I am done! Everything is handed in and my four-year degree is finished. It's crazy how quickly these past four years have gone and everything that has happened in between. However, this year I finally reached a place where I felt like I belong. Where my work was equal with others in my class rather than seeing all of the flaws within it, As this chapter of my life comes to a close I thought I would share some things I've learnt over I would say this past year. But it's only been around 8 months. Along with some advice for those who may be going into their final year.
On writing your Dissertation
Set yourself targets
I was lucky because on my course they had given us rough word counts to have for each supervision and considering we only had five I felt it was necessary to stick with it. With my deadline being just after Christmas me sticking to these word counts allowed me to have Christmas break.
Read, read and read some more.
I cannot stress how much easier your dissertation will be to write if you have done a lot of research. Also, don't be so quick to disregard stuff that you have read that do not relate directly to your chosen topic, you will be surprised to find that it may actually link in one way or another.
Music
Not everyone can listen to music whilst writing essays but if you are one of those that can, I would create a playlist with all of your favourite songs. For me, I can only write essays listening to music that is instrumental as I find end up writing out the lyrics instead. Soundtrack from films really help. I've put together a playlist of songs I listened to.
Keeping yourself motivated
My housemate had to hand in her literature review around the same time my dissertation was due, so we used to spend a lot of time in the library together. Working with a friend helps to keep you more focused.
Writer's block
Change techniques, after a while I found it too hard typing on a computer so I began writing on scrap sheets of paper and then typing it up afterwards. This technique really helped me to
Final Major Project
For those of you studying an art subject.
Embrace it and don't worry. From the second I read the summer briefing in May I spent time wracking my brain as to what my final major project could be about. Before I knew September had come, I was preparing to go back to university after my placement year and I still had no idea. However, starting with an image I really liked and enjoyed taking was a good point, and just not forcing an idea on myself but by shooting every idea I had to see how they worked out and playing by my strengths. You can see a post on the evolution of my work here.
