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5 things that help me write my dissertation during quarantine

Posted: June 26 2020

Lynn, Occupational Therapy (Pre-registration) MSc
Lynn, Occupational Therapy (Pre-registration) MSc

Whether you're a young student, an older student, undergraduate, or postgraduate, two things remain the same: we have a massive undertaking in writing our final project (be it a thesis or a dissertation), and the worldwide pandemic left us with more free time than we know what to do with.

Even with this unstructured gap in our lives, we may still find it hard to remain motivated to work on assignments and study, instead of focusing on other projects we've been too busy to work on.

students watching TV in Faraday kitchen

I know for me personally, I've spent a lot of time binge-watching YouTube and writing on literally anything that wasn't related to school. But at the end of the day, the dissertation still sat there, an open tab on my computer, just waiting for it to be noticed once more. And so when I sat down and thought about it, I realised that there were so many ways that I could conquer this challenge and enjoy it all the same. Here are five little things I do to help me along with writing this behemoth of an assignment.

Brunel Santander bikes

Not writing my dissertation

I've found that when I've had a healthy break away from my dissertation, I'm much more lively when I come back around to the writing process once again, rather than muscling through it. This might mean taking a day off to enjoy my hobbies (responsibly and from a social distance, of course), or just taking a few stretch breaks for a coffee or to step outside in the middle of my writing process.

Brunel Library

Researching my topic

When I spend some time reading around my dissertation topic, it reminds me of why I was inspired to choose the topic,to begin with. It may sound like a grave undertaking at first, but reading literature and news in my field is usually exactly what I need to keep going.

students talking in halls kitchen

Sharing the love!

Getting outside opinions on my research from people who may not be as well versed in my field is one thing that inspires me to keep writing. These individuals also will usually appreciate when you try to make sense of their writing as well, and you might just learn a thing or two along the way

students walking in Brunel University park

Sticking to a schedule relative to my energy levels

Everyone's internal clock ticks differently - and for me, that means a few energy spikes throughout the day. I know that if I plan to do some writing around those points in time, that I'll be much more focused and actually get in the zone of writing, versus trying to force my way through when I'm mentally exhausted or unable to otherwise do so.

Student reading in her halls room

Re-reading what I've done so far

All minds think differently, but I know for me personally, when I re-read some of the things that I've done for my research already, it reinvigorates me and inspires me to keep adding on to what I've already created. And before I know it, the creative juices are flowing, and I'm back at the grind.

These are just a few things I do to help me to not just survive my dissertation, but to enjoy it as well. May these tips benefit you in your academic pursuits as well. And as always, stay well and stay safe.