Hi All,

I was just wondering to what extent those on a 1+3 worked on their PhD on the MRes year? Obviously all the work I do on the MRes will be focused on the PhD subject, however did you just focus on getting the modules done, or start working independently on your PhD too?

I'm 27 and live with my other half in a rented three bed terrace. I'm a short bus ride or a 40 minute walk to uni.

Thanks guys, appreciate it. I have real problems having the confidence in my own abilities, so although the rational part of my brain is saying it must be normal, there's always that element of doubt.

Can I ask, especially to those on a 1+3 route, at what point did you have a really good methodology planned out?

I'm really hoping that you all groan when you read this, because hopefully it gets posted every year (fingers crossed).

As I have mentioned, I am right at the beginning of my PhD, well, actually the beginning of my 1+3, but will obviously be working on my PhD during the first year too. I was obviously ecstatic when I found out that I'd got my finding and a place on the programme, and have been so very excited about starting. Well, that lasted until I finished my full time job (last week), and started really thinking about my research. I'm now absolutely terrified. I just feel completely overwhelmed with it, and like I haven't the faintest idea how to make a start. I have a VERY rough idea of what kind of methods I will be using etc, but because my research experience is minimal, I don't feel like I have the skills or knowledge to know how to plan to implement them.

On top of that, my first MRes lectures terrified me because it's all very new. I keep telling myself that's kind of the point, and I realise that I'm just used to sitting classes where I know quite a bit about the subject at hand to start off with.

PLEASE tell me this is normal? Has anyone got any tips other than breaking it down into chunks? Even when I do that I can't focus on the individual chunk without relating it back to the entire project, and then and up back at square one!

What is your daily routine, whilst studying for your PhD?

I'm about to start, and feel like I almost need to structure my days to ensure I get the best out of them. This is the first time I have not 'worked' (as in had a 9-5 job) and am concerned that I will just let days go to waste.

I tend to find I need to get out of the house before I can focus on getting my head down.. perhaps I should take up running (shudder) and go for morning jog?

Do you have set meal/break times?

We got confirmation of the open competition yesterday. It doesn't seem to say anything on J-es; the nominated contact at the university receives a letter from the ESRC and it is their responsibility to notify applicants.