WriteAndKnit

I'm in shorts for another few weeks (bulky knee braces are "fun"), but I try to at least stick with jeans shorts. Lots of sleeveless shirts/tank tops (because it's August), t-shirts some days, everything clean and not a complete mess. I *did* remember to grab jeans shorts to change into after physical therapy today, since workout-type shorts are more comfortable there (but not at all class-worthy, if they can be avoided).

I'd go for the "quiet work time with scheduled breaks" option. A system I've read about (and use!) is 20/10 or 45/15, in which you work for 20 (or 45) minutes and then take a 10 (15) minute break. If you tell your officemate that you have a specific routine (and have headphones) you can establish a specific boundary, and if you make sure that you use at least one or two of those breaks each day for chit-chat, you should be able to stay on friendly terms.

How do you feel, so far? Worried? Totally ready? A mix? I felt very positive about two of my three graduate classes (I also have a foreign language). One will be fascinating and the professor is both knowledgeable and entertaining; the other will be good for re-learning and refining research and research writing skills, and the professor has a friendly, patient demeanor. The third is more about teaching than I expected, which I'm not horribly opposed to, but it threw me a bit. So far I feel okay.

I have 11 hours scheduled for my first semester; one is an undergrad course (I need a foreign language, and with my long-term goals it makes sense to take the language rather than just test for it), one is a two-credit How To Grad School, and the remaining two are basic rhetcomp and linguistic classes. I don't have TA/research assistantship duties or a PTJ, but I *did* borrow extra for this year so I would be able to gauge my ability to adapt to grad-level classes before I added a job.

How do y'all keep hard copies of work organized? I have a few three-ring binders (nice, big notebooks; one for my foreign language, one for grad classes, one for my research) that I was going to use, but aside from dividing by course, I'm at a bit of a loss. I don't anticipate that I'll need to haul them around on a daily basis, but I do want to be able to easily access (and file) things.

I'm lucky that I have a group of friends via the student veterans group on campus. Some are also grad students, most undergrad, but the only time that's an issue for this particular group is when someone has GI Bill or other administrative issues that are handled differently for undergrads/grads. That also makes it easier to meet people in other areas, since there's a friend in common. (And veterans tend to be older when they start college, so there's not as significant an age difference; most of us are between 25-35.) Otherwise, I plan to make contact with a few of the clubs on campus and do what I can to stay involved.

I have a week and a half until classes begin. One more week of half lazing around, half getting stuff done, all bugging the cat.

That is an EXCELLENT response from an authority figure. I'm glad your PI is very firmly on your side. And, as an added bonus, you can wear PJs for two weeks!

If his behavior is making it difficult for you to focus in the lab, it's a workplace matter and your advisor should know. In the chance that this guy is listening to your conversations with others (when you're both in the lab), I'd ask to meet privately with your advisor about your research. I'd also check with the women's center at your university; they may know of individuals in the campus or local police departments who you can contact, whether that's this week or next month. They'll likely have other resources for you too, like knowledge about an escort service or advice that isn't victim-blamey. Good luck. It's not your fault, none of it, at all.

Not bored (I'm reading fun stuff and crafting while netflix-binging), but feeling like I missed SOMETHING. Everything SEEMS to be in order, but I have that feeling like I forgot to do some paperwork and it will bite my backside. Oh, and VA doc appointments. Sprained knees aren't fun. Don't do it.

Could you safely loft the bed and have the shelves underneath? For two years during my undergrad, I was in a teeeeeeeeeeeeny private room (about the same size, 8x10) and lofting the bed helped a LOT. I usually kept a set of wire cube shelves and the dresser under the bed (I kept suitcases and storage bins behind the dresser, since we had wardrobes instead of closets). If you DO loft the bed (after making sure it can be done safely), I'd recommend picking up a stepladder with wide steps. It's a LOT easier to get up and down when you're not worried about falling.

I have google calendar for the big stuff (mostly because it syncs to my phone and it's set up to silence notifications when I'm "busy", based on said calendar). I also use a paper planner (http://www.amazon.com/AT-A-GLANCE%C2%AEHollyhock-Academic-Monthly-2014-2015-883-905A/dp/B00J4Y5I9Q/ref=pd_sim_sbs_op_7?ie=UTF8&refRID=1PY0GH8CQ9J84S5ZGADD) to keep up with little things. Classes are on google calendar only, other appointments are on both, big due dates on both, individual assignments/daily task lists are paper planner only. This is subject to modification as I need to do so.

