<p>Well, I live on the west coast, and I'm trying to sort everything out as early as possible so as to avoid kinks later and I was just thinking about the time difference that there is between here and there, and I was wondering: should I try to prep myself for the time change beforehand, like waking up early every day for the week before, or should I just wait until I get there and get as much sleep as possible the week before? I'm not really sure which would be a better idea. I know several people mentioned that before R-day people should change sleep hours, but since it's only a week...? Anyway, just hoping for advice. Thanks guys.</p>
<p>I know you're excited but you are seriously worrying too much. Its what a three hour time difference. When its that many hours I really wouldnt bother changing anything. Just get a good nights sleep before you leave and you'll survive.</p>
<p>The only problem is that we wake up at what, 5:45 each morning at SLS? That's 2:45 where I am... a bit earlier than I'm used to. I just don't want to be exhausted when I'm trying to enjoy the seminars, and want to make sure I can pass CFA. I want to be able to enjoy the entire week, not wish I could get more sleep (there'll be enough of that when I'm actually a cadet).</p>
<p>I wouldn't worry about it. You don't wake up at 5:45. It's more like 6:00.</p>
<p>Oh, well... if it's only 3:00, then what do I have to worry about? :)</p>
<p>I'm from the west coast and I attended SLS last summer. The time difference really isn't that big of an issue. You should be able to adjust quite easily. Enjoy your sleep! :)</p>
<p>Actually, I think it's not a bad idea to begin an adjustment a day or two early. You know if you're the kind of person who may have a minor challenge with time changes/jet lag. If that's the case, then you are correct to consider spending the day or two getting used to the difference. I recall hearing that it was tough for some of the West Coast participants. It sounds like a good plan especially if you think it will make you more comfortable during the week. Enjoy!</p>
<p>Don't be surprised if you get extremely tired at some point during the week, whether you prepare or not. I'm in the same time zone as WP, but you are so alert for those first few days that I was mentally exhausted by day six. It didn't last long though, so just try and shake it off when it hits.</p>
<p>go out three days early. When traveling internationally, it usually takes me one day for every time zone to recover especially traveling from West to East. I usually, don't have a problem between coasts. Just get out there a couple of days early and see NY. Think about it as tapering for a marathon.</p>
<p>That is definately something to consider, and would be cool too so I could maybe go into NYC for a day or something. That may be a good idea. The only problem is the extra cost of a hotel room, etc (unless West Point will put me up in an empty barracks for a couple nights). I need to call the admissions office this week to clarify some things about where I can stay beforehand. If I can, I'd like to avoid a hotel cost. Even if they'd just give me a floor to crash on (I can bring a sleeping bag). Thanks for the advice everyone.</p>
<p>They will not let you sleep on the floor and there are no empty barracks...accountability...they don't want people on Post in facilities without supervision. If you choose to go early, you'll have to find your own accommodations until time to report for SLS.</p>
<p>You might want to re-think even asking to hang out a day early....that might be a clear signal to Admissions that you don't really understand West Point is a military installation. </p>
<p>The early wake-up/jet lag concern will also exist for R Day and in fact, for cadets returning from leave. Some, for R Day, choose to come in a day or so early and stay locally in a hotel. Cadet Candidates will be coming in from all over the world, to include Europe and the Pacific. You simply need to decide if it's worth the extra hotel expense or just want to try to adjust a bit at home before travel.</p>
<p>No, of course it's worth the hotel expense, my family just doesn't have much money and this trip is already costing us a bunch of money. If I can alleviate some of the financial stress for my parents then I want to do whatever I can.</p>
<p>Trust me, I want more than anything to just be able to throw money wherever I want, but unfortunately that isn't how the world works, at least not for me.</p>
<p>Hey DUDE. Three hours is nothing.. every time i fly back to the states i have to get over a 14 1/2 hour time difference, not to mention the 17+ hours flight and transit time. I dont think you have much to worry about coming from the west coast.</p>
<p>DUDE you are SO hardcore!</p>
<p>wpwannabe, </p>
<p>If all you need is a place to sleep, think about staying at one of the many hostels in NYC. They are cheap, and it will be something not everyone will have done.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.hinewyork.org/%5B/url%5D">http://www.hinewyork.org/</a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.hostels.com/en/us.ny.ny.html%5B/url%5D">http://www.hostels.com/en/us.ny.ny.html</a></p>
<p>DUDE! I must admit rajben26 is probably the most hardcore cadet I have ever heard of!!! That is insane he is THAT hardcore!</p>