anachronistic

My colleagues are all uber social. It would be nice to hear from someone who has formed lasting relationships with a few people without being a social butterfly or trying to be an extrovert (when you're not). At first I tried the bars and group activities, but I was bored by their conversation. Maybe I have a short attention span or I'm just interested in other things? For some of us it takes a long time to make friends. My plan is to pursue some of the undergrad clubs- there's not such a huge difference between us in age. Also, maybe I can meet someone who is not into the bar culture? Does anyone ever get tired of seeing the same people in your program? I see them in the TA area, where we work, in class, in the hall etc. I just don't want to hang out with anymore. I'm tired of not knowing anyone (well) on campus- I'm just going to walk up to random people in the library and start talking. What do I have to lose?

For all those living on small stipends/incomes-,what percentage of your earnings do you save each month? How easy is it for you to manage your savings? I'm figuring out right now how to create a detailed budget. If you have any tips for saving money, tools for organizing your finances or hints- please feel free to share! If you have any tips on budgeting for conference travel or study abroad they would be most welcome! My plan is to save 35% of my income. I have an extra job that I use to pay the rent, and it definitely helps, but I sometimes worry about having enough money for emergencies. I'd love to find a nice financial organizer, but so far I have not found anything suitable. How do you organize your finances? Potential Apps and various online tool suggestions are welcome!

I owe 20k from undergrad (4k is from interest! Please work to pay off your interest while you can). 20k is still a lot of money though, I'd much rather have that much money in my bank account! I am very thankful not to have to take out loans for grad school.

Well, I usually intend to speak up at least once during a class period. I'll comment if I truly think that my contribution is worthwhile. I do make an effort to participate, but I hate to add further superfluous posturing. I do not mind openly disagreeing with other students, but I'm not interested in engaging in a lengthy debate. I had a few 'debates' with professors as an undergrad, but these were few and far between. I'm very non-confrontational in general, but I can be a bit blunt, therefore I'm usually considerate of my cohort's feelings. My question is: Do professors ever look down upon more reticent students?

I definitely can't do that, being that I've made it a lifelong commitment. I tried half a glass of red wine a year ago and it was okay, but it's just not something I'm interested in starting (the taste was decent). However, I did end up visiting a bar and it wasn't bad at all. Nice music, it had a friendly and low-key atmosphere and was relatively safe. I will have to stick to small local places like this one. I would return! I had a few misconceptions about bars, they're not all loud and crazy. Maybe next time I'll meet new people instead of just talking to my friend.

Thanks for the post- and the kind words, it makes me feel better. I just want to be participate in grad culture socially without feeling alienated. Perhaps I won't even have to tell anyone? I'm not a super social person, but I'm definitely not aiming to present myself as asocial or unfriendly. I'm actually female- but I always enjoyed having male friends as well. I might make infrequent visits to bars- if my fellow students hang out in them. As long as they're also up for a few quiet chats in the downstairs library.

I just don't drink at all. I've never been around people who drink a lot, but I tend to assume that drunk people wouldn't be very much fun. I've been around light drinkers plenty of times.

Thanks, I will consider this. No one will care if I order soda every time-right? I will need to socialize occasionally, since I don't know very many people in the area. Hmm, I guess it sounds less intimidating now.

Will it be difficult to become part of my grad school's social life if I'm a teetotaler? I've noticed that many students in my program are interested in drinking- men in particular. I feel uncomfortable around excessive drinking- it definitely has negative connotations for me. I've never been around people who drink more than one or two glasses of wine at a time. My alma mater was essentially a dry campus! Will I be able to find people who don't drink or will those that do accept me? Does anyone have similar experiences? To be truthful, as an undergrad I intentionally isolated myself- but I've chosen to remedy the situation now, especially since the general culture at my new school will be drastically different. My goal is to have a good social experience, but I will never compromise my beliefs (haha, it's not for religious reasons). I'm very nervous about going to a bar (I've never been), but I'll go if it's a good opportunity for networking. I'll take any advice! Thanks in advance

I suggest going with Sony or Lenovo, both have plenty of powerful and practical computers. Use CNET and Consumer Reports (look in the library for the latest edition) when you're deciding between specific models (Don't trust random user reviews).I do not recommend HP or Gateway based on bad experiences. Currently I'm stuck between Sony ($$$), Lenovo (practical) and Apple($$$$$)- but I hope to resolve the issue soon! My sister has a great Lenovo thinkpad- why don't you check them out? Do you need an inexpensive computer? What's your budget?