Dissertation retreats: the new way forward for struggling final year students?

It’s that time of the year again: exams are upon us, dissertations are due, you basically live in the library looking and feeling very rough (no judgement), it’s a rite of passage. If I had a pound for every final year student that wasn’t having a meltdown over their dissertation, I would probably be able to afford a meal deal everyday until the end of the year. So final years, if you are currently breaking down over your dissertation, maybe dissertation retreats might be for you?

I have to admit, I am not writing my dissertation this year (put your pitchforks down), but hearing about dissertation retreats on TikTok made me consider doing one next year when I inevitably have about 5 panic attacks because everything is going wrong. I honestly found the concept weird at first but I think I can safely say now that I am a huge fan.

The idea is that you go somewhere that isn’t campus and away from the city hustle bustle. There, you dedicate time to doing your dissertation whilst there are also some activities you can do at designated break times. As a matter of fact, third year psychology student Mia (here at Newcastle!) gave a glimpse of a day at one of these dissertation retreats on her TikTok and it honestly looks like the best thing ever. 

The School of Psychology organised the whole trip to Allendale, around an hour away from Newcastle, and the whole trip was paid for (how amazing is that?). On the retreat, there were a total of three work hours that people could dedicate to writing and wholesome activities such as walks in nature, TV and board game nights and the good old trip to the pub. Just to reiterate, all of this was for free (meal included)! Unfortunately though, it is believed that this dissertation retreat is only available for those doing psychology and art but with that being said, if there is a high enough demand other schools could start it too!

What I love about this dissertation retreat is that it separates your work time and break times which is so important at times like this. Having frequent breaks can help improve your productivity and more importantly, prevent burnout. The change of scenery can also put you in a fresh state of mind which can help you concentrate and think clearly. So even if you can’t go on one of these retreats, designate times to write and times to relax: go on a walk, go to a cute cafe or even a quick nap will do! Hopefully, dissertation retreats will become more available for other schools which means more of us can enjoy its benefits. Until then, good luck with exams and dissertations!