Five tips to work on your dissertation

We’re all just about to finish our essays and exams, and while it may feel like we’re finally done with everything, most master’s students still have one final challenge ahead: the dissertation.

And yes, it may seem like we have so much time left. The reality? We really don’t. We have less than four months to finish, and trust me, that is nowhere near as much time as it sounds. (I learned this the hard way during my undergraduate dissertation.)

So, here are some tips to help you actually work on your dissertation instead of pretending you’re on vacation and then panicking when you have one week left.

1. Start Working Now

I know, we’re still in the middle of essays and final exams. But as I said before, we do not have enough time to waste. Starting early will save you from a massive amount of stress later.

My personal plan is to study for exams from Monday to Thursday, and then dedicate Fridays to dissertation work. Honestly, Fridays feel more exciting because working on my dissertation is somehow more fun than revising for exams.

Even one day a week is enough right now. Since exams are still the priority, you don’t need to spend every waking hour on your dissertation. Just getting started early makes a huge difference.

2. Be Realistic

Once exams are over and your dissertation becomes your main focus, you need to be honest with yourself.

It is physically impossible to work productively 24 hours a day. Instead, make a schedule as if you were attending classes. Aim to work around 6–8 hours daily and build a routine that actually works for you.

And please, schedule time for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Eating properly is not “wasting time”, it helps your brain function better and keeps you productive in the long run.

Remember: it’s not about quantity, it’s about quality. Six focused hours are far better than ten hours spent tired, distracted, and staring blankly at your screen.

3. Take Breaks

Our brains have limits. Just like every other muscle, they cannot work at full capacity all the time.

I know we all have goals we want to achieve, and sometimes we can be way too hard on ourselves. We tell ourselves things like, “I’m not doing anything else until this chapter is done.” But sometimes your brain simply needs a break.

If you feel like you can’t process information anymore, your analysis makes no sense, or the words just won’t come out… TAKE A BREAK.

Seriously. Listen to your body.

Go make a coffee, buy a snack, take a walk in the park, watch an episode of something, or just sit outside for a while. You’ll often come back feeling refreshed and end up getting more done than if you had forced yourself to keep working.

And don’t feel guilty about taking weekends off. You can absolutely write a great dissertation working Monday to Friday. Studying is important, but so is living your life. Go outside, enjoy your weekends, and make the most of your master’s experience.

Here are some green zones near campus: 

4. Study With Friends

Let’s be honest: sometimes we just don’t want to study.

The weather starts getting nice, everyone wants to go outside, and some days staying in bed sounds much more appealing than opening another academic article. Been there. Done that.

That’s why studying with friends can be a lifesaver.

You can meet at university, a café, or your residence kitchen (for my Robeson peers out there) and work together. Having other people around creates accountability and helps everyone stay focused.

That said, make the purpose of the meeting clear: it’s a study session, not a social gathering. No games, no endless chatting, and no distractions. Peer pressure can actually become productive during dissertation season.

Here are some places in campus to study with friends: 

5. Sleep Well

I cannot stress this enough: SLEEP.

Everyone works differently and needs different amounts of sleep, but nobody functions properly without rest. As tempting as it is to destroy your sleep schedule now that classes are over, try to maintain a reasonable routine.

Go to bed at a decent time and wake up at a reasonable hour. You’ll feel more energised, focused, and ready to work.

Your dissertation will thank you. Your body will too.

I have a great sleeping schedule, but my friends that don't have told me great things about this netflix's guide to sleep: 

Writing a dissertation can feel overwhelming, but the key is consistency. Start early, create realistic routines, take care of yourself, and remember that you do not have to suffer 24/7 to produce good work.

Work hard, but also enjoy the process. Our final months of the Master’s (and, for many of us, our final months in London) are approaching, so make the most of them. The sun is finally out. One day, you’ll look back and realise that dissertation season became one of the most memorable parts of your master’s degree.