The Special Days

Public holidays can be special, but are usually just a bit different: a day off or a change of pace. Of course, a royal coronation or other big public event is a pretty special occasion for a lot of people!

Vivas are pretty special days too. Not quite the end, but certainly nowhere near the beginning of your PhD. Nerves and excitement and a host of other feelings too.

When you come to a special occasion, you probably have something to do. It’s rare for it to simply happen and wash over you. Ask yourself, what do you need to know? What do you want to do and how do you want to feel? And what do you then need to do to be ready for how you want to engage with the special day?

For your viva, a very special day:

• What do you need to know?
• How do you feel? How do you want to feel?
• What do you need to do?

Your viva is going to happen. How can you make it special for you?