I know how you feel...I am struggling too, I have a fund for research costs which just isnt enough...one conference and the money is all gone.
Also I should have been paid today for my studentship which funded by the department and I didnt get paid. The finance woman was like 'oh well it might be tomorrow but I'm really not sure'. I'm so mad - if I was a member of staff who hadnt been paid I'm sure they would sort it out but just cos I'm a PhD student doesn't mean that I dont need the money as much or have bills to pay. Grr

In answer to pineapple's question, there is office space in my department but I dont use it - I live a 45 min drive from campus so it's a bit too far to make it in each day! My supervisors dont seem to have a problem with me studying from home at all, but I guess it depends what area your PhD is in..eg if you use labs or something, and how much contact with your supervisor you have...I see mine once a month and just use email to communicate other than that..
Kind of wish that I was able to work in the office though, although it is nice just to be able to stay in my PJs all day if I want to, it does get very lonely!
Kezza x

Thanks for all the replies...looks like pretty much everyone feels the same way at some point then??!!
Paulmanic, I just had a read of your previous posts. I have thought about quitting a few times, even had a look the other day for alternative jobs i could apply for....thing is, i have a day when I feel like that, and then another day when I feel so lucky to have the opportunity to do this...and so excited about my topic...It took two years of applying before i was finally given a studentship and i know I definately won't quit. The other day when i posted my first message I felt so low, did no work that day and pretty much spent the whole day eating my body weight in chocolate. But today I had a supervision this morning and it went well (despite my supervisor being an hour late grrr) and I feel like I have got a bit more of a focus now which is good. So feeling quite positive today (although could all change tomorrow).
Kezza xx

Hi everyone, just found this forum and thought I would introduce myself.
I started my PhD in October in Sociology...it is now January and I feel like I have acheived very little. I've become really quite depressed with it...although I love my topic and I want to do it, I just dont know how to start. I have to narrow down my focus, and I dont know how to do that...I seem to spend days sitting at my computer, sending emails and browsing the internet, and doing very little work.
I have spoken to others in my department, and to my supervisors, who have all told me that doing a PhD is about ups and downs, and even my supervisor has joked that she thinks i'm crazy for putting myself through it. On the one hand it's nice to know that I'm not the only one who feels like this, but at the same time I would like to know that it will get better, and I wont feel so miserable for the next three years.
Anyone got any positive experiences to share or advice on motivating myself??
Sorry to start off with such a depressing post!
Kezza xx