Recently I was thinking about advice I would give someone starting a thesis in the Gastronomy Program at Boston University. This is in no way a complete list of my thoughts, I will likely be adding to it in the future
Understand that you will likely be researching in a variety of disciplines with a variety of buzzwords/assumed knowledge/metadata fields. Keep a running list of terms that you find useful.
Set up a thesis support group with others working on their final projects, This may be virtual, but regularly share your experiences and give each other feedback. It is easy to become isolated when working on a thesis/final project.
Reach out to other scholars as needed. There may be journals/conferences outside of Food Studies that will support your work.
Start your thank you list early. This will help you in the final push of your work.
Keep a document of deleted ideas/sentences/paragraphs from your thesis at all stages. This will allow you to use this work in later projects.
If visiting an archive/special collection library/museum in person, reach out early. Find out if you need to register in advance if you can photograph materials, and if there are food options nearby.
If using a digital collection, especially if working in multiple disciplines, keep a document of breadcrumbs, so you can find your way out of various brief digital explorations.
Early in the process allow yourself time to explore relevant digital collections to understand their structure.
Set up a file system for research pdf, drafts, notes.
Keep a copy of all versions of outlines and drafts.
Advocate for your work, Come up with a short mission statement for your project (it will change) that will assist you when talking to those unfamiliar with food studies or your specific interest. Fortunately, Food Studies is now becoming more prominent in academia
Celebrate minor victories.
Explore the campus-wide requirements for your submission. For me, this meant finding the official BU thesis guide and discovering that I needed a draft reviewed by BU (not-Gastronomy) staff.
Mine your semester papers for resources and structure that worked for you in the past..
Take time to free-write about your subject. These brainstorms may come in handy later in the project.
Document your methodologies even if they seem simple. This documentation may be helpful for future projects.
Allow yourself time away from the project. Set up practices for head-clearing. This may include exercise, drawing, cooking, whatever works for you.
Support others working on similar projects, always opt for kindness when possible.
Keep a running resources page of useful websites. I now use Padlet (laurakitchings.com/resources)
Find ways to allow yourself dedicated thesis time. This may mean joining a virtual writing retreat, finding ways to minimize times on household chores, or setting clear boundaries with housemates.