Many students across all levels of education experienced disruptions due to stay-at-home orders as part of the response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The purpose of our qualitative study was to specifically explore the doctoral student experience managing the writing of a dissertation amid stay-at-home orders during COVID-19. The majority of participants reported experiencing anxiety more frequently during stay-at-home orders and more productivity before stay-at-home orders. Reasons for decreased productivity during stay-at-home orders included reduced motivation, distractions, and lack of access to outside services and support.