A Nice Viva?

Nice doesn’t feel like the right word to describe a viva.

Engaging? Yes.

Fun? Maybe.

Difficult? Certainly!

Nice suggests easy and there are a range of expectations for the viva which seem to exclude an easy time. The viva necessarily involves being asked questions and engaging in a discussion about substantive and original work you have been pursuing for a long period of time. You don’t know the questions until they’re asked. You don’t know what your examiners think until they share it. You probably feel nervous because of how important it is.

Expect a difficult challenge rather than an easy time. Understand that your viva could be enjoyable but don’t expect that it will be nice.

PS: if you want to know more of what to expect from your viva then take a look at Viva Survivors Select Volume 1, which I released a week ago. This is my complete collection of helpful viva zines from last year: eight issues, 165 posts from the archives and lots of new resources – and with an introductory offer price until 31st January 2026!