Uncle's 50th bday party in Las Vegas 2nd week of my new program...

[GeoDUDE!]

I really want to go for the weekend... but I think it might look bad if I went? While I'm of the general opinion that grad school shouldn't stop you from missing "life", its the second weekend. What would you guys do? 

[bhr]

I would wait to see if there is anything scheduled for your department. I know my program has a picnic that first weekend, and I was told that there would be events the following week as well. If there isn't some event that you are either required or expected to attend than I don't see why you can't go.

That said, I would make a short weekend of my trip, if I went. Go out Saturday, come back Sunday morning. The last thing you want to do is play catchup that early in the term.

[GeoDUDE!]

I would wait to see if there is anything scheduled for your department. I know my program has a picnic that first weekend, and I was told that there would be events the following week as well. If there isn't some event that you are either required or expected to attend than I don't see why you can't go.

That said, I would make a short weekend of my trip, if I went. Go out Saturday, come back Sunday morning. The last thing you want to do is play catchup that early in the term.

 

 

It is only a 1 hour plane ride (i'll be in northern california). I think i could leave friday afternoon, come back sunday morning and it would be cool.

[TakeruK]

If you are leaving friday afternoon and returning before monday morning, it won't even matter that you are not around that weekend. It's the weekend, no one will expect you to be around. As bhr said, you might miss a few optional/fun/orientation events on friday evening or the weekend, but your uncle is only turning 50 once, you can see your department people all year! They'll understand.

[Roll Right]

I think you should go and enjoy yourself. You're not going to miss anything spectacular or groundbreaking. The first two weeks of my program were merely course introductions and opening remarks, etc. Just make sure you tell your professors that you'll be out of town for a family function, and make sure you do your assignments while away.

[Sigaba]

 What would you guys do? 

 

i would do what I could to get all the work for the following week done before getting on the plane as early as possible, have a blast in Las Vegas, return Sunday eveningish, hit the sack (without cracking open a book or turning on the computer), and go back to being a graduate student on Monday morning. If anyone asked where I was or why I was so bleary eyed, I'd only disclose that I was at a long planned family event that I dared not miss as I gave with a wistful "What could I do?" look and took a sip of coffee that clearly communicated that the subject not open for further discussion.

[Scarf in the wind]

I really want to go for the weekend... but I think it might look bad if I went? While I'm of the general opinion that grad school shouldn't stop you from missing "life", its the second weekend. What would you guys do? 

 

I wouldn't go. Las Vegas is an ugly, dirty desert. I don't mean the societal filth, I mean it really is a dirty desert. Absolutely nothing like what is shown on television. Also, my relatives don't celebrate birthdays.