For myself, the dissertation process has been chaotic and frustrating, from the sheer task of forming a well-working committee to the ambiguity of developing research, and all the small steps along the way. Dissertation frequently takes a toll on my headspace.

For many graduate students, a dissertation or thesis can be an isolating process that makes you question everything you know. I know that for myself, I can struggle to find a sense of flow in my writing, stumbling through the ambiguity of research, and then, just as I am about to throw in the towel, it all starts to come together. The highs and lows of a dissertation can be challenging, and it is important to find members, resources, and techniques for your dissertation dream team!

Creating a successful dissertation dream team will look different for every graduate student, depending on their research and future goals. Having access to a wide array of support can make a meaningful difference.

Resources

Your committee will be a grounding force as you navigate your dissertation. It is essential that you find people who work well together and are there to support you and your research. The committee is the foundation of your dissertation dream team. Find members that you trust!

The University Library system is a spectacular resource for all students, but it becomes essential as you navigate a dissertation! The UW library system offers research support every step of the way. You might start by speaking to a librarian who can help you begin your research quest and find ways to manage your citations! Or you may visit The Writing Center (add a link to the Writing Center) to develop your idea or edit your final draft! The UW Libraries offer workshops on various software, such as R and Zotero, too! But, the events that have become essential to my dissertation process are the “Write-In” events that are held a few times each semester. At these events, graduate students navigating large writing projects gather to focus on research and get support from UW writing coaches and a research librarian. The structured time with other students provides me with a level of accountability I need while working on my dissertation.

Check out these options for resources

Visit the Libraries Webpage to find resources, a new space to study, or sign up for an incredible workshop!
Talk to a Librarian and get support navigating the literature review process!
Schedule with the Writing Center to get support with every aspect of the writing process!

Writing a dissertation is challenging. Attending to your physical, mental, and emotional health is an essential part of the process. Caring for yourself may help you focus better on your research. And potentially bring joy back into your research.

The following University resources are free and can make a world of difference in your studies.

Visit Student Health for a checkup!
Talk to a Counselor at the University Counseling Center or Wellspring Counseling, both offer free counseling services to students!
Move your body in a manner that is meaningful to you! Get started at Campus Recreation! Find opportunities to get outside with Outdoor Recreation, hit the gym at Half Acre, or join an intramural sport!
Need support bolstering your overall wellness? Visit the Wellness Center.
Fuel your mind, with the proper nutrition by visiting the UW Food Pantry!

Members

The sense of isolation that can occur while writing your dissertation or thesis can be a challenge. Long hours writing and researching your chosen topic may limit your ability to stay connected with loved ones and those you care about.

Part of establishing my dissertation dream team has been leaning on those in my community, friends, family, and colleagues. I find that the people who know me best, are eager to support me when I have doubts about my abilities or my research.

Techniques

Writing a dissertation or thesis is a daunting task. You are nearing the end of this degree, yet you have an overwhelming mission ahead. I encourage you to find what works for you when diving into your research and writing.

Many researchers and scholars argue that establishing a consistent writing routine can support your process. To be frank, my schedule is nowhere near consistent, and it has become important to write wherever and whenever I can. Even if I cannot be consistent due to my schedule, I will try to write for a few minutes multiple times a week!

Here are a few hot tips, tools and techniques I use that have supported my process. Maybe there's something here for you to try!

Silence all notifications: Turn on do not disturb your phone, laptop, or any other device.
Have a plan and visualize yourself writing: Have a plan for what section of dissertation you would like to try to tackle for that day! If you can, visualize where, when, and how you will begin writing before you start working.
Try a Pomodoro Timer: Try setting a timer for writing or working for 25 minutes then taking 5 minutes break and repeating. Bonus points if you can get some movement or go outside for your 5 minute break. If you prefer to work under pressure this can be a method of inducing that sense of pressure!
Use dictate: When I have too many thoughts swirling in my head, it can be difficult to write them all down on the page. Microsoft Word has a dictate option that records your speaking and puts your thoughts on “paper.” From here, these materials can be outlined, written, and revised! Exhausted from reading? Try text-to-speech software or screen readers to listen to articles.
Journal: The process of writing can be difficult at times. Sometimes I need time and space to acknowledge frustrations, doubts,etc, before I can begin the writing process.
Make your dissertation a priority: Graduate school and life can pull you in many directions, and it is incredibly easy to put the dissertation on the back burner. You will need to make a promise to yourself that this is a priority, which may mean saying no to other opportunities, both personally and professionally.
Change your writing spot: find a new coffee shop or snuggle up with a furry friend with a cup of tea!
Stay connected to your why for pursuing your graduate degree and why your research is important!

Dissertation is a strenuous process for many graduate students. Establishing the support, you need as you navigate this process is essential! Resources such as the UW Libraries can offer much-needed support! Have connections with others that support you! And find what works for you while navigating a dissertation!