How to succeed in concentrated academic writing in the often challenging everyday life of a doctorate is answered by the writing camp for doctoral students, which will be held for the second time by the Graduate and Research Academy and the University Library during the lecture-free period from 3 March 2026. The programme already met with a great response in 2025 and was rated as extremely beneficial by the participants.
The writing camp focuses on clearly structured writing times in the University Library, complemented by practical input on goal definition and writing methods as well as concentration and self-regulation strategies in cooperation with the Atempause. Creative methods support the introduction to writing, help to reduce inhibitions and achieve individual writing goals. The exchange in the small group in particular proves to be an important resource for motivation, mutual support and sustainable networking.
Dr Julia Meyer, Director of the University Library and expert in writing studies, and Dr Theresa Wand, Deputy Director of Grafa, provide the participants with valuable impulses for a reflective and productive writing process and give them space to write scientifically without distraction and with full concentration.
The consistently positive feedback shows: The writing camp not only supports doctoral students in achieving concrete writing goals, but also strengthens their writing skills, self-organisation and motivation in the long term. From 3 March 2026, doctoral students from all disciplines are once again invited to take advantage of this opportunity.
The breathing space format is a collaboration between the ARMINT and Sisters Mentoring sub-projects.
Voices of former participants
One participant describes how the writing camp helped her to find focus in her everyday life as a doctoral student:
"At the writing camp, I learnt how many facets there are to writing and how I can set myself a specific framework to get the process off to a good start. The mental and writing techniques helped me to focus on writing - even when my head was actually full of other important to-dos."
Another voice emphasises the sustainable effect of the format:
"The writing camp creates a framework for working on your own writing project in a concentrated and structured way. The weekly programme integrates continuity and also prioritises work and progress. The "pure" writing is introduced and loosened up with exercises as well as strengthening input sessions, so that I was able to go into the writing day motivated."
One participant also emphasised the strengthening effect of the group:
"I think many doctoral students find writing difficult at some point during their doctorate. At the same time, everyone already has experience and routines with writing academic texts... Sharing similar problems with others helps and you realise that you are not alone."
One doctoral student recommends the programme even at an early stage of the doctorate:
"I recommend attending the writing camp as early as possible during the doctorate to raise your own awareness of writing. You learn methods to find inner peace and focus even in stressful phases, to break down the big process into small stages and to exchange ideas with others in a positive way. Above all, you also learn who can help if you get stuck in a difficult phase."
