I have chosen a 'fluffy' topic to lighten up my doomed mood about my PhD!!
I have a ridiculous ShihTzu, who is mad and has only 1 thing on her mind. She is basically a fur ball on legs who luuuurvs boy dogs, neutered or not. To such an extent that she is confined to the kitchen to give the boys a break (We have 7 dogs!)
I have decided to find her a husband to curb her wicked ways and there will hopefully be the sound of little paws late summer! She is an absolute scream though and hopefully will lighten up my PhD days to come! (The other 6 are not mine!)

Hi
Thanks for all your replies and efforts. I do feel a tiny bit better to know I am not alone. I could name quite a number of reasons why I should feel cold feet but they don't bother me as much as feeling not clever enough, I think. 404, that last post is very interesting, frighteningly so. Although I have never achieved 1sts, I have got my 2.1s for a BA Hons, BSc Hons, MSc and PG Dip and still feeling ability-scared about this PhD. I am sure I will get over it, my family are behind me, I just need to stop thinking. I will keep reading the positive posts....Thanks so much

mmm, not quite sure really, just general cold feet about how big a PhD is and if I am going to cope academically, physically, time-wise and if the whole PhD process will put me off my passion for research, I guess. It is not any thread that has put me off but more just cold feet and if I have cold feet, is this a general feeling or should I take it as a warning that I might get a wobbly later. Sounds dumb, I know, maybe I should cool off one day before posting.

Hi
I officially start in September and I have MAJOR cold feet, already told my husband I can't do it. I really need to hear some positive comments about those enjoying a PhD. I have a great unique topic, an eager supervisor, a good Uni, I think I am clever enough although I feel pretty thick lately but I just feel totally daunted. Should I be worried or is this a common pre-acceptance of offer cold feet syndrome? Thank you for anyone taking time to write even one positive line.

Should have said in the first post 'making it known that funding would be required for this project!'

Hi, That's fine, all comments appreciated. I have a few people very interested in my research and it was more along the lines of if they offer to help me financially, rather than me asking. I am a bit of a mouse so I can't see myself pushing.
Pink

Thank you, I will do this. Yes, I was thinking along the lines of supportive people but not involved in any way. I am starting to panic that I won't find funding.
Pink

Hi
Another funding question...
Can you find funding anywhere? As in, if I put an advert up somewhere asking for funding with a description of my project (neural ageing and exercise), is this legal? Also, if someone offers me a sum of money (not happened yet but hoping!) am I allowed to take it for my project.
Once I start in September, I will try to contribute rather than leech, sorry.

Hi
I am researching the cognitive and physical brain effects of regular exercise in the elderly that seem to delay dementia. I will be investigating the effect in both brain and behaviour as this is an area that is not yet sufficiently covered by research. It is a big task but I am very excited by it (and daunted, I guess).

Thank you, that does help as I wasn't sure what they expect you to use the funding for and thought I would have to find fee money outside of the amount. I live at home with my husband who works so living expenses are covered but I am looking for fee money and any research costs. Would I be expected to budget for paying my participants or can I keep it voluntary paying for transport costs only. At the moment, my supervisor is looking at a fund award for £7300 one-off just to get me going and I am going to apply for a scholarship, which will be a miracle to get (only 2 available).
PinkNeuron

Hi
I am brand new here and I know this will probably be a daft question but where does all the money go?
I have wanted to do this research (neural ageing) since my MSc and found a supervisor immediately, fortunately, who likes my project and is very keen. I start officially in Sep but in the meantime, he is helping me find funding with my proposal. I will be doing a big study involving 100 participants, computer based testing, physiological testing and fMRI testing. These, fortunately will be free from the Uni. So, I would like to know which things would I be expecting the money to be spent on and how much is realistic? I am really thrilled to find this group.
PinkNeuron

Hi, I am glad to have found this forum I think I will be making very much use of it :)
I have just been for my first interview (6/3) after sending a research proposal to about 6 or 7 unis. I was immediately accepted on the spot as the s/v is doing research in the same field and wants to combine etc. etc. and is very excited. He has gone overseas and is emailing me getting my proposal trimmed, is getting me to sit in on some methods lectures, is looking for funding for me, planning a 3 year completion (wanted a slow part time option!). Now, I am reeling. Should I just keep running (sprinting)or mention that I am trying to fit this around family and risk him being disappointed.
Thanks (I know I should be grateful but I am daunted now and I wanted to really brush up on my brain science this next few months)