You can use these steps when creating your thesis statement:

• Write the topic and main ideas of your paper, in point form.
• Freewrite the most important conclusion or thought you have about your paper.
• Make connections between the points and highlight implications, causes or applications; answer the question: "Why did you write this essay?".
• Combine the above ideas into one or a few sentences.

Sample topic: Residence and first year students.

Main ideas:

• residence life
• first year students
• stress
• health
• behaviour
• success
• grades

Finished Thesis statement:

Residence life has a negative impact on first year students' health and success.