I have been having the most difficult week, guys… In fact, I was having some serious issues deciding what to talk to you guys about this week. I am currently struggling with the stress of only having a few weeks left of my college career, the prospect of approaching finals, job interviews, and apartment hunting. All at the same time.
So how do I handle this insane amount of stress? I honestly have no idea how I manage my stress. But I must be doing something right. Other than my daily dose of happy pills, I think there are some great things out there allowing some of these tasks to be slightly less daunting.
Let my first write an intimate love letter to Google…
To My Dearest Google, Thank you for your Calendar application for both my phone and computer. You keep my schedule on track singlehandedly. You allow my life so much organization. And thank you for Street View. You have probably saved me from a stabbing or two while planning apartment visits. And I don’t even need to mention the numerous searches I’ve done on your magnificent platform for homework and essays.
Continue to be awesome.
-S
Another lovely little application I use is called Stickies. It’s like putting a sticky note on your laptop but without compromising the visibility of your screen. Basically you can make as many of these little squares and color code them to your liking. And the best part? You never lose them! They’re on your computer!
These two applications work magic in keeping my to-do list, apartment viewings, and job interviews in check!
Speaking of job interviews…
There are a TON of options when job searching! I literally put my resume out on so many platforms I can’t even remember their names. But Indeed has worked for me.
This site allows you to save your resume on the site and it basically applies to the jobs for you. With my busy schedule it is so nice to be able to just browse this site or the app on my phone and just press “Apply with Indeed Resume”. The other thing I really like about it is it doesn’t seem “serious”. The companies that use Indeed seem to have personalities. There is not a single dry listing on that site.
It couldn’t be any easier.
Now, my least favorite subject… APARTMENT HUNTING SUCKS!!!
This weekend my roommates and I are going to see at least five apartments. On top of the ones we have already viewed. So maybe we’ll be up to like 10 by Sunday night?
Dude, that’s a lot.
Having a budget has been so helpful though. I can’t imagine falling in love with an apartment and then being like, “Oh hey, I have no money!” I mean that’s pretty much happening now but with a budget. But Zillow really helps with our priorities. You can search based on price and neighborhood! Not just how many beds and