Hey all,
I'm in the process of choosing a research group for my PhD, and I've narrowed it down to two major possibilities. They're both doing research in the physical sciences that seems really interesting, and I think I would be happy on that front regardless of my decision. The differences lie in how I feel about the people in each lab: I click well with the PI of Group A, but I don't feel like I connect with the other students very well. There haven't been any negative interactions with them per se, but the positive interactions have been a bit of a struggle. On the other hand, I get along really well with the students in Group B, while my interactions with that PI have been good but nothing special.
Can anyone who's been through it comment on how important meshing with your lab-mates is, relative to clicking with your PI/adviser? Is it common for your lab to become your main social group, or is it fine to have a so-so rapport with your lab-mates as long as you have friends outside of the lab?