Clearing
Clear your mind as you consider viva prep. Get a pen and paper and unload all the bits and pieces that you’re carrying around in your brain. What do you need to do? Who do you need to ask for...
plan your prep
Big Challenge, Small Step
What’s the biggest challenge standing between you and feeling ready for your viva? What’s the smallest meaningful step you could take to overcoming that challenge? If you feel there’s a problem stopping you from being prepared it helps to name...
Too Early!
It is way too early for Halloween decorations. Some of my neighbours have had skeletons hanging in their windows and plastic pumpkins in their yard since the weekend! It’s very strange to me. Before thesis submission is way too early to...
When Do You Know?
Getting ready for the viva can feel hard sometimes. Reading your thesis, checking old notes and papers, finding time for a mock viva, and so on. The whole point is to get to a point where you feel ready. But...
Good Viva Prep
At submission, if not before, take a little time to sketch a simple plan for getting ready for the viva. When will you start? What do you need to do? Who do you need to ask for support? As you...
Pace Your Prep
Viva prep is not the kind of work that has to be compacted into a short period of time. It can be done that way, but is probably far better to give yourself space and time to think. Explore your...
A Score For Ready
A little bit of fun to help you think about getting ready for the viva. Think about each of the following statements and give yourself a score from 1 to 10 depending on how well you agree with them (1...
Time To Prep
The time to prepare for the viva is after submission. There are many things you could do before submission that could help – and a lot you do while finishing your thesis will build you up for the viva –...
First Things First
A little tip for viva prep that can also be applied to any project: whenever you finish a period of activity or a task, leave a note for yourself of the first action you’ll take when you do more work....
Make A Space
Gather the things you need to get ready. Your thesis. A notebook or papers. Pens and assorted stationery. A loose page with a sketch of the coming weeks. Decide where to do your prep. Find a place and make your space....