Before global warming became part of our national consciousness, the Northwest Passage was used as a metaphor by some authors. It was the shortcut to dreams, even if there would be risks. Kenneth Roberts illustrated it, as he narrated the tale of a young man who hoped that the Franco-Indian War had a fast-track lane to his cherished dream of becoming a landscape artist. In this regard, college students could see the Internet as their savior. They would have less money, less time, and fewer buddies if they have limited access to the Net.
If you're resourceful enough, you know that there's no need to buy books from a local bookstore. Apart from the library, where titles from the list of your secondary reading can be found, the Net can provide you with copies of those must-read classics. If you're thinking of eBooks, then you still have lots of catching up. Check out Software4Students (among many other things). On the other hand, your other requirements might prompt you to buy some materials. Why not Google it first? There could be alternatives, which would enable you to spend more time in front of your laptop. You'll save more, but think about the rainy days ahead. You can put more effort on your other assignments, if not give you some ample time for your examination. You can use social media to find new friends ahead of Freshers Week.
It's clear to see that being technologically savvy goes a long way, but there will be bumps. It can be due to lack of time, even the pressure of the coursework. It can upset even the most patient students. (In other words, it happens to everyone.) You don't have to witness the fury of a volcanic eruption in your very own (student) hall if you the unwritten rules on the computer. No one is pulling a leg, as modern technology can help you make new friends sooner than later. Have a paper and pen on hand, if not your iPad, as you'll about to take note of the following.
A Shortcut to Western Civilization
It's software or Mother Nature. You might fancy the outdoors, as simple pleasure and adventure would give you lots of material for your first book. Keep in mind that there won't be a Starbucks in the middle of the desert. Netflix would be nonexistent in the northern parts. (You're not thinking of the Arctic region.) Consider yourself lucky (and privileged) to have a computer. All you need is a willingness to learn anything, everything.
Don't cry. Some college students are more at ease with the computer, and you happen not to be one of them. You're getting sensitive over this one, as you sense tears welling in your eyes. Save it for the paperwork, as you might need a miracle to beat the deadline.
You're not an idiot. Many college students aren't computer savvy. Yet. It should give you relief, but it doesn't mean that you must relax when you feel like it. Your professors would be infuriated at you if you miss those deadlines.
A short explanation will do. You rather answer a question about the authenticity of Shakespeare's plays, but you've been holding your gadget for too long. If you explain it, then keep those technical words to a minimum. The same rules apply to your technologically-challenged coursemates, as patience is required on this one. It also applies to you. (Think about your first lesson.)
Don't get hooked to the Internet. Social media is one way of communicating with your family and friends, but it doesn't guarantee lifelong friendship. There's no substitute to personal encounters, and tutoring can be one way of doing it. If it's your roommate you have in mind, then you can think of the dirty kitchen (in exchange).
Let's Get Down to Business
Arthur C. Clarke once quipped that any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic. You must learn in able to be proficient in a certain skill, if not an expert in a particular field. You won't suffer from information overload if you know what sites and app will help you bolster your grades.
If Microsoft Office doesn't excite you, then products like JourneyEd offers discounts. (Make sure that you won't go beyond your budget.) A del. icio. us account can assist you in bookmarking, which would come handy during those pressured moments. And you don't need to have a Facebook account to make new friends before the beginning of the term. You can look at your college's (Facebook) group page, and look at the members who happen to be your coursemates. They might have Twitter (or Instagram) accounts. You won't end up like a clueless journalist, but someone is pulling a leg.
Last but not the least, use your college email address for college-related matters. Your department might change it on a whim, so it will be better for your family and buddies to get in touch through your personal email address.
