Tips for Planning your final year dissertation

University courses Physical Sciences
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I realised today that I have exactly 2 months until my final year dissertation is due… and this kind of scared me!! So I’ve put together some tips, going forward, for planning and managing your time wisely :slight_smile:

  1. Create a Detailed Schedule: Break down your remaining time into manageable chunks, allocating specific tasks to each day or week. Be realistic about how much you can accomplish within the given timeframe.
  2. Set Clear Goals: Define clear objectives for each study session or writing session. Whether it’s conducting research, drafting chapters, or revising your work, having clear goals will keep you focused and motivated.
  3. Prioritise Tasks: Identify the most critical tasks that need your immediate attention and prioritise them accordingly. Focus on completing high-priority tasks first to ensure you meet essential deadlines.
  4. Utilise Time Blocks: Block out dedicated time slots in your schedule for dissertation work, ensuring you have uninterrupted periods to focus solely on your project. Minimise distractions during these blocks to maximise productivity.
  5. Break Tasks into Smaller Steps: Break down larger tasks into smaller, more manageable steps to avoid feeling overwhelmed. Tackling smaller tasks one at a time will make the workload more manageable and less daunting.
  6. Stay Organised: Keep your research materials, notes, and drafts organised and easily accessible. Use tools like digital folders, citation managers, or physical binders to maintain order and streamline your workflow.
  7. Take Regular Breaks: While it’s essential to stay focused and productive, don’t forget to take regular breaks to rest and recharge. Schedule short breaks between study sessions to prevent burnout and maintain mental clarity.
  8. Seek Feedback Early: Don’t wait until the last minute to seek feedback on your work. Share drafts with your supervisor or peers early on to receive constructive feedback and identify areas for improvement.
  9. Stay Flexible: Be prepared to adjust your plan as needed based on unexpected challenges or changes in your research direction. Flexibility is key to adapting to evolving circumstances and staying on track towards your goals.
  10. Celebrate Milestones: Acknowledge and celebrate your achievements along the way, whether it’s completing a chapter, reaching a word count milestone, or receiving positive feedback. Recognising your progress will keep you motivated and energised as you approach your submission deadline.
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Literally writing my dissertation right now, and can tell that these tips are the ones that will keep you sane throughout the process! Plan, take break, celebrate small things, and you’ll be just fine. Or at least that’s what i keep telling myself :sweat_smile:

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All great advice! I found having a clear plan, prioritising tasks and celebrating milestones so helpful when writing mine :smile:

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me too!! what are you writing your diss on?

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Best of luck to everyone working on their dissertation this year! I highly recommend planning ahead and avoiding last-minute rushes. By planning, I mean creating a detailed schedule and setting deadlines for completing each section. Stick to your deadlines to ensure smooth progress

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now i just need motivation :sob: :rofl:

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Really helpful tips, gonna take a note of em.

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I have 6 months until I submit my dissertation but I am already freaking out about the amount of work I have.

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can be so stressful, but breaking it down into manageable chunks and having realistic goals definitely helps!

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As someone who has recently submitted their diss, I would recommend creating a GATT chart, it’s a great visual tool to plan out your time and lay out what you want to achieve week-by-week

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Ohhh thank you, definitely need to get onto this!

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I never thought about celebrating milestones but that is so true , from crossing stuff of your list to a celebratory wine when finishing a section, this kind of stuff really motivates you to push forward

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