I picked up my bound thesis from the printers today. After taking a few weeks to not think about it, it's time to dive back in before the viva.
I'd appreciate any advice on how to productively and proactively engage with my thesis! What have other people found useful or wish they had done?
Congratulations! My only bit of advice is one you have probably received already, but don't be afraid to write on the thing. That goes for the viva itself but also afterwards - all those 'oh I wish I'd known that when working on the thesis' thoughts can in fact be stored in your thesis!
Thanks, Rachel! That's good advice. I imagine I'll be allowed to bring a pen into the viva to write things down?
Nov 11, 2025 14:11I brought a pen and a notebook in to mine and that wasn't queried at all
I'd add that it was a new notebook (not that they checked), but it was also really useful because the examiners had suggestions around things like publication or future research directions which you might want to jot down too. With all the adrenaline you might not remember afterwards!
