I feel kind of strange since there are no other messages, but here goes:  I just started school and already I am feeling overwhelmed. I have so much to read, memorize, understand. My boyfriend works, so when he is done for the day he wants to hang out. He does not understand that after classes, I have to study several hours each day, and I also have to study on weekends. I don't know how to get him to understand how much I have to do. Is anyone else in this same situation? Any suggestions for me?

Newbie: Welcome to Charleston and MUSC. I am a nurse who is attending the NP practitioner program, and, having gone through many years of school, I have picked up a couple of things along the way that might help:

First of all, you and your boyfriend need to have a serious chat. He needs to know, beyond a shadow of doubt, what your goals are and what it will take to achieve them. Over the next few years, you are going to have to sacrifice many of the things that you have been accustomed to, and that disruption can be stressful to both of you. You need to be honest and firm, letting him know that he can expect things to be tough, but that the sacrifice won't last forever, and that in the long run, it will be worth it to both of you.

On the flip side, he needs to the same. You need to know his goals, and what he has planned for the next few years. You may think that you know what he has planned, but believe me, he has a vision of the future as much as you do and it should be made clear.

Once you know these things about each other, see if these plans have some way of working together so that both of you achieve what you want to achieve and that no-one feels "out in the cold". You don't want resentment or hostility hovering around, for that will eventually affect both of you and wreck whatever plans you made.

Take the time to find some way he can fit in your plans. Although you will be studying quite a bit, you will still need to have time together. This will solidify your commitment to each other, and blow a little steam off, too.

Speaking of blowing off steam, make sure you take some time off for you, too. This means taking some time out for you and your thoughts. Whether it's listening to music, exercising or visiting a friend, you need to take some time out. Don't put this off until you can't stand it any more; do it regularly and plan it so that it doesn't interfere with you studies.

Consult the Learning Center for tips on studying, time mangement and reading help. Although you have a lot to do, knowing effective study skills, budgeting your time and how to read quickly and effectively, will be a great help.

Get enough sleep. Not four hours, not six; eight.

Eat well. Not Cheetos, not Coca Cola; eat like your mama taught you.

Keep in touch with your loved ones.

Finally, have some patience with yourself. Along the way, you will face a number of obstacles and potential set-backs. Learn to forgive yourself and take the knocks without them knocking you out. You are all you've got, and you have to be your own best friend. Remind yourself now and then of these things, and NEVER beat yourself up. You have to be good to yourself, and treat yourself right. Keep your chin up, your thoughts positive and hang in there....It's going to be all over soon, so you might as well have a good ride!

This is kind of weird...and I sometimes feel like I'm the only one with this problem, but I have been in Charleston since I started school a year ago. However, I feel out of place in my class and feel like I cannot relate to anyone as to becoming good friends with them. Maybe it might just be me, but I sometimes feel overwhelmed with all the studying that it is hard to make time for friends. I cannot study in groups, so I do all my studying alone, which makes it even harder. I feel like everyone has already found their group. It's really hard to join a group b/c it is hard to get them to call you when you were not in the group to begin with. Sometimes I feel like I just may not be that interesting enough for someone to want to be friends with me. I have hung out with people throughout the years, but I have not been able to make any best friends. What should I do?