The Ultimate Viva Experience

Erica Liu, Hong Kong

A "Viva is not that scary," said many of my friends. Of course, they could say that because they already passed the exam and added a Dr. in front of their names. To do a PhD in England was a dream comes true, but the viva exam could be nightmarish. As an international student, it is not only the language barrier that I have to cope with but also the fear of dealing with the challenge alone. Not quite true, in fact everyone around tried to help. Freak viva stories started to roll in – somebody´s external examiner had a heart attack three days before the viva; a student fainted during a viva when the examiner pointed out her plagiarism, she was sent to a hospital and almost died of a heart attack. You can laugh at these stories but they didn´t help. Funny advice such as imagining the examiners sitting on a loo or naked also didn´t do any good. A more reasonable advice was to prepare well but relax before the viva.

However, my strategy was to over-prepare instead of under-prepare. It is better to be safe than sorry. I read the thesis twice, took notes, guessed the questions that the examiners may ask and prepared the answers. My supervisor was extremely supportive. He gave me tons of encouragement and two mock vivas. When the big day approached, I ran up and down the Department haunting everybody liked a ghost, desperately looking for every possible different perspective and opinion. Finally, the very kind former department head agreed to give a few PhD students and me a small discussion on the viva. It was very helpful. On the night before, I grabbed a housemate as my audience to practise a 5-minute presentation, which I thought the examiner may request.

My viva was at 2 pm. I arrived at my office at noon. I went to my supervisor´s office for the final briefing, then double checked all the materials that were needed for the viva. When the time came, my lovely colleagues wished me good luck. I took a deep breath, straightened my dress, gave them a big smile, said: "Show time!" and left the office. Well, I only tried to be confident, in fact I was quite shaky inside. I reported to the secretary who settled me down and encouraged me, then went to check the exam room. While I was waiting, I started to get nervous. I remembered I read somewhere that deep breathing calms the nerves, and to stop thinking what may go wrong but think about the event as a stepping stone to achieve a higher goal rather than an obstacle. So, I kept breathing deeply and it really worked! After a while, the internal examiner came in, she comforted and encouraged me before bringing me to the exam room.

The viva lasted about one and a half hour. It went smoothly and I got the degree. The whole department got the news almost within the next day. I got lots of congratulations and cards. My supervisor, colleagues, department secretaries and friends all took me out for meals. Their kindness touched me very much as I did not have any family to celebrate with me in Sheffield. I was well taken care of all the way throughout the event.

Looking back, studying in Sheffield University has been one of the best experiences of my life. I had studied in other universities in England before I moved to Sheffield. Sheffield has my thumbs up. The friendly Yorkshire people, the supportive and caring University staffs, especially from the Education Department, I thank you with all my heart. I would certainly share the loving and happy memories with the people I meet when I go back home.

Erica Liu, Hong Kong