Writing is one of the most important skills you will develop at university. Whether you are putting together an essay, a lab report, or a reflective piece, being able to express your ideas clearly on paper is key. 

But academic writing is more than just good grammar. It is about developing an argument, analysing evidence, and communicating your thoughts in a structured and convincing way. The good news? Like any skill, writing improves with practice, and it is a skill that will benefit you far beyond university. Employers value people who can communicate clearly in writing, so the time you spend improving your writing now will definitely pay off later.

Getting started: overcoming the blank page 

The blank screen or sheet of paper can feel intimidating. The best way to get started is simply to write something. 

You could begin by listing what you want to include, jotting down paragraph headings, or even doing a “brain dump”, i.e., writing whatever comes to mind about the topic. You do not need to start at the introduction. If you already know what you want to say later in the essay, write that section first.  For example, when I write a scientific paper, I often start with the methods section because it feels easier. Once that is done, I move on to the other sections. The important thing is getting words on the page, as you can always refine, edit, and reorganise later. 

If you find it easier to talk than to write, try recording yourself explaining your ideas out loud. You can then transcribe your thoughts and build on them with more detail and references. 

Write regularly 

The best way to improve your writing is to write often. It does not have to be perfect, and it does not have to be a full essay, but consistency is important. 

Author Stephanie Meyer, who wrote the Twilight series, once said that she writes every day, even if it is just one page. You can do the same. Try to find a time when you are least likely to be interrupted, and write a little each day. Some days it will flow easily; other days it may feel harder. But if you are struggling, you could write a list of points or ideas for your coursework. This still counts as writing, and you can return to it later when you are ready to develop it further. 

If you have deadlines approaching, make a realistic plan for when you will work on each assessment. Breaking the task into smaller chunks can make it feel more manageable and less stressful. 

The power of rewriting 

Good writing rarely happens in one go. Editing and rewriting are essential parts of the process. 

Once you have a draft, read it over and ask yourself: 

• Can I make my points clearer or more concise? 
• Does each paragraph flow logically to the next? 
• Are there areas where I could add more evidence or explanation? 

Don’t be afraid to move sentences or paragraphs around. Polishing your work is how you turn good writing into excellent writing. 

Different approaches to writing 

There is no single “right” way to write. Everyone has their own style and process. Some people prefer to get all their ideas out first and then edit later. Others like to plan everything before they begin. 

If you are someone who likes structure, here is a step-by-step approach that might help: 

1. Read around your topic and take notes 
2. Highlight the key points you want to include 
3. Organise your notes into a logical order and number them 
4. Make a plan, including paragraph headings 
5. Write a first (rough) draft 
6. Check where you might need more detail or evidence 
7. Ensure each section links smoothly to the next 
8. Edit for spelling, grammar, and clarity 
9. Compile your reference list as you go 
10. Read through your final draft before submitting 

Final thoughts 

Writing is not just about completing university assignments; it is about learning to express yourself clearly and thoughtfully. The more you practise, the more natural it will feel. 

So, next time you are staring at that blank page, remember: just start, write something. You can always improve it later. Every word you write brings you one step closer to becoming a stronger, more confident writer at university and beyond. 

Dr Sue Reeves is Head of Teaching and Learning in the School of Life and Health Sciences at the University of Roehampton and author of the book ‘Writing Skills for University: Day One to Dissertation’, published by Sage and available now.