Thanks for the advice!

I actually managed to get a studentship, which is paid for 3 years. Thus I'll be a full-time PhD student, and I'll be able to devote *all* my time to the project...
Since I applied for a specific project, I won't be spending much time 'shopping around'. Hopefully that will allow me to get started quicker.
It's definitely true what you write about referencing - I'm totally scared I'm going to make mistakes in that area!
Thanks for the tips about the books, definitely going to check out what's on offer.
I'm just a bit nervous in general, because I've spent the last year working and feel sort of out of touch with the world of academia...
Also, I'm moving to London for my PhD which adds to the stress what with all the flathunting and trying to get my stuff moved etc. I'm sure it'll be easier once I'm settled in (at least I hope so!).

Hi all,

since I am now about to transition from working in industry to being a PhD student, I was wondering what I should be expecting.
How is everyone faring on their studentship money? Is it enough to get by?
Is it possible to finish in 3 years or am I looking at an extra year for the writing up etc?
Any advice you can give to someone just starting out?
How many hours do you put in each week?

xx

Hi all,

thanks for all the great tips, I've already checked out some of the recommended websites, and especially intolondon.com seems to be pretty good!

Hopefully I'll find something soon, it definitely isn't an easy feat, London definitely isn't cheap...

xx

Hi all,

the good news: I got the studentship of my dreams at UCL in London!!!! The bad news: I now have to find some sort of accommodation in London, and ideally it should be something I can afford, yet doesn't comprise of a cardboard box under a bridge...

Anyways, as I am sure lots of you have been in a similar situation at the start of their PhD adventure, I was hoping someone would have some sort of advice on which websites, letting agents etc you can recommend and which ones to steer clear of...

I am starting in July and have managed to organize a couch I can stay on for the first few weeks, but that's hardly an ideal situation, so I really want to get this resolved as soon as possible.

Any help will be much appreciated!!!

xxx

Thanks for the good advice. I checked the contract and it does have something about a probationary period in it, so I'll take the job for the time being and see how the panel interview works out.
Thanks guys, don't know what I would do without this forum!:-)

So here's the deal: I recently had an interview with a potential supervisor for a project I really, really, really, really want to do. I was very nervous, but the supervisor seemed really positive and gave me really good feedback. He asked me how soon I could start if selected, and even started saying that he hoped I would get the studentship (although he stopped, saying that he was supposed to be objective until he had seen all the candidates). I haven't had the panel interview yet, so now my question is: How likely is it that you will get the project if the supervisor really likes you, and how much 'power' or say does the panel have in making the decision?
Am just tryin to get an idea of how my chances are of getting the project, since I have been offered a job, which I would gladly turn down if I could reasonably expect to get the PhD. Only if I turn down the job offer and then don't get the project I would be proper gutted since finding a job is not the easiest feat in the world, either, and I don't particularly want to starve to death.
Any thoughts?

Personally, I don't see what's wrong with applying to more than one project. How could they expect you to only apply to one place (if you need funding), especially during the recession...I always admitted that I have applied elsewhere, and actually had the interviewers telling me that they wouldn't expect you not to that.
I think you should never lie about having made other applications. At the same time, it doesn't hurt to emphasize how the project you're interviewing for is your hands down favourite...;-)

Hi,

personally, I think standards for education and research are pretty high in Germany. It's probably not surprising that requirements for PhD candidates/post docs are pretty high as well.

As far as PhDs go, I think it's a bit harder to kind of change track (ie doing a PhD project in a slightly different area from your undergrad education), which is the main reason why I didn't apply anywhere in Germany.

Hi there,

you could try and find a studentship in your area at a UK institution. I think the chances of finding something aren't too bad in your sort of area. Studentships are usually advertised on each institution's website, so check out the Universities you're most interested in. Also, you can try findaphd.com for studentships.

The reseach councils usually only fund students who have been resident in the UK for at least three years prior to starting their PhD. However, as a EU student, you can still get funds to cover your tuition fees, but you'd have to pay for everything else from your own funds.

You could check if there's any scholarship opportunities from your home country, that's always worth exploring first.

Most Unis have some PhD scholarships available for international students, but you'd have to be quick because there is early closing dates for these. Also, your chances of getting such a scholarship depend heavily on your references and on how well you did in your previous studies.

