Turns out the informal chat was an interview, well kind of. The professor didn't really ask me any questions - not even "Why do you want to do a PhD?" but he did offer it to me there and then, maybe my references were really good or something! Anyway I'm starting in September, glad it was a lot easier to get one than I had imagined!

cool!! congrats!! .. i guess u r a star..

Great news!

Well done! Any plans to celebrate?

congrats... now be prepared to sit in the most frightening and satisfying rollercoaster of a ride. One of which that will have its ups and downs, tears and laughter...
if i can give you one piece of advice.... it is.... be honest with your supervisor about how you are feeling before it gets to late.

oh yeh - good luck with it... we are here for you if and when you need us!!! Welcome aboard!!!

Great!!!!!!!!!!!! Congratulations!!!!!!!!!!! lots of good luck!!!!!!!!!!