Picking a final binding style depends, on what the university says, the total pages, the cover requirements, and whether those copies are for handing in or more for personal keeping. For many students, thesis and dissertation binding starts to feel more “real” when they check durability , cover materials, spine finishing, and how long it takes to get done  

Hardcover is usually the safer route for permanent copies, while softcover is more practical when it’s for drafts or extra readers. But which one, honestly would push you to decide the quickest?