Michelle Hampson, News Contributor
Time to put your nose to the grindstone, put your shoulder to the wheel and work your fingers to the bone. In other words, turn your brain on and get your pen out because in case you didn’t know, school has started.
It’s hard to get back into school mode. Especially after that incredible frosh week when new friends were made, drinks were had and parties were thrown. The party doesn’t have to stop here though. It just has to slow down a bit.
An excellent way to get over the post-frosh week blues is to find a good balance between books and fun. You don’t want to fall behind on your studies, but at the same time, you want to take advantage of the best time of the year to make new friends. Spend a bit of time on both.
A great way to meet people with similar interests is through societies. Dalhousie has no shortage of these. There are societies for horseback riding, tea, wine, figure skating, dancing, camping, sustainability, biochemistry, English, rowing and so on and so forth. Check out the Tiger Society website (www.dsu.ca/tiger_society) to find the perfect one.
Going to the gym on a regular basis is a good idea. It keeps the endorphins going and you can meet new people at the gym. Burn off that freshman fifteen before you gain it and you’ll feel great.
Your gym membership was included in tuition fees, so there really aren’t any excuses. A swimming pool, weight room, running track and group fitness classes are available at the Dalplex. At an extra cost, you can try the cardio room or rock climbing.
Staying mentally fit is important too.
That brain might be a bit rusty after four months of no textbooks – warm it up with a few crosswords or Sudoku. Ease into some intellectual conversations with friends before you wildly and passionately delve into an intense political battle in front of your political science class of 250 people.
If you need some help getting started academically, the Writing Centre is at your disposal. It’s located on the ground floor of the Killam Library in room G40C and appointments are free, since it’s a service included in your tuition fees. That’s the place to go if you need help or advice with an essay.
The Writing Centre provides free seminars on writing. On Sept. 16 there’s a seminar on research papers at 5 p.m. There is another seminar for science papers on Sept. 26 at 5 p.m.
Right after frosh week is also the time to get organized. It’s the time to buy binders, highlight due dates and plan out some form of order for all your future notes. Seriously, it’s now or never. Handling the work load well during the post-frosh week blues will make the mid-term blues less brutal.
The stress that school brings can make it harder to deal with personal problems. If you’re feeling anxious, want someone to talk to or need help but don’t know where to turn, you can visit the Dalhousie Counselling Services Centre on the fourth floor of the Student Union Building.
Homesickness might be kicking in at this point too. Long distance phone plans are truly beautiful and should be taken advantage of. Sometimes it can be hard to find a nicely priced plan, but there’s always Skype, MSN and web conversations to keep in touch with those far away loved ones.
Res rooms can be cold if you’re feeling homesick, so personalizing your room might make it feel more welcoming. Add some colour, cool gadgets or anything that reminds you of home.
Don’t be too attached to your old home, though. Explore your new one. Halifax has some amazing local bands and comedians. A walk along the harbour and downtown will give you a taste of this unique city.
And last but not least, Advil and Pepto usually fall in the post-frosh week category. Meet your new best friends. Just try and make a few real friends, too, and you’ll be set.
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