Time Management Tips for Dissertation Writing

Do you think that an entire school year is enough to write and complete your dissertation?

Well, it could be possible but only with good time management strategies; otherwise, you may be needing another year to finish it.

Benjamin Franklin said, “You delay, but time will not.”

If you think you can procrastinate and write your dissertation later, you would definitely end up cramming and cramming for it is not a good thing. Hence, you need to learn time management skills.

“I must govern the clock not be governed by it.” You have to remember this always.

Manage and control time; it should not be the other way around. Once you have learned how to manage time, you will be able to increase your productivity. Increased productivity is a benefit for your dissertation making. This simply means that you are getting efficient and productive in completing it.

Prioritizing- this is the main key to time management. You should learn how to prioritize tasks and goals. Hence, the very first thing that you should do in writing your paper is to create a list of all the tasks needed in doing a dissertation. Once you are done with this, make another list of actions which need to be made under it. Doing this will help you determine which among the tasks are needed to be prioritized. Is it conducting a research or looking for a thesis advisor?

The next thing to do is to plan a schedule. Make a timetable. It can be monthly, weekly, or daily- whichever is the most favorable to you. You need to do this so that you will not forget your deadlines and you will always be reminded of your tasks.

As you write your dissertation, it is best to always visit or consult your advisor. Let him or her check your work. Keep him/her informed about the status of your paper. Is your topic already approved? If not, what’s needed to be done? Discuss important things with your advisor. The latter’s job is to guide and direct you. 

Time management is not only about spending wisely of your time; it is also about learning how to say “no” to others. Just imagine the tons of work you have to do for your dissertation but you keep on saying “yes” to your friends- to accompany them to the mall or helping them in their projects. If one of your friends invited you for a drink or for a movie, check your schedule first. If you still have deadlines to beat, then tell your friend right away that you can’t go because you are working on your dissertation. Saying “no” does not mean you don’t like to go with your friend. This only shows that you know how to prioritize.

Start learning and practicing time management. Just as what Lord Chesterfield said, “Know the true value of time; snatch, seize, and enjoy every moment of it. No idleness, no laziness, no procrastination; Never put off till tomorrow what you can do today.”

Enjoy writing!

5 Tips on How To Lessen Expenses in Writing Your Dissertation

Given the high and expensive cost of college tuition, students must take measures to lessen school expenses without sacrificing anything. May it be four or five years in college, it is a good idea to find ways on how to be budget conscious especially when you are writing your dissertation.

While dissertation writing can be very extensive and costly because you have to conduct a research, an interview, or survey, there are various ways to lessen expenses. Here are 5 tips and recommendations to moderate or eventually cut back your school expenses.

• Apply for Scholarships
  Many colleges offer scholarship programs that help financially challenged but deserving and qualified students. To be given such scholarship, you may need to fulfill some requirements and meet particular criteria. For instance, you may need to have high grades or excel in a certain subject or sports. As much as possible, explore all of your aid options. Seek every financial assistance that is available.
• Minimize all Unnecessary Living Expenses
  As much as possible, spend only on the things you need the most. Be conscious on what you buy. Learn to prioritize. Likewise, if you are fond of traveling, try to reduce travel time and plans. Instead of spending your money on booking flights, just try to save it.
• Do Not Buy New Book or Just Do Not Overspend
  Visit your school library and check the book you need for writing a dissertation. If it is available, borrow it. In case the book is not available, try to go to book sale, borrow from your friend, or search online. Nowadays, you can easily access books, journals, or other materials on the Internet. Some of those can even be downloaded.
• Get a Part-Time Job
  If your schedule permits, try to have a part-time job. Look for jobs online or apply as a barista in a nearby coffee shop.
• Practice other Cost-Cutting Measures
  College is really expensive unless you are in a public or state school. Still, practice staying on budget. In case you have a credit card, avoid it for now. Credit cards are very tempting and when fall into this temptation, this may result to unnecessary debt. Should you have your own car, try not to use it for awhile. Take the public transportation so that you can save your transportation and gas expenses.