GRASP

Writing in community

The Library’s writing retreats are designed for HDR students who want to set aside some dedicated time to work on their thesis alongside their peers in a structured, supportive environment that includes timed focus sessions, goal setting and progress tracking. They also play a role in building a sense of community and connection among HDR students.

Attending writing retreats has been demonstrated to help with motivation and accountability, and increase productivity and wellbeing.

In 2026 we are running 3-day writing retreats (Thesis Bootcamp) and 1-day writing retreats (Thesis Blast) regularly throughout the year. They are a mix of online and in-person, held on separate days. The in-person events run from 8.30am to 5pm, while the online events run from 6.50am-5pm (AWST). If you are located in Perth, feel free to register for both online and in-person events.

We are also trialling a weekly all-day in person ‘Shut up and Work’ session each Wednesday (except when it clashes with an in-person Thesis Blast or Bootcamp). This will be held in the Library’s Postgrad room, and online participants are also welcome to attend.

Thesis Bootcamp/ Blast dates for 2026

Jan/Feb Bootcamps Register your expression of interest by 4th January.

  • in-person: 2-4 February
  • online: 10-12 February

March Blasts

  • in-person: 18 March
  • online: 17 March

April Bootcamps

  • in-person: 14-16 April
  • online: 30 Mar -1 April

May Blasts

  • in-person: 12 May
  • online: 11 May

June Bootcamps

  • in-person: 17-19 June
  • online: 8-10 June

July Blasts

  • in-person: 13 July
  • online: 14 July

August Blasts

  • in-person: 20 Aug
  • online: 21 Aug

Sep/Oct Bootcamps

  • in-person: 30 Sept - 2 Oct
  • online: 14-16 Sept

October Blasts

  • in-person: 26 Oct
  • online: 27 Oct

Nov/Dec Bootcamps

  • in-person: 24-26 November
  • online: 8-10 December

December Blasts

  • in-person: 15 Dec
  • online: 17 Dec

FAQs

It is preferable that you attend all three days. However, if that is not possible, you can opt to attend one or two days. Let us know in the registration form.

Yes, the Bootcamps and Blasts are open to all HDR students. However, as places in the in-person group is limited due to space restrictions, if numbers exceed the available places then preference will be given to students who have already completed Milestone 1 and thereafter to those who registered earliest. We’ll do our best to accommodate everyone!

Yes, around 2 weeks before the event we will email those registered with further details and how to prepare for it.

The main difference is the length of time (three days for Bootcamps, one day for Blasts). More emphasis is placed on the necessity for preparation for the three day event. We also tend to include activities and a few extras to help sustain you over the three days! The timing structure throughout the day is the same for both events.

Images from the February and April 2025 Bootcamps