I disagree. I assume that the application you have is froma big institution? If so then they could easily get another student to take over - assuming you haven't signed anything legally binding you. Which studenship would you rather have? Have your interview with the second, and see what happens. I was in a similar situation when I applied. I basically applied for two studentships, and accepted an offer from one about a month before I had the interview for the second. The second turned out to be better, ie more money, better lab etc. I declined the first one and accepted the second and that's where I am now. I don't regret making that decision. They'll get over it.

Hi MH. I was in your position last September! I started my PhD in October last year and I'm currently writing up my first year report. With regards to your #1, I would suggest you take stock of the situation (so speak to your supervisor - hopefully they will appreciate that you are a little nervous etc) and start some reading. I can't emphasize how important it is to read early on because once you get into it you'll have very little time. I read about 2 papers per week and summerise them and file them away. #2 is tricky. As I mentioned with #1, hopefully s/he (your sup) is approachable. It makes things very easy if they are. Remember at the end of the day you are going to make them look good. You'll publish papers and they'll want in on it. Some supervisors can be very informal etc, whilst others will push you for deadlines. Mine does the latter, but I like it because she's obviously looking out for me. I don't think supervisors expect too much (my own experience), but I may be wrong. I think as long as you work hard then they'll be happy. The problems arise when you receive your stipend but never show up the lab (or wherever), and hence do no work). With regards to #4, I'll let you know in 4 months!
:-)

Whaaay, newbies!! I just started my PhD last Monday after coming straight from a BSc. We have some 3rd year undergrad students in our lab and one asked me "So, did you do a masters?", to which i replied "No". The look on his face was a picture. All I seem to be doing at the moment is learning lab skills, eating, sleeping (occasionally), and reviewing. I decided to be proactive and start my lit review for my first year viva. Plus, I'm going to use loads of it for my final viva. What's everyone else doing? My PhD is to do with Heart Failure. Any other biology/biochemists around? It's a shame that this thing (findaphd.com) has to be anonymous cos we could set up a facebook group (I fell into that trap recently).

Whaaay, newbies!! I just started my PhD last Monday after coming straight from a BSc. We have some 3rd year undergrad students in our lab and one asked me "So, did you do a masters?", to which i replied "No". The look on his face was a picture. All I seem to be doing at the moment is learning lab skills, eating, sleeping (occasionally), and reviewing. I decided to be proactive and start my lit review for my first year viva. Plus, I'm going to use loads of it for my final viva. What's everyone else doing? My PhD is to do with Heart Failure. Any other biology/biochemists around? It's a shame that this thing (findaphd.com) has to be anonymous cos we could set up a facebook group (I fell into that trap recently).

Hi! Is anyone going on/being made to go on the Home office training courses which prepare new PhD-ers for the use of animals in scientific procedures? Does anyone know where these are being held this year? I called the home office and they had no idea - a little disheartening.

You're 25; you're young. At the end of the day, the PhD is important to you, and you obviously want to do it as you decided to apply for it whilst you were with your previous partner. By the time you finish you'll be 28(ish) and you'll have the title of 'Dr.' Just be patient. My own personal view is that until you're ready to marry someone, your career ahs to coem first. You might meet someone, drop out the PhD and then that relationship ends, leaving you with nothing. My advice, stick with the PhD and make sure you find time to relax/unwind, and all will be well.

Hi Spacey. I am not technically a PhD student, but all being well I will be in September. I split with my gf a month ago (well, more correctly, she split with me). We also had distance to compete with - I was in the Hull region, and she was around Leeds. I think in highensight it was a blessing, as from what I've read on here I'm going to be crazy busy with my work. My supervisor told me that if I don't find time where I can forget work then I won't enjoy it. It's important to take a break every now and again. Can I ask how long you have been together? It's horrible to have to choose between both of them. I hope evything works out well!

So, to sum up: 1) Above everything be enthusiastic; 2) If they ask you a question and you don't know the answer, don't make up some crap. Be honest and say that you didn't understand that part and are discussing it with the supervisor etc; 3) know what the PhD will entail i.e. work hours, methods etc; 4)make sure your knowledge about your own research in watertight; 5) ask them questions i.e. funding, where is a good place to live etc, to show that you see yourself fitting in well. Let me know how it goes!

Hey, I had an interview for a PhD 2 weeks ago. My supervisor told me that it would be hard and that they'd ask loads of probing questions etc. However, the interview itself was very laid-back. In this particular occasion, the panel were very keen to know why I wanted to study for a PhD. I worry that I don't think I know enough, but the interview panel and my supervisor do, so I guess that counts for a lot. They (supervisor and interview panel)have obviously seen dozens of PhD students before and my sup wouldn't write a good reference. Do some background reading around the subject, especially those papers by your potential supervisor. However, don't rely on their work, try find other studies which support/argue against thier findings. Make sure you know about the research you are doing at the moment. Sound enthusiastic about your research! I was informed that most supervisors would rather take a 2.1 student with loads of enthusiasm then a 1st with none.

No, its not the same person all the time, so I guess in that respect they do have some free time. I guess with a lab project its only necessary to come to the lab to do the research, especially if you can do all the data analysis and lit reviews etc at home. It's just really a case of finding the right balance. My supervisor is the same one who I'm doing my dissertation with, so we know each other quite well which I hope will make things easier if I'm having trouble with things. And she also has a good track record and I'm sure she doesnt want me there 24/7.

Re omega_monkey, I'm unsure of the hours yet, but I expect it to be a lot from seeing how often the PhDs are in our lab. I agree with what eveyone else is saying about finding a balance of academic and social life, and its good to know that it does work out, its just finding that person who understands. I think that living with someone would definately help, or maybe it wouldn't - especaially if I have work to do and they want to go out. I'mnot the sort to be pressured into something, but I'd feel bad if I didnt go out. So basically, its all to do with fidning the right person. Cheers everyone!

Erasure - Little Respect. Can make any mood good!

Right, so basically avoid people who are thinking of travelling after they finish uni would be a safe bet. It's kinda hard cos I know that the PhD must and has to come first (and lets face it, people/organisations are investing thier money in you, so it has to be first priority). Guess I'll just have to hope I find someone who can appreciate that this is what I want to do, and respect that decision.

Hey guys and girls, I'm hoping to strat my PhD in September this year. I know it's going to be hard work and is going to take up most of my life. I'm sort of asking how those of you in relationships find it. Is it hard work? I've just split with my gf of 2 years because of my PhD and I was just wanting to know if its happened to others.