Choosing when to start your dissertation is crucial. Ideally, begin planning at least a year before your final submission deadline. Early preparation allows for thorough research, topic exploration, and refining of your thesis statement. Starting early also mitigates stress, giving you ample time to revise and seek feedback. Aim to finalize your topic and outline within the first few months to ensure a smooth progression into writing and data collection. By starting early, you set yourself up for a more manageable and successful dissertation journey.