Time Off
It’s a time of year where people typically take some time off. I’m already doing that – I wrote this post weeks ago so that I could enjoy more family time! Viva Survivors will continue to update every day until the...
rest
Just After Submission
At submission, a PhD candidate won’t typically know when their viva is going to be. There’s a period when they’ll wait to find out the date and time for their viva. In the UK it’s common for the viva to...
Have A Break
Have a break when you submit your thesis. Give yourself space to rest. Have a break now and then when you prepare for your viva. You don’t need to cram everything into one hectic period of activity. Have a break...
Down Time
You can afford a little break at submission. In most instances, even if a candidate has an idea of their viva date, it won’t be confirmed at the time they submit their thesis. When you submit you have time. Plenty...
Breaks & Breakthroughs
Take breaks, make breakthroughs. Dr Kay Guccione was the first person I saw share this sentiment on Twitter. It’s a phrase I’ve kept in mind for years now. Breaks are a necessary part of a working life. Breaks are needed...
A Week Off
Today is the start of my daughter’s school half term break, so I’m taking a week off! No webinar delivery, no sitting down to write, no admin or prep; I’ll check my email every other day perhaps just in case...
Worn Away
You have time to press pause before you prep. You can put your completed thesis to one side and come back to it when you have had time to restore yourself. You can’t help yourself get ready for the viva if...
Take A Day
It’s a Bank Holiday in the UK, which is always a good reminder to take time off. It might not be today for you: it may be that your situation means you have to work, research or do something that...
The Parts of Ready
You need to read your thesis, write some notes, rehearse for the viva and so on. You need to prepare for your viva, but preparation is only a part of getting ready. You need to build your confidence for the...
Prep & Rest
Viva prep is better if it is planned a little. There’s no universal “best way” to get the work done, but the following questions could help: How busy are you? When could be a good time to start? How much...