Associations

Eggs. Hot cross buns. Hills. Rabbits. Sunrise.

Easter has a lot of associations. These come from religion and tradition but also from the specific associations that build up in families.

It’s a recurring tradition in our family that we organise little treasure hunts at Easter – I’m not sure how common that is in the UK!

The viva has strong meanings for lots of people, whether or not they’ve had one. What associations are you aware of? When you’re getting ready it’s important to unpick what you think and feel about the viva. Why do you think that? Who told you? Why do you feel that way?

Associations can be generally true expressions of viva expectations. Equally they might be part of the local culture in your department, the way things are done in your discipline – or the result of learning of a single bad experience of someone else.

Unpick the associations you have when you think about your upcoming viva. Make sure that the story you’re telling yourself is accurate and helpful.