Finding a supervisor?

Check placements of prospective supervisor's ex-students. Are those placements of interest in future?

Ask alumni about their view of research groups

Consider possibilities outside your department, e.g. industry 

Have earlier students completed PhD in reasonable time?

Is funding during PhD term secured?

Meet the research group, feel the atmosphere

Consider teaching, international travel, collaboration, independence, flex time

More direct contact

More direct advise on details

Smaller group - all members are important 

Learn to work with limited resources

You have to earn your recognition

Resources accessibility usually not an issue

Hard to set up time for meetings

More by your own self and experienced group members on day-to-day activities

Early recognition comes easily as member of the group