<p>Madara, what do you want to know specifically? Days range from major to major, year to year. My second year I was in class 8-5:30 Tuesday and Thursdays, 10-5 Mondays Wednesdays, almost straight except around lunch time. Third year I wasn’t in class as much (or so it seemed) but I was studying/doing work almost constantly. Fourth year was back to a bit more classes, but lots of work outside on my capstone project and thesis.</p>
<p>I did have free time, I usually built in 2-3 hours or so each weekday to go to the gym, food shopping, eat, hang out with friends, watch TV, whatever. Weekends, I really tried to avoid doing serious work on Saturdays unless I absolutely had to, but instead knock out small things (like technically editing a paper, re-reading a chapter just for solidarity), or really stay away from school work entirely and take care of laundry or go do things around town. Sunday mornings were usually spent doing a few school things, then Sunday afternoon off, then Sunday late afternoon through night was back to the grind to prepare for the week</p>
<p>So, in short, life was busy, but I kept time for myself and other activities outside of school</p>
<p>This thread certainly has taken a weaving path, from printing to dining to day-in-the-life… It feeds my ADD well… :)</p>
<p>But, to bring it back in line with the original post: Other than laptop (+mouse, keyboard, etc.), and printer are there any “necessities” from a computing standpoint that students have found imperative? And, how about laptop locks - how important (and/or effective) are those to have (and what do they connect to in a typical room?). Thanks.</p>
<p>I’ll echo shoe, each semester has been different as far as schedule. By second year my son had at least three courses each semester that were only offered once/day. You build your schedule around these classes. Third semester Tuesdays were long days due to an evening lab. Thursdays were also often late also as one professor didn’t give tests in class, but had an evening time slot reserved for tests. You adjust your routine according to that semesters schedule. If you know you’re leaving your apt/dorm at 8am and won’t be back until 9pm, you plan to study in between classes and grab something to eat. There absolutely is no ‘typical’. It is important though to try to build a personal schedule each semester because time will get away from you. Those two free hours between class may seem really great to take a break, but they are also very productive to get hw done. You’ll figure out what works for you, but I’d advise against ‘winging it’.</p>
<p>Others may feel differently, but I don’t think a laptop lock is necessary and I know my son wouldn’t have used it (just asked him & he said he’s never seen anyone use one). I would be more concerned with cash, wallet, etc, and not make a habit of leaving them in plain sight or easily reached (i.e. top desk drawer). He has no problem leaving his computer out at the library for a couple of minutes if he’s going to use the restroom. If there’s not a lot of people around he might put it in his backpack but leave his backpack. Rather then purchase a lock, which doesn’t do any good when not in use, I would be more inclined to get lojack which is available through the student bookstore, 4yrs/$120. Just my 2cents.</p>
<p>Thanks blue. I guess my question on the lock was more towards whether or not it was important to have it in the dorm room since you’ll be leaving the laptop there unattended more than anywhere else - not at the library. See what your son’s feelings are about that.</p>
<p>Also, good to know about Lojack through the bookstore. I was looking at either that or Undercover, by Orbicule (for a Mac) which is a one time $39 fee for seemingly similar service to Lojack.</p>
<p>Sorry I wasn’t clear, that is his opinion overall, dorm or library. He felt very comfortable in his dorm. People typically leave things out and doors unlocked. If there’s concern locking the door adds security.</p>
<p>I used a laptop lock when I went to study alone. When I was people we just took turns watching stuff, it was really lowkey in the e-school. </p>
<p>Other stuff: Ethernet cord, USB stick(s), money on your CavAdv card for printing/shnacks, mouse/keyboard, monitor (if you want it), extra power cord (I found this super useful, one for my backpack, one for my room)</p>