Xiaohongshu
Dissertation Season Top Tips
Whether you’re still figuring out your structure or panic-writing with three tabs open and a coffee going cold beside you, here are some practical tips to help make the process a little less stressful.
1. Just write something
Open the document and put words on the page. A rough paragraph is much easier to improve than a blank screen.
2. Make a realistic plan
Be honest with yourself If you know you’re not going to wake up at 6am and spend four hours straight in the library every day, don’t build your schedule around that.
3. Your first draft is supposed to be rough
Stop trying to make every sentence sound amazing on the first go. Get your ideas out of your brain and onto the page the editing comes later.
4. Save your work as you go along
Please do not learn this lesson the hard way. Save constantly, back your work! Losing your dissertation file right before the deadline is something no one wants to happen.
5. Don’t isolate yourself
Sometimes simply sitting with friends while you all work can make everything feel easier.
6. Use university support
Your supervisor is there to help you. If you’re struggling, confused, stuck, or overwhelmed, reach out early rather than waiting until the last minute.
7. Do your references as you go along
Future you will be incredibly grateful. Keep a running references document from day one and cite sources as you write. Nothing is worse than trying to relocate a quote you copied from a random PDF three weeks ago.
8. Rest is productive too
Working non-stop usually just leads to burnout. Eat proper meals, get some sleep, go outside, watch an episode of something silly, or take a walk. Your brain works better when you actually look after yourself.
9. Avoid the comparison spiral
There will always be someone claiming they’ve written 10,000 words already. Ignore it. Everyone works differently, and honestly, most people are far more stressed than they let on.
10. Don’t leave everything until the last minute
It sounds obvious, but dissertation deadlines creep up fast. Breaking things into smaller tasks over time is much less stressful than trying to do everything in one all-nighter the week it’s due.
Good luck!