Hi,

I have my viva a week on Friday. I am alternately feeling total and utter panic, a slightly sick feeling and excitement at the end being nigh (for better or worse).

I am absolutely convinced I have failed. My supervisor has told me they wouldn't bother with a viva if my thesis was as bad as I think it is.

I know there are many threads on this but I just wondered if anyone had any more words of advice or some kind of technique for avoiding completely losing my marbles before next week? Also the pass criteria seem to be a bit vague, does anyone have clarification on exactly what counts as "original contribution"?

Thank you so much for any help, it is very much appreciated.

I started my PhD in early September and I have hit a blank. I have no idea what to do. I've done a lot of reading, draft literature review, started my methods and found somewhere to do my experiments BUT I feel like I'm getting nowhere. I really don't know what to do. I have tried making a 'to do' list but I can't even seem to do that properly. Does anyone have some words of advice or even just something to make me smile and motivate me to do more work.
Thank you
Tilly