Effective time management tips for writing a dissertation

Writing a dissertation is without a doubt the hardest part of a university course. It can feel never ending and is a stressful experience even if you enjoy academic writing and your course. As most of us have never written a dissertation before, it can be hard to know where to start, what to spend your time on and what to include. Managing your time effectively is one way to make writing your dissertation a little easier, the others will depend on the course and dissertation you have chosen.

Make a Schedule 

If you use a diary or calendar, schedule some time where you will specifically sit down and concentrate on your dissertation. If you don't own a diary or calendar, buy one or download one on your phone. Making time will make you feel more organised and means you won't plan anything in that allocated time slot. Many people will make plans and then tell themselves they will take some time tomorrow, but sometimes tomorrow never comes and that deadline sneaks up closer and closer. Do not put yourself in this position. 

Have Regular Meetings with Your Personal Tutor

Having regular meetings or even exchanging emails can give you a reason to keep doing your work as you are aware someone is looking over it. Personal tutors are there to help you, and will give you as much guidance as they can for your dissertation to get the best possible mark. Some people are worried of showing their work until it is finished but by then it may be too late for it to be checked and tweaked. This also keeps your personal tutor in the loop of where you are at, as they will have other students whom they will need to assist too. Asking last minute can be as stressful for them as it is for you, as they will be seeing a piece of work for the first time. 

If you are really struggling and feel your personal tutor isn’t giving you enough to work from, perhaps you should look at professional dissertation writing assistance. 

Avoid Distractions

It is all well and good assigning time to complete dissertation work, but if you end up spending more time scrolling through Instagram than on your dissertation, there becomes no point in assigning time. Make an area where all your work is kept, you have snacks to keep you going and someone to bring you regular cups of coffee. Turn your phone off or keep it on silent; that meme your friends have tagged you in can wait until later. Many professionals use the Pomodoro technique to stay focused and not get distracted or fed up. Find a way that works for you and stick to it.

Managing your time for writing your dissertation as well as working and having a social life can be difficult, but with these simple tips and the option of getting dissertation writing assistance, leaving things until the last minute can become a thing of the past.