perfect, perfect, thank u

Helloooo,

so I am thinking of getting a place in Sheffield which is a bit far from uni. I was wondering if getting a car would resolve the problem if parking places are available for PhD students at the uni??any ideas?

thanks
Fabian

Thanks everyone. These all were very useful.
Although I must admit I was kind of hoping that self-catering means I would get home-quality warm meals everyday!!!=))))).
Thanks again you guys.

Hellooo,

so I would start my PhD in Sheffield from February and I should start looking for a place soon. I have 4 questions and I appreciate any input from you guys:

1- What is the advantage of living in a university dorm over renting a private place? As far as I had a quick look, the price is not particularly lower for dorms,...Do I stand a chance to get somewhere private applying from outside UK???

2- What does a self-catering dorm actually mean?? perhaps means meals would be served 24/7? Are the meals included in the rent?(I might sound weird but sorry we do not have such kind of dorms here in Germany)

3- I would get ca 14000 lb per year, so nearly 1100 lb per month as my stipend. What would be a reasonable amount to consider for rent? (for other expenses please assume an average life style, eat out maybe once a week, etc.) And does anybody have any idea how much the utilities cost in the UK, esp. in Sheffield??

4- Health insurance: how much does it cost for PhD students and from where should I get one?(I am a German citizen).

Thank you so much.
Fabian

@all

Thanks for your hints.

This is seriously weird.
I just asked the Prof. if I would get any other letter regarding the details of my financial support. He said I will and that my fees would be paid from the grant! But did not mention when I would get the letter or how much would be my stipend. Really weird.
Or maybe I am just not used to making such big decisions only based on some vague promise without any legal agreement.
Really odd.

@chickpea
would be nice if you share your story after asking your Prof.

Fabian

@Eds

Thank you. It would be great if I could get some hints how the "normal" official procedure for getting funding in place looks like for PhD students. In other words what I could ask for from my supervisor?A contract?A letter of support?etc...

Dear all,

I have been in contact with a Professor in a UK university for a PhD position and we had an interview over the internet and in the interview he offered me the position. The PhD position is part of an EU project(ERC grant) and the funding also comes from there. I have also formally applied to the university and have got an admission letter(which does not include any info regarding funding, only the amount of tuition fees to be paid is mentioned).

But what is still missing in my mind is a form of contract for financial support which I would get during these 3 years. I am German and not quite familiar with how the financial stuff are officially set for PhD positions in UK. In Germany you normally get a contract which ensures you of an income for a certain period of time.

Therefore my 2 questions to you:

1- What kind of formalities are usually done regarding funding for PhD students in UK so that the students get sure they will receive funding for 3 years(or 4)?

2- How can I proceed with this and ask my supervisor if he is willing to give me any form of contract or letter of financial support in a polite way and without causing misunderstandings(you know like I do not trust his words etc.).

Thank you in advance for your help.
Fabian