The internal supervisor may also attend by agreement but is not a member of the panel. Where possible, the examination is organised to meet the requirements of the registering university or body so that the recommendation on whether to change the registration from MPhil to PhD can be made on the basis of this examination. The committee continues to monitor progress during the second and third years through liaison with the supervisor, so that any problem that may arise can be identified at an early stage. Housing, pastoral care, etc All students in their first year are guaranteed accommodation. In view of the relatively isolated location of the Compton and Pirbright Laboratories, a free minibus service is provided to enable students and overseas visitors to visit the local shops.
Recreational facilities vary between the sites.
At Pirbright the amenities are more limited but include a fitness room, tennis court and Social Club bar, which is open after external seminars, during the weekly film club and other Club events. The Institute Laboratories are small enough to enable students' needs to be catered for on a personal level. Students discuss any problem that they may have with supervisors, personnel assistant or house warden, as appropriate. In addition, members of the local academic committee may be, and often are, approached for advice.