In this PhD study vlog, I’m taking you with me through my transfer exam (if you’re in the US, think comps-ish vibes): an oral viva where your project, your knowledge, and your “are you actually a researcher?” readiness gets properly reviewed and challenged. I explain what the transfer exam is, how I prepped, and the very real moment where I realised I’d slightly deluded myself into thinking it wouldn’t be that hard (self-preservation, honestly). Spoiler: I passed — but it was not what I expected. I share how I approached my PowerPoint prep, what it felt like to be in the exam itself, and then the next-day reflections I wish I’d heard earlier. The big takeaways are basically: you’re being examined as a researcher, not a student; writing is everything (yes, I am still screaming); and you need to be able to talk clearly about your theoretical and conceptual frameworks without spiralling. The questions were tough but genuinely superb — the kind that make you see your project in a new way and (weirdly) leave you feeling more confident going forward.