I don't have either yet, but the chair is http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/S79825193/. I'm leaning towards a file organizer like this one: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B002JPKYJQ/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pd_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=2T5ANMMG4ZQBI&coliid=INMZJDOH5UX09&psc=1.

Will they have food? I'm serious. If they have food and you'll have a chance to meet other new grad students, I'd go.

I made my first supply run yesterday. Office Max had 300 index cards for $2 and five-packs of Post-it notes for $5 each, plus pens, highlighters, mini and regular staplers, and a hole punch for about $35 at Target. I have a few things coming this weekend (my birthday present is a comfy chair and a cart from Ikea), and then all I have are a few more binders, top-spiral notebooks, a file organizer, and the new laptop, printer, laptop sleeve, and flash drives.

See if there's a mattress store with a clearance center in your area. They'll sell floor models and very-gently-used mattresses (after cleaning and sanitizing) for a LOT less than you'd pay normally. I got a (twin sized) pillowtop mattress, box spring, and very basic frame for $200 -- when pillowtop mattresses alone tend to be at least $250. And it's mega comfy.

Another new grad student with a research question! I know that I won't have an abundance of time to start researching my first year. However, I'm planning to start some of the "foundational" research next week (very, very basic religious and historical background). Is it realistic to expect that I will be able to get an hour or two per week of research done without distracting myself from classes (or to keep me from being balanced with all of my other life stuff)?

I'm ordering textbooks as soon as they're available, partly so I can be a bit more familiar with them in advance. And checking out library books (some related to academic research, some for "fun").

Label your boxes (room name, numbered, by type of stuff) and have a "master packing list" (what's in what box). Even if you have a perfect system, it's always possible that you'll get to your new place and boxes will be piled in a corner of one room (or shoved into a closet) and this can help you get unpacked efficiently. Other than that, get a sense of where you'll be living. Shopping areas, restaurants, museums (and other entertainment sources) and spend some time on google maps street view. It's much easier to get used to a new place if you can "explore" a bit first.

I have this one (plus google calendar): http://www.ataglance.com/ataglancestore/mwv/product/Hollyhock-Academic-Weekly-Monthly-Planner/883-905A?pageSize=49&rootCatId=Planners_11&goToPage=1&catId=cat310010&prodId=883-905A. I like the format -- plenty of space for daily tasks or homework, but I keep a weekly "permanent" schedule as well.

If you're in touch with people in your program, ask them! Someone may have firsthand experience with the building and the management company.

If the relationship is just starting out, start with baby steps. See if you can commit to a weekly Skype date before you even CONSIDER dropping out of grad school for this person! And, well, based on personal experience, I wouldn't move for a relationship unless you both have something in the destination (that goes for him, too).

I know that most of my tuition and fees will be covered by the GI Bill (80%), but I'll still need loans to cover the rest and replace my laptop (it's literally starting to fall apart). I'm still waiting for my financial aid to finish going through, I'll probably borrow a bit more than I "need", and most will go into my savings account as backup for school supplies and related stuff (and just in case I need an extra month's rent).

I did about half a dozen surveys (over the course of an hour and a half) this afternoon on mturk (while watching Doctor Who), which should contribute to my weekly beer fund. Not a lot, but certainly better than nothing! I've noticed that academic research surveys are good and interesting, and there's a good bunch in the $1 category. I'm also going to get an etsy shop set up -- I make some nicer jewelry and some quick and easy things (like those rainbow loom bracelets) and get some tutoring established. Hopefully I won't have to add an additional part-time job.

Casual mentions of your boyfriend should be fine! Next time you're invited to an event, ask if significant others are welcome and mention that your boyfriend would get along with people. Most people who've made it to grad school have lived in the world long enough that you won't be the first gay person they've encountered. And the longer you wait, the more difficult it will be -- especially if you have any matchmakers around (classmates, classmates' significant others). There's always someone who assumes that the person who doesn't make so many social events is just terribly shy and needs help meeting someone.