor is hopeful that we can arrange a date by the end of this month for November or December.

This of course leaves me in a bit of limbo. I am applying for jobs and have had two interviews but got neither job. I am enjoying having some free time after a stressful few months. Both jobs rejected due to my supervisor not publishing my work yet, they aren’t the most organised. I am starting to get a little restless, a lot of my cohort have got jobs straight away and viva dates organised for very soon. Since I am feeling so restless is it worth spending a little time each day beginning to prepare for the viva? If yes any useful tips?

Thanks

Hey!

Yes, I think it's a good idea. I am in the same situation as you are. I submitted in September and the viva is set for November. I have started to prepare and I think it's useful to do a little every day firstly to ensure that you keep everything fresh in your mind and secondly, after having read my externals work I found a few relevant issues that she may raise in my viva that I have no prepared for (I may not have picked up on those issues and been able to adequately prepare myself for them had I not started to prepare this early (also prevents you panicking at the last minute)).

Hi! I spent about 1 week preparing for mine. I would have got all wound up and anxious had I started earlier. You just have to do what works for you. Personally, I would want to wait till I at least had the date and then factor some days in for prep. I originally had 2 weeks spare for it, but got ill so it ended up being just under a week but was fine. You could use this time for some "me" time and be nice and refreshed ready to start viva prep! Just an alternative idea in case it appeals!

I submitted in May and my viva was in July. I began a job in the middle of June. I had prep in May in knowing about the job but still ended up spending a week prepping before the day. If I was to go back I wouldn't of doing anything in May and doing it all in July. Prepping to early did make me anxious and more nervous