Thanks for all the advice! I was waiting to find out my hours before responding but it will probably take a little longer than I expected so I will just thank you all now and update when I do find out. It is good to know most of you have experienced some flexibility with timetables and that there are alternatives like a room let. I am hopeful I will be able to work something out.

The funding is offered by the EPSRC, which is confusingly different from the ESRC (I think), I believe that means I would not be directly funded by the university and so would not be obliged to teach, although I would probably like to help if I could fit it in. I will do as you suggest and try to find out my hours before deciding.

Thanks for your help Sneaks.

======= Date Modified 07 Nov 2010 11:34:36 =======
Thanks for your input Sneaks.

It says in my offer "You will also be considered for a Teaching Assistant position, and if you are selected..." from the wording, it does not sound optional but I am not sure, would that be normal? I have not asked for teaching duties and would probably decline if it meant too much extra travel time.

I would probably be paying about a maximum of £20 per day in travel expenses.

It would be ideal to stay at home if I could arrange a situation similar to yours, but since you are writing up I am not sure how likely that would be for me. I have heard the first year is mostly reading and getting your knowledge up to "the edge" which I guess could mostly be done independently.

======= Date Modified 07 52 2010 10:52:53 =======
Hey All,

I have recently been offered a place for a PhD in Computer Science and I am wondering whether to find accommodation or stay at home. Here is my list of pros for both:

Staying at home:
- Slightly cheaper
- More security
- More luxuries
- Less time spent on menial tasks

Staying in accommodation:
- No need to commute (1 hour 35 mins each way or 3 hours 10 mins each day)
- More independence
- Meeting people

I am thinking if I have to go in everyday it would probably be better to find accommodation, however if I only had to go in say 3 days a week (or less) it would be better if I stayed at home. Since a PhD is meant to be more independent and I probably will not need to use special equipment on a regular basis I am wondering if the latter option is more likely. So my question is how customizable is a PhD timetable?

I would be grateful for any advice.
Cheers. :-)