quirkycase

Made it through my first week of classes! So far so good. I'm happy with my courses, and my cohort seems good as well. It's a bit hard to get in student mode after being out of school for a few years, but being back in academia feels great. I've really missed it The first week was exhausting, though. I moved to the UK a day before orientation, which didn't allow much time for jet lag to wear off and for me to get settled before everything started. So now I'm simultaneously getting everything set up and starting classes. And I have a cold. Hopefully I can get plenty of rest over the weekend and go into the second week feeling better!

I was thinking about getting a nice bag as well, and I love that one! That's exactly what I'm looking for. I don't mind paying more than usual if the quality is good, but that's a little high for me. I like your idea about the wish list though. Unfortunately, my birthday has passed, but if someone feels so inclined to surprise me with a gift, who am I to discourage them?

When I was applying to MA programs, I had to reach out to two professors I hadn't had any contact with for three years. I felt awkward about it, even though I knew many applicants who have been out of school for a few years like me have to do the same. Like java0008 and TakeruK suggested, I reminded them of how we knew each other, gave a brief description of my interests and goals, and sent my CV and anything else I found relevant. Neither of them found it rude that I asked them; they both agreed to write a letter without hesitation. I know it might feel rude and uncomfortable, but I would say it's definitely better to have a recent letter than one dated a few years prior. And usually, you want at least two of your letters to be from academics.

I was only there for a few weeks, but by the time I left I was already getting used to the weather! I found the frequent rain and cloudy days irritating, but it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. Granted, although I dislike rain, I don't hate it. In my case, I hate extreme heat, so summer in Japan (where I currrently live) is way too much for me. The humidity is ridiculous. Even so, I adapted and dealt with it much better than I expected. Hopefully it'll be the same for you with the rain!

So once a week I work at a different school than my primary one. I walk to work, as I don't have a car. This school is about a 45 min. walk away. Usually, this isn't a problem since I enjoy walking. But today it rained. I don't mean normal rain, I mean torrential downpour. I had to wade through water that was up to or above my calf for much of the walk. By the time I reached work, I was thoroughly soaked. And of course, today was my last day there, so I was expected to say a few words in front of the staff. So there I stand, looking a hot mess, as I try to give a speech in Japanese (which I can't really speak) and look dignified. Wonderful impression to leave everyone with

rising_star, I hadn't thought of volunteering at an animal shelter. That's a great idea! I'll look into it once I get settled in my new area.

I would love to have a pet while in grad school, but it's not feasible for me. I'm moving abroad. Also, the place I'll be living in doesn't allow pets. I feel like having a pet would be a big stress reliever, though. We always had pets when I was growing up, so it feels lonely when I don't have at least one at home. I like dogs, but they require too much care and time for me. I don't think I'd be able to handle that while in grad school. A cat would be better, although I'd probably get two so that they could entertain each other while I'm busy. I'd also love a bunny; that was my first pet growing up, and I love them

This. I believe this is the best method for all disciplines. Although I've yet to be a TA, as a college tutor, this is the method we were taught to use. We were never allowed to simply give students the answer. We would prompt and guide students to answer their own questions, essentially. It could be frustrating at times and you feel like you're going in circles, but ultimately, students will learn not only the material better but the skill of finding solutions on their own. They also feel more accomplished and gain more confidence when they realize they can often solve problems themselves if they learn how to walk through the process and identify the issue. Nothing made me happier than when a student didn't need my help anymore

Thanks for the info, fuzzylogician. Wow--your department sounds like it was super organized. It'd be nice if mine turns out to be that organized, but I definitely won't be expecting it. And I agree that taking on too much the first semester is ill-advised. I plan to wait until the second semester or so before trying to involve myself in much. I just wanted to get an idea of what to look out for and potential ways to get involved. Like you said, it might be different in the UK, but now at least I'll have a starting point. There is a UK-specific linguistics society (Linguistics Association of Great Britian [LAGB]), so I'll look into if they offer similar opportunities as the LSA.

I hope to get involved in service work during grad school, so this info has been helpful. I wasn't involved in much of anything during undergrad, which I sort of regret. I would like to be more involved this time around. Maybe this is a bit of a dumb question, but how do you typically find out about opportunities available to grad students with regards to service work (both institutional and outreach)? I know exactly what you mean, eteshoe. I was a tutor at a community college for two years, and it was really rewarding. I too loved when the students I (and others) had tutored would rush into the office to let us know they'd gotten an A on a final or even managed a B on a class they were almost failing earlier in the semester. For me, it was especially great to watch students gain more confidence in their abilities and even grow to love subjects they had hated!

chocolate mousse

Just to add a couple more to the good suggestions above: Express and New York & Company. They're geared toward the young(er) adult crowd, so the look is more modern. My personal favorite is Express, as their clothes fit me best. They can be a little pricey for me, but they have some pretty good sales and outlets. I like New York & Company too, but their clothes don't fit me as well. Clothes I've bought from both places have been good quality and lasted for years. Also, in case anyone else has this concern, both stores carry smaller than average sizes. I have an extremely hard time finding professional clothing--I usually shop in Junior's departments since I'm too small for most adult clothes, ha--but I can often find things that fit at both places. It's nice, since my options were typically either look too casual or look like I'm playing dress-up

beat box

That sounds sort of awesome. I might have to check it out. Thanks for the tip!

I do the following things mostly out of necessity, but they do save money which is a nice bonus! -I cook almost all of my meals. It's extraordinarily rare for me to eat out. -I walk everywhere. Where I live now, I don't need a car to get around. I can also get most places without using public transportation. Not only does it save me money, but it's good exercise! -I don't drink. -I don't have cable. Another way to save money, which I don't currently do enough, is pricing around and couponing. It's amazing how much money this can save over time. My mom was like a coupon master when I was little. She saved incredible amounts of money by painstakingly finding which stores had the cheapest option and using coupons for everything. I don't think she bought anything without a coupon for it.