Getting started

Finding your way in academic writing

Starting to write a thesis is quite a challenge. Where to begin? How to choose a topic? The Thesis SupportAll provides basic information for bachelor and master students on how to get started.

For help in searching and writing, you can also contact Peer Point.

For support with scoping review, systematic review or meta-analysis please visit our dedicated Literature research & systematic reviews page.

Personal Issues

Common non-writing-related issues

The topics under personal issues may not only help students in reflecting on concerns they seek support for, but hopefully also bridge the gap between student and supervisor. If these kinds of issues are obstructing your thesis process, consider contacting a student advisor.

Academic writing
Getting started - tips
How to choose a thesis topic
Fear of failure
Feedback
Perfectionism
Procrastination
Relationship with your supervisor
Stress management
Time management
Writer's block

Bookshelf

Resources for every step in thesis writing

Go to the Bookshelf

Contact

Get in touch!

Study advisers

Study advisers offer guidance and coaching to thesis students. You can contact them for support on:

  • how to create an overview of the practical, as well as the academic tasks to come;
  • the work process, e.g. time management, study/work/life-balance, relationship with your supervisor;
  • personal issues, e.g. motivational issues, stress management, etc.

More information on the study advisers

UM Career services

UM Career Services aims to assist students in a successful preparation for their future career. This goal is achieved by providing students with the required education, information, advice and counselling.

Visiting address:
Studenten Service Centrum, First floor, room B1.21 (secretariat)
Bonnefantenstraat 2, 6211 KL Maastricht

Contact details:
Contact via email: careerservices@maastrichtuniversity.nl
Contact by phone: +31 (0)43 388 5263 (secretariat)

Student psychologists

If you’re experiencing personal problems like stress or fear of failure relating to your thesis, you can consult a student psychologist.You’re welcome to make an appointment, even if you’re not sure what’s wrong. In your first meeting, you’ll discuss and clarify the nature of the issue and – together with your student psychologist – decide what to do next. Sometimes, one meeting may be enough to get back on track. In other cases, some follow-up meetings may help. If long-term or more specialised help is needed, your student psychologist will consult with you and may refer you to a specialist.

Workshops are also organised to help with psychological issues; examples include stress management, time management and assertiveness training.

More information on the student psychologists 

Language Coaches

Language coaches are academic language professionals in the employment of the University’s Language Centre, who can offer guidance and coaching to thesis students on:

  • How to create an overview on the practical as well as the academic tasks to come;
  • Linguistic matters for academic papers as work in progress.

The Language Centre also runs additional classes, which are open for students from any academic discipline.

University Library

The University Library gives support on information skills, data management and many other subjects regarding your studies. Use the following links for more information.