Spriteling

I just had a skype interview and it was one of the most terrifying things ever, in the beginning at least.

Book club

Argh, I have an interview with one of my schools now. So terrified.

This is one of my favourite winter recipes. Spicy Root & Lentil Casserole 2 tbsp sunflower or vegetable oil 1 onion chopped 2 garlic cloves , crushed 700g potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks 4 carrots , thickly sliced 2 parsnips , thickly sliced 2 tbsp curry paste or powder 1 litre/1¾ pints vegetable stock 100g red lentils a small bunch of fresh coriander , roughly chopped low-fat yogurt and naan bread, to serve Heat the oil in a large pan and cook the onion and garlic over a medium heat for 3-4 minutes until softened, stirring occasionally. Tip in the potatoes, carrots and parsnips, turn up the heat and cook for 6-7 minutes, stirring, until the vegetables are golden. Stir in the curry paste or powder, pour in the stock and then bring to the boil. Reduce the heat, add the lentils, cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes until the lentils and vegetables are tender and the sauce has thickened. Stir in most of the coriander, season and heat for a minute or so.Top with yogurt and the rest of the coriander. Serve with naan bread.

I posted on facebook about my first acceptance, because I was excited and wanted to share the news with friends without texting a bunch of people individually. It wasn't a 'ha ha I got in everyone else sucks' but a 'hurrah I got my first acceptance to a PhD program!' I don't intend on posting any more acceptances unless I get into my first choice totally funded though. Overall my opinion is that posting on fb is totally fine, especially if a lot of people know you're applying. It's an easy way to share good news, and unless you specifically post in a fashion that looks like you're bragging/demeaning others then I doubt anyone will hold it against you.

Radiation poisoning

Finally I've submitted all of my applications. My goal is to now forget about them.

Situation room.

When I did this, my potential adviser mainly talked about his research and what he thought good thesis topics for me would be. It wasn't a big deal, but I think it did cement the fact that he wanted me as his student. You should go in with a good idea of your potential adviser's research so that you can ask intelligent questions, but don't stress too much. The fact that they want to meet with you is a good sign. Don't forget to be yourself!

Root finding

Not at all. If the letter wasn't quite as good as I'd hoped, I'd feel really let down and unhappy and worry even more about admissions. If it was brilliant, I'd just feel awkward and uncomfortable reading it, and I'd worry I'd not be able to live up to it.

I am applying from the UK as well. I used my director of studies (who is also my dissertation supervisor) and one of my lecturers. Make an effort to get to know your professors; stop by their offices to ask for help/have a discussion about the subject/just chat. If there is a specific person you'd like to supervise your dissertation, you should start talking to him now. Then you'll have a much longer relationship with him. I wouldn't get a letter from a PhD student if you don't absolutely have to. It will carry a lot less weight.

Fricking applications have given me insomnia. Not best pleased.

When I moved to the UK I found it to be pretty similar overall. You do walk places a lot more though, cos things are much closer. The public transportation is a lot better too. Also, shops close a /lot/ earlier.

Sure. I shall try to beam some into your head. Well, I don't know if I have any funding yet, which makes it slightly less awesome. But your lack of sympathy is understandable.

I got into one of my universities, and now it's 10x more difficult to finish the rest of the applications. Argh.

Yeah, that's what I'm planning on doing. I'm going to take the three or so months between graduation and starting my PhD to just do fun things. I think I may treat myself to a trip to South Africa or something. Should be fun!

I am only 20, though I'll be 21 when I start my PhD. I've considered taking a year out to just...travel and do something fun because I'm so young, but I'm worried about getting out of the groove of things.

Submitted five out of six in the US. Last one is due in a month though, so I have time.

To qualify for funding from the research councils in the UK, you must have been resident in the UK for at least 3 year prior to applying for funding. You won't need to faff about with visas, but you'll need to apply for external scholarships.