Hope this helps a little,

xx

Hi,

I am now close to breaking point.
I have agreed to take up a studentship, and am supposed to start in a few days' time, but I am having serious doubts as to whether I made the right decision.
To start off with, the PhD would be in a completely different area than my honours study, which not only means I will probably struggle a lot to start off with, but it also might create the impression of inconsistency for any future employers when they see that on my CV.
Also, ever since I accepted the studentship - which I did for all the wrong reasons, ie I thought I might not get another offer, it pays more than other studentships, I was desperate that I might get stuck working at Tescos or whatever if I couldn't find anything by fall, and I was also disheartened that I wouldn't get the position that I really, really wanted, anyways, so why bother to keep looking.
However, since I accepted, everything went 'wrong'. As I said, I felt pressured to accept, because of no other offers at that time and the supervisor was really really keen on me accepting, which I guess I found flattering :$. Also, my parents were urging me to take it because it pays well and they don't understand the whole concept of PhD study (ie conducting research - one project is NOT just the same as another).
Now I am in a really bad place. Since I've accepted, I've had this gut feeling that the decision was wrong. I have also gotten two other offers, one of which is the research project of my dreams in a dream location, but it is unsure if I will be able to get funding. However, if I were to wait for the decision on funding, I would not be able to take up the studentship which I have accepted. If I were to say I'm not accepting after all, and then wouldn't get the funding, I'm afraid I would have a bad name in academia and no one would ever want to offer me another studentship.
The other offer is also good, because it would enable me to get a Master's first, then continue on the same project with my PhD, giving me a chance to decide if it is still what I want after a year's time. Plus it would be in the same area as my honours studies.
Do you guys have any advice for me? What should I do? I'm not sure I accepted this studentship because I wanted it or because I wanted to please other people.
If I were to get the funding for the other project and then wouldn't be able to take it, I would never forgive myself. on the other hand, I don't know how easy it would be to get out of the studentship I've accepted without any consequences. Don't know if I'm just paranoid, but I have the impression that all the academics are mysteriously 'linked' and talk about these things...

xxx

Hey,

funding will depend on your field of research (ie how much sponsoring is available from industry?), your academic background (your GPA, the reputation of the institutions you've studied at) and, of course, your nationality (some studentships are only awarded to UK nationals or nationals of other countries who have been ordinarily resident in the UK for at least 3 years).
On top of that, every Uni has its own scholarships and prizes available. For information on these, you should check the University's website.
As for studentships, these are usually offered on each departments/research groups website, and usually involve payment of fees and a stipend of 13-14 K in most cases. Projects that are sponsored more heavily by industry may pay more.
For a studentship, you usually have to apply directly to a supervisor. In fact, if you find a reserach area you're really interested in, you should just email a potential supervisor even if they haven't advertised any funded opportunities. I was cursing the cruelty of life because I thought I wouldn't be able to apply for a project I really wanted on the basis of missing funds, but emailed the supervisor anyways and he told me he actually did have funded opportunities available.
Another potential supervisor told me he didn't have funding left for this year, but would be willing to pay my tuition fees. So always ask, even if you think it's hopeless.
For scholarship applications, the most important thing is academic merit. Usually if you don't have a first class honours degree or a masters from a renowned institution, your chances are slimmer than slim. If you are applying for scholarships, make your application as strong as possible, ie stellar references, plus a brilliant research proposal. I also tend to add a personal statement, even if it is not called for in the application instructions. Also, if you have professional experience in the intended field of study, that would also help.
Lastly, your own governement probably offers some sort of stipend for conducting phd studies in another country, so check out what you can apply for.
Generally speaking, it is easier to get funding for PhD study because you are conducting research that a)may pay off for industry in the long run and b)unlike an undergraduate degree can't be gained from just about any university in any country, since you will select a specific research area in a specific group.
Hope this helps, and best of luck to you!

xxx

Hi all,
I am currently a couple of weeks away of starting a PhD. Basically, I applied for a few different studentships at different places, and got a couple of offers. I decided to take one of them because the project sounded really interesting, the pay was good, and the location suited me on top of all that.
Now I'm having my doubts. I got a couple more interesting offers since and I am completely torn. The projects are completely different, and I am crumbling utnder the pressure.
I feel like this is the most important decision for my future career, and I am so scared that I'm going to start on the project I've accepted, and then I won't like it or something.
At the same time I'm scared to tell them I'm not accepting after all, and go for something else.
Any advice? Could it just be cold feet?? How did you guys feel before taking up your PhD's?

Hi,

I applied to a few different institutions, and got a couple of offers out of it. I think with me, it was mostly the interview that did the trick. I agree with the previous replies, a lot depends on how well you sell yourself, ie strong personal statement, good interviews. You should be able to demonstrate that you truly have a profound interest in the area you're applying for. With my interviews, it was particularly important to prove that I actually spent some of my spare time reading about new developments in my area (Bioengineering), and they did ask me to explain - in detail - about a book I had read on epigenetics. So be prepared to answer such questions.
Also, make sure you 'shape' your CV according to the studentship you're applying for. I'm not telling you to lie, but just emphasize points that you think will make you look like a suitable candidate, and maybe omit some things that have no bearing on a particular application. Finally, don't apply to too many places. It's what I did, and I ended up wasting a lot of time (and paper).

Good luck xx