What's it like to do a PhD? More or less fun than expected, more or less challenging? What's good, bad, different? http://bit.ly/1LNiYAx

It depends where you find yourself in life when you start your PhD. Personally, I think doing your PhD as a full-time student/part-time employee is the least stressful option, usually because you don't have things like rent, cars, credit cards, etc. to pay (the usual stuff that comes with fully 'adult' life). I started out as such, but needed to take on full-time employment during my final year, which was pure hell.

However, the latter is doable - I just graduated and am writing an ebook on the experience to support other PhD candidates in the same position. Check it out at www.survivingyourphd.strikingly.com .

What seems like years ago, I did a blog on what to expect during a PhD and what a PhD actually is.

It was done originally for other students who were asking me about PhDs at my former University so I wouldn't have to answer the same questions over and over again, however, it's proved to be of use to others so here it is.

Have a read and perhaps it will be of help to you too.

Ian