On Textbooks and Time Management

So it's been nearly half a week since my last update, I apologize. After classes started I was literally swamped with projects and I went through a period of homesickness (as well as a possible case of real sickness... but I took some medicine and started paying better attention to balancing my diet so I think I'm okay now because all the symptoms are gone). But now I have a bit of time to blog, and then I need to get dinner, call my parents, and get back to work.

And on a slight tangent, but not much, I SURVIVED MY FIRST WEEK OF COLLEGE!!!

Please, go celebrate that on my behalf... because I don't have time to properly do it.

=_="

Anyway...

Today I'm going to talk about two things crucial to the college student's life just as he or she is starting out: textbooks and time management.

Unlike most high schools, you need to buy your own textbooks. This really sucks. My school also rents books, but it would be cheaper just to buy a used one. Sadly, I can't find anyone who has a used one they haven't sold already, and all the stores around either don't seem to carry the book or they just don't have it.

My plan was to order the book through Amazon and meanwhile use the copies the library has... sadly everyone else had the same plan, which is why I'm now sitting in the library without the book, because all three are currently checked out or on hold. So I'll need to call my parents and let them know I'll be using my debit card to pay for the book from the school store... sigh.

Lucky for me I just need one for now. Most of my friends at other schools have already paid 700+ dollars on their books...

Tip: See if any upperclassmen are willing to sell you the books before classes start, OR find out what the books are beforehand and order them to be sent to your school mail box the week you arrive. Don't assume the library will have the book available. (Don't follow my stupid assumption mistake... please)

Trust me. I have an assignment I need that book for due this week and its majorly stressing me out right now because I have to go buy a 100 dollar book... >_<"

Which brings me to my next topic... time management. If you want to survive college, you have to be proficient at this. No exceptions. It's what every upperclassman I've spoken to has told me...

I'm slowly getting the hang of it. I made a rough schedule for myself for each day and every night I'm checking how I'm doing... so far it seems like I've been overestimating the work I can get done and I've figured out its because of a lot of distractions, so I'm going to change some of my study habits to see if that helps. : )

Analyzing your life like that sounds a bit dorky, but hey, if it's what you need to do to get things done and not stress too much, go for it...

Though, stress is still inevitable, despite the time management. But better time management = more sleep = more alertness. And even when you're stressed out, moreso when you're stressed out, in fact, I've learned in these past few days that being alert is extremely important.

Because of my hectic schedule I'm not sure when the next update will be, but I think I'd like to talk a little bit about food and grocery shopping. : )

Wish me luck with surviving my second week!