I think that the reasons for which you are motivated to do a PhD sound about right and that you should go for it.

Yes management is a secure place to be and pays well but is it really what fulfilling? Giving up your job to jump into the unknown is a bit risky but completing a PhD successfully is very rewarding especially if you enjoy your subject. It's also a requirement for an academic, research career. Yes it is hard work. I would not do it part time because it is science based.

You should really email the universities you're interested in applying to find out what their entry requirements are. If you are not happy about applying outside of Europe then don't. You don't want to end up somewhere you're not going to be happy moving to for 3-4 years.

Financial support is quite difficult to get because the competition is really difficult. That shouldn't stop you from applying though.

You should be able to request an official interim transcript from your university/department. Ask your referees to also include what they think you'll get for your masters degree in their references.

Some data that I can use for my thesis but I've mostly been learning techniques for the rest of my PhD and optimising assay conditions. I've just submitted an abstract for a conference so fingers crossed for that to get accepted!

I went straight from undergrad into my PhD.

I was asked lots of questions about my final year project and some about my year in industry project. I was asked why I wanted to do a PhD and why I wanted to study at this particular university. At two other interviews I was asked to do a 10 minute presentation of my previous work. They also asked me if I'd applied anywhere else and if I'd be willing to take on one of their other projects if selected.

Sorry to jump in on this. I'm about to start on my PhD (so excited :D) and was wondering if review articles also count towards your publication record? I know primary papers are first priority but would still like to know.

Thanks!

PM sent

And me...also doing a PhD there in Mol. Cell Biol

Congrats Elmo! Go you know if you're going to end up taking the University of London position? I'm asking because I too am starting a PhD at the Univ of London in October (mol. cell biol).

Thanks...I plan to do just that-live somewhere short-term and look for a more permanent place to live while I'm there. I'm also applying for Uni accommodation as a back-up.

Thanks very much. Very helpful indeed. I've already been on all the websites mentioned-gumtree, spareroom, easyroommate etc but am paranoid about ending up with people who I don't get on with.

You might find more help on this website:

www.thegradcafe.com

or this one:

www.collegeconfidential.com

This forum is mainly for people studying in the UK.

Ps:- Rockefeller is an amazing place to study though some people say it's more of a post-doc's haven than a PhD student's. They take on more international students each year than some publically funded unis in America which is a plus point. Competition for the programme is pretty stiff though so you might want to make sure you're qualified to apply. Good luck!(up)

Thanks! I'm gonna be at the Blizard Institute in Whitechapel. I haven't been given my University username and password yet so I can't log on to their systems. Do you know if QMUL has a website on which up-to-date private accommodation is listed or at least other accommodation related resources?

Hello,

I'm a Biology PhD student starting at Barts and the London in October 2011. I was wondering if anyone can share their experiences with looking for accommodation in London. Also, is there anyone also looking for accommodation in London who would be happy to team up with me to look for a flat-share? Inbox me!