Five things I wish I knew before starting my dissertation as a freshly graduated student

As we near the end of October, many of us may have postponed all academic activity for Hallo-week, in true Bristol style. However, there is something spookier looming in the shadows: Your dissertation.

Proposals and writing samples are due, and you’re in denial of the fact that you have no idea what your research question is. Been there, done that. Here are a few things I would have liked to remember when I was three coffees down in the ASS, two awkward Hinge matches encountered, and one big freak out to be had.

1. Do not let lecturers scare you from the get-go

It’s September, you are sitting in the lecture theatre listening to the 200 things you must get done as the year progresses, and you’re being sent readings that tell you to “eat, sleep, and breathe” your dissertation (speaking from personal experience). While it will take up a good chunk of your time, no one ends up spending every waking hour of their third year writing. The social life, hobbies, and jobs don’t have to disappear. You are allowed to have a life alongside your diss. In fact, it is important you do, to avoid burnout.

2. Research your topic and how doable it is beforehand

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A much discussed point is to make sure you like what you are writing about. What is equally important, though, is that it is manageable. You may be passionate about a subject, but the topic may become a lot less appealing when it comes to formulating a research question and how actually to answer it. Better have this unfortunate realisation earlier than later. While working on something you love makes the process much more enjoyable, sometimes you have to sacrifice this in the name of practicality and attainability. On that note, determine your research method early on. The earlier the “how” is determined, the quicker you’ll get your dissertation done.

3. Academic phrase banks and section templates are your best friend

The Manchester University Academic Phrasebank is an absolute goldmine, that ensures you are using the right buzzwords and expressing yourself in the most efficient and correct way possible. Additionally, many university websites provide guides and examples of how each section of your dissertation is supposed to be structured, and the sentences to use. This is a lifesaver, especially for things like your literature review, or transition sentences. 

4. It is okay to change your mind, and you definitely will

As someone who changed their entire topic midway through the year, and still made it with a decent grade, I insist that it is better late than never. Yes, my case is a bit extreme, but most people end up having to change their research direction or method at some point, to varying extents. And your supervisor will be more okay with it than you think. If you feel like you’re going in loops, or stuck with no apparent direction, a fresh start will waste less of your time. Talk to the people who know you, know what you like, what you’re good at, and what your research journey has looked like so far. They can provide you with an external set of ideas, that can be hard to reach when you’re stuck in your own stressful headspace.

5. You’ve got a personal tutor for a reason, take advantage of that

I’m well aware that not everyone gets the personal tutor that they want, or believe will be the most helpful to them. However, whether you like them or not, it’s always better to ask too many questions than not enough, and have too many unanswered queries floating in your head. Don’t be embarrassed to ask “silly” or “obvious” ones, they’ve definitely heard worse. 

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