It's the first week of my semester, and I already think this is one of the most stressful periods of my life. I have hardly any leisure time at all, although I'm getting enough sleep (if only because that when I get back to my room I'm so exhausted that I fall asleep easily.

I am taking two classes this semester, Structure of Stars and Introduction to Relativity, as well as my semester project. I am finding it difficult to adjust to the academic system here. Back in the UK I could just goof off for most of the year and then cram for a month before the exams, whereas now I have to keep on top of my weekly homeworks, which being in Princeton are quite difficult. I generally have a low attention span, so it's difficult to make the odd hour or two to be productive towards my homework, whereas in London I could take a couple of hours to get warmed up when while cramming, and then put in a few more hours at high productivity.

I was warned some time ago that Princeton would be a high-pressure environment for me, and I have already found this to be true. This isn't because there is anyone breathing down my neck, but simply because I am constantly getting the feeling that I am the dumbest person in the building, and I have to work like crazy just to keep pace. On the bright side, it's making very humble indeed and forcing me to focus on the joy of learning. On the other hand, I wish the joy of learning didn't have to involve working on Friday nights.

It's only the first week, so hopefully I'll be able to get settled down into the routine ....