It's been discussed here many times, but it can be a great test for your relationship, if you're in one. I've met so many PhDs who experienced relationship breakdown, including myself! If your relationship is shaky now, it will probably end. So, be warned! Sorry, it's not positive...

I am lucky to be on a studentship, but living in London is not easy.
When I had a major 'financial crisis', I mentioned it to my supervisor and he arranged some note-taking job for me, which was great.

I think it depends on what particular field you're looking at in your PhD and where you can find the experts in the particular area. So, you have to find what you want to do first and that will take you where you should do your PhD. Then, you will know whether you will have to retake the TOEFL/IELTS as the university will tell you. If they think your research topic is interesting, they will help you.

I have had several interviews before. From my experience, I think you would know if the prospective supervisors/interviewers are keen to take you on or not during the interview. Of course, you're anxious waiting for the result, but how did your interview go?

I'm new here and I only picked this up. I am going through a relationship breakdown and I know that I am not alone. Your PhD is a great test for your relationship and I've learned that from my personal experience.

I don't think you should consider your PhD as a job as if it is not working, you'll be able to get another chance. Your PhD is one off-unless you're a serial PhD student-and your partner should understand how much it means to you. Of course, you have to think about work-life balance, but while you're doing your PhD, I think, it is a difficult thing to get it right. Your PhD is only for a limited period of time and things will change once you've got it. By all means, you should speak to your partner, but it might be a great opportunity to re-examine what your relationship means to you.

I'm surprised that your supervisor let you submit your work if you thought that it wasn't good enough. You point out that you were distracted by other things which might have contributed to the problem.Again, why wasn't your supervisor warning you against this? I have been experiencing a domestic crisis for some time and my supervisor has told me not to take on any other work at all until I completed my probation period. Of course, you are not a child and you might not want this kind of supervision. However, I am happy that my supervisor is the way he is with me knowing that none of his PhD supervisees have ever failed. You might want to discuss this with your supervisor or someone else in you department.

I would tell your supervisor if your stress was affecting your work, but that is all you need to tell him/her. Then, I would go and speak to a student counsellor to deal with your anxiety.