True. A friend of mine at UCL is self funding her PhD and found no problems in doing a PhD there.

Ok, in the social sciences, a 70/or distinction is definitely not required to get funding from bodies such as ESRC.

I got a CASE +3 ESRC funded PhD (funding for three years PhD). In terms of my background I have a 2.2, and 2 MScs (average 68 and 65).

Im not sure whether its different for humanitites, but I suspect that as long as you have a 2.1, and passed an MSc (or MA), then Im sure there would be striking reason why you shouldn't receive funding. Although this of course depends on other issues such as level of competition, supervisors avaliability and interest in your area. Have you got any work experience? In terms of my application (and interview) the fact that I had relevant experience was crucial in overshadowing my underperformance (2.2).

Hope the above helps!

I don't think 65 is a measly grade at all. Well, I hope not because that was my average for my UCL MSc. My supervisors at UCL did not consider 65 a measly grade by any means, nor did my current PhD supervisors!

Also, I was told that my career was over when I graduated with a 2.2, but it hasn't stopped me from obtaining 2 MScs (from UCL), a PhD studentship and publications-so I hope that would be some comfort for you

ok!

I think thats complete madness! When I did my MSc at UCL (in psychology) getting above 65 was considered a good grade. Most of the people round me worked really hard and ended up with grades such as 68. Our overall average for the group was something like 67/68; which I think is a pretty good overall average/grade.

To say that we are not worth bothering with because we dont all get over 70s is really harsh and quite frankly damaging! There was one guy who ended up with an average within the high seventies (over 75) and he worked ridicioulsly hard to get it. All he did was study, he had absoutely no social life and was obsessed with getting over 70 for all his work. 50 per cent of us got immediate offers for PhDs and only one of us got a distinction. Most of our group stayed on at UCL to study for a PhD and none of them had distinctions.

Hello all,

I know this is probably been discussed within this forum, but has any other PhD students felt really lonely?!

Im a CASE PhD student and I have my own office suituated within an academic department. One of my supervisors wants me to stick to my departmental office like glue (which can make research trips such as to the british library difficult) whilst the other supervisors (located in my other department) are more relaxed about my whereabouts. Im the only student here and Im surrounded by researchers, academics, secretaries etc. I also live in corridors on the postgrad accomodation block and there are very few phds around. I therefore tend to socialise with MSc students.

The only first year PhD students i've met are international students (who struggle with english, which makes socialising difficult), keep to themselves and dont want to socialise or live miles away from campus. There are days when it does bother me, such as I dont feel like im a PhD student at all, and feel like im the only phd student in existence! This website is therefore a welcome relief to read similar experiences to my own!

Does the above seem familiar to anyone?

Nope, I wouldn't classify her a friend, such a fellow PhD student in one of my departments. Fortantely, my office is located in my other department so I won't have to face her everyday. The other guy whos moving in with her, I don't know at all.

I completely lost my voice to in the first few months as a postgrad. It really freaked me out! I had a meeting with my supervisor where my voice started to go, in the space of 3 hours when I returned home to rest, I completely lost my voice. I couldnt speak at all. My family were so shocked!

Prior to loosing my voice, I went to the drs and was diagnoised with tonsilitis. I lost my voice for about 5 days until, I guess, the pencilin kicked in! very very strange though.

Hiya!

Thanks for your responses. I have subsequently signed a contract with another group of students who seem to be fab people.

Ok, I have got what I wanted. I ultimately went along with my instinicts that I would end up killing this particular person. It does hurt a bit though having someone completely throw back my help, but its totally there loss I guess. I think it illuminates the type of people they are to-and that moving in with them is definitely not a good idea. I guess I cant have it both ways to-I cant be friends with everyone!

The way I see it is that by pulling out now, its less painful and less stressful, compared to if I pulled out during next year! I genuinuely hope they find a new housemate, but I don't like the feeling of being made to feel guilty because its not for me.

Would appreciate more insightful comments!

Hello!

I've just pulled out of a student house for next year.

As a result, Im expected to find a replacement, and as they were too busy, I should do all the searching. It was implied that as I am not busy, I have the time to do all the searching. She also said its common practice to find a replacement!! She also highlighted my reasons, claiming they were strange.

I got really annoyed with the assumption that as Im not busy (Im a phd student). I also found the common practice thing about replacement was said in a condesending way.I sent an email stating that I spoke with friends of mine (landlords, tenants etc) that completely refuted it. I also pointed out that my reasons are my own, and I dont appreciate having them questioned. To balance my email,I agreed to help out with finding a replacement, although I wont be doing the most of it.

From my email, I've just received an email stating ive misinterpreted her and she basically doesnt want anything more to do with me and doesnt want me helping out with finding a new housemate for them.

What do you guys think of this?

By the way, my MSc was in Research Methods in Psychology.

Im not sure whether such a course would be defined as a 'general' course. I think I said that the MSc in Research Methods was an important degree to have for progressing into research into psychology, and to gain access to a PhD and clinical doctorate courses....

I took out a CDL for my MSc!

It really helped. I was also allowed to 'top' up my loan at the end of my course to tie me over until I started receiving my studenthship funds for my PhD. The high amounts coming out of my account each month aren't that fun though! It will take 3 yrs or so to pay it off (something like that) so hopefully it will be paid off by the time I get a mortage after my PhD.

Being a CASE student, I have loads of pressure from all different departments:(

Six months in; i have written up various minute meetings, 2 literature reviews, loads of reading of articles, travelling up north for conferences etc, networking with various people around the uk who are doing similar projects to me, and im also constantly in meetings which go on for about 3 hours most of time! So im busy and very tired!

Hiya!

Im also a CASE student...I tend to wear smart clothes in the office...smart trousers, a smart black mak and proper shoes. I would feel more out of place if I wore jeans and tracksuit tops (Im the only PhD student in my department where my office is located). I constantly have to attend meetings (which go on for 3 hrs!!) and have managers etc coming into my office daily-so I would feel a little odd wearing really causal stuff.

I know other PhDs who live in Jeans and trainers, and don't have such strict departmental rules as me! (I've got to report my whereabouts every week, comply with 9-5 office ours etc).

Well I've narrowly missed the distinction for both of my MSc degrees. I think I'll always be kicking myself:( Go for the distinction! They are pretty rare...but are possible.

:D