Survive means manage to keep going in difficult circumstances.
I often tell candidates that getting ready for the viva could be summarised simply as “keep going”. If someone has got to submission they must be talented, knowledgeable and determined. Whatever challenges they’ve faced they have done enough: if they keep going then they will succeed at the viva.
Hence, one could simply offer advice on viva prep as “keep going”.
But…
This advice doesn’t mean “just keep going without finding out more about the viva”.
It doesn’t mean “keep going even if you’re worried or anxious”.
You can’t simply “keep going” if you are overstretched or overwhelmed.
And I’m definitely not suggesting that anyone “keep going” alone when they need support.
Keep going is an encouragement: “Keep going because you made it this far.” If your situation now is such that you need help, support, advice, direction then ask for it. Find help and then carry on.
