Student wellbeing during the thesis process

Writing a thesis is a long-term process that requires you to manage and plan your work. Particularly if you’re writing a thesis for the first time, many of the stages and practicalities of the work may be new to you. Learning them is part of the overall learning process.

Writing a thesis is a challenge for most students. Careful planning and making the best use of guidance will help you during the process. Make sure to get enough rest and remember to pay attention to your wellbeing while working on your thesis.

You may encounter all kinds of emotions while working on your thesis. You may experience such feelings as excitement, despair, boredom, innovation, success, inadequacy, frustration and uncertainty. This kind of an emotional roller-coaster is normal. Most students face situations that seem difficult while working on their thesis.

What is important for the progress of the thesis is how you react to these various emotions. Be compassionate and encouraging towards yourself so you can find new routes to proceed even when faced with a difficult and uncertain work stage. Ask for help and guidance, if you need it, from your supervisor or from the Student Wellbeing Services so you can deal with difficult situations.

10 tips for thesis writers

1. Start right away. Getting started is often the most difficult part. You will begin to reach your goal only by working towards it.
2. Create a realistic work plan. Divide your work into stages and timetable and plan how you will proceed. The clearer your milestones are, the easier it is for you to reach them.
3. Keep a flexible mind. You’ll still have to deal with your everyday life during the thesis process, so at some point you may have to adjust your work plan or timetable. But don’t worry – you’re already aware of where you’re going and what you need to do next.
4. A thesis is completed in parts. It’s worth writing down your thoughts and ideas. Sketch various mind maps, draw pictures and list your thoughts in bullet points. A finalised text is created one bit a time, often involving editing and re-writing.
5. Note your inner critic – you should bravely lower the bar when you start writing. Focus on quantity in the early stages, and then you can later focus on quality.
6. Use a calendar. Write down in your calendar when, where and how long you will write – and commit to your plan.
7. Work regularly, according to your plan and write in short but efficient spurts. Note that breaks and time off writing completely are important for your creativity and ability to perform well. Remember that 15 minutes of active work are better than five hours of thinking about starting.
8. Thank yourself after every work session.
9. Remember the importance of self-compassion.
10. Don’t hesitate to seek guidance, help and support. You’re entitled to it. The thesis process may occasionally seem like a lonely task, or you may notice that your thought process is stuck in a loop. Discussing your thoughts and ideas with another person helps you parse them, introduces new points of view and gives you encouragement to continue working.