So it begins, a new school year. Another new adventure, and plenty of new classes. A new work and class schedule, new professors, new assignments, new experiences. And, as my fellow RSU students know, a new computer system that’s replacing what we used for financial aid, e-campus, and the Hillcat Hub. For someone who doesn’t like change, that’s a lot of “new”. Summer provided me with some much needed sleep, a break from my classes, and several new adventures. However, now the time has come to step back into the student routine. Back to juggling class, homework, reading, work, laundry, eating, sleeping, and everything else. I’m going to miss summer, but I would be lying if I said I wasn’t excited for the new semester. After this semester, I’ll be a junior! And, with any luck, I will be adding a 3^rd consecutive semester of being on the dean’s honor roll to my academic resume. Although we are past the 2^nd week of class, I am still adjusting. So, with that adjustment still ongoing, here are my biggest issues with the transition from summer to the new school year.

Managing time differently- I can no longer just do things at my convenience. Not only do I have my own very full schedule, but my families’ schedules as well. I can’t just look at my work schedule & then think about everything else. I have to think about and prioritize work & class & homework, plus everything else. Everything has to be planned out, and there isn’t really room for “just doing” something. (Nothing personal Nike, I do like using your philosophy during the summer, it just doesn’t work well for me during the school year.)

Homework consumes your life- Netflix, hobbies, hanging out with friends or family, and any other form of something that would be done in your free time, will not happen until the semester is over. Reading, paper writing, note taking, test studying, and project completing take up all of your time.

Leisure time- Finished up all your homework? Think again, because there is something that is due soon that you have completely forgotten about. Prepare to utilize your (hopefully good) writing skills to quickly write up your paper, and get a good grade.

You remember what sleep deprivation feels like- This has been the hardest for me so far. I like sleep, and miss it so much during the semester, but after a few weeks I learn to function well while lacking it. But getting to that point while remembering how wonderful it feels to be fully rested isn’t fun.

You begin the countdown to the end of the semester- Unlike knowing how many weeks that you have left of summer (cause that’s just a depressing thought) you know exactly how many weeks you have left of the semester. In case anyone is wondering, we have 15 weeks left till finals week is over. For me, that’s only 15 classes for my ethics class, and 30 more classes for my victimology, psychology and criminology classes.