The 10 most popular stories of September 2014

This is the first in a new series of articles where we pull together the 10 most-read Times Higher Education articles of the last calendar month.

September’s highlights include: Danny Dorling on education and inequality; the top 20 universities for students’ first impressions; and the shortlist for the 2014 Times Higher Education Awards - did your institution make the grade?

10. Realistic expectations keep you on the path to a PhD

Isolation is part of the experience, but peer support groups and co-working can combat loneliness

9. Tougher visa rules may affect 40 institutions

Changes could cause many to lose their licences to recruit overseas students

8. Danny Dorling on education and inequality

Education systems in England are reinforcing divergence in wealth - we must guard against it

7. Top 20 universities for students’ first impressions

As the academic year gets underway, which institutions make the best first impression on new students?

6. Attempts to ‘gag and silence’ academics are commonplace

Marina Warner speaks out about life at the University of Essex

5. USS reforms seen as ‘radical attack’ on pensions

Scholars set to miss out on thousands in pension payments

4. No place for introverts in the academy?

In today’s brave new world of university learning, are students aren’t allowed to be introverted?

3. Majority of Scottish academics set to vote ‘no’ in referendum

Our exclusive poll proved to be right on the money ahead of last month’s vote

2. Times Higher Education Awards 2014 shortlist announced

Is your university a contender?

1. Parenthood and academia: an impossible balance?

Male and female scholars speak frankly about juggling parenting and research