The University of Vermont's Independent Voice Since 1883

The Vermont Cynic

The University of Vermont's Independent Voice Since 1883

The Vermont Cynic

The University of Vermont's Independent Voice Since 1883

The Vermont Cynic

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According to the University, students can expect about three hours of homework for every one hour spentin class. Yes three hours.The average student carries 15 credit hours. 15 x 3 = 45, and 45 (out of class hours per week) plus 15 (in classhours per week) = 60 hours. That is 60 hours per week devoted strictly to the academics listed on our student schedule. We all know life exists in countless more forms besides your student schedule. The average person is supposed to get eight hours of sleep each night. 8 x 7 = 56.This equals 116 hours each week devoted to your student schedule and sleeping. There are 168 hours in a week.That leaves the remaining 52 hours for the following… Eating healthy; which, as we all know, cannot be done conveniently on campus. There are probably a handful of school administrators dumb enough to think they have provided us with plentyof practical and healthy meal options, but we know otherwise. Eating healthy requires trips to the grocery store and time to cook.Exercising; if you don’t exercise you should not expect to be healthy. We (healthy human beings) need at least 30minutes of aerobic exercise four times a week. Some time in the weight room can’t hurt either. Seriously, it doesn’t hurt you, it’s good for you. Social life; no one ever told you that it was good for your mental health to go through life as a hermit and avoid social relationships. We are expected (and of course want) to maintain as many healthy and friendly relationships as possible, which require a lot of time and energy. This also includes maintaining healthyand happy family relationships. Academic extracurriculars tutoring, debate team, SGA, fraternity/sorority meetings, activist groups (these arehighly encouraged at UVM)… etc.Non-academic extracurriculars: Intramural sports, club sports, dance team A job: Unless you are lucky enough (strong emphasis on “lucky” here) to have your parents (or whoever) pay tuition, room and board, student fees and still put spending money in your pocket (for things like healthy food at a grocery store, and a few drinks now and again to take the edge off) you’re going to need a paying job.Extra sleep: I am one who needs a little bit more than the standard eight hours per night. Sleeping when you’re tired is an amazingly good feeling.Leisure activities: We belong to a culture; we have to participate. TV, skiing/snowboarding, movies, readingfor fun, volunteer work, attending guest lectures, concerts/events, smoking (we’veall seen what goes on outsidethe library); apparently it’s an important activity for students.Time to clear your head outside or at the waterfront or wherever, seeing the sights, fishing, listening to/making music, puzzles, working on cars or any other hobby in the world. The world is massive, everyone has their own calling/ activity that they love to spend their time doing. Test prep: Graduate school anyone?Sickness: The week is really going to suck if you are too ill to get out of bed. Good luck getting everything done.Sex: Let’s not kid ourselves on the subject. Safe sex is an extremely healthy activity; it’s like a free stress relieving drug, so enjoy it while you can.News/current events: We live in a democracy; it’s up to you to make informed decisions on government. There are many who argue that it’s your duty to participate in politics if you’re going to reap the benefits of living in a rich democracy. Extra credits; I can’t imagine the students that carry over 15 credits, but I know you’re out there.Getting ahead: It doesn’t seem possible, but some of you put in the work it takes to actually get out in front of things.I don’t know about you guys, but I’m finding it hard to keep up. I dread the email inbox; checking email is basically saying, “Ok, what did I forget to do this week?” I hate forgetting things.

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