Make sure you pick a thesis based on a topic that you enjoy. I know plenty of people that chose their theses on what they thought their tutors would want to read or what might generate the highest grades. What usually happens is a few thousand words of incomprehensible, pretentious drivel followed by a mini break down. Now obviously dissertations are your chance to be creative, to think outside the box and to showcase your intelligence. It is wise, however, to enjoy the topic you are exploring. Not only will this make the process a whole lot more enjoyable for you but it will make you engage with your essay and put your own unique stamp on it.
Leave plenty of time. You know those people you happen to see in the library casually sobbing their hearts out, their hair in disarray, eyes bloodshot with absolutely no bearing of time or surroundings? They are what you want to avoid becoming at all costs. This is simply avoided by managing your time effectively. Once your thesis has been decided on create a makeshift calendar on word or some tech-y app you may know of and divide up your planning and writing time. Set yourself realistic goals - obviously you aren't going to be in the library for 15 hours straight every day researching Old English verbal variations in the very first week. Aim for 9-5 working hours, or the nocturnal equivalent if you're into that, and then make sure you reward yourself afterwards. Have a long break, a proper meal and some social interaction - deny yourself this in the first week and you are in for a rough ride.
Remember to use your tutor. You have been assigned one for a reason, because the University, contrary to what you might think when you are necking coffee in the library at 4am, does not hate you, and recognises that the task of dissertation compilation can be a lonely old place. So use all your available resources, making sure you have drafts to show to your tutor early on. Feedback is vital and it can be the difference between a 2.1 and a 1st.
Use Scholarly! So by this point you have had your parents, friends, friends of parents, parents of friends read over your dissertation. You are suffering enough. Don't torture yourself further by scrutinising your syntax and spelling, instead use scholarly to help you with these menial tasks! Also, as I am well aware, referencing is the source of all academic evil, often taking longer to source, format and prioritise than the actual act of structuring and writing your dissertation. The software we have developed at Scholarly not only formats your references to the appropriate guide for you, but also suggests references as you write. This means that when you forget to note down your referencing source (and let's face it we have all done this) there is no more trawling through the web frantically trying to relocate it as Scholarly can source it for you in seconds!
Finally, maintain a positive mental attitude. You can do it. If needs be, say this to yourself at least once a day. You have been granted a place at your university for a reason. You are a strong independent scholar and you can and will write a fabulous dissertation!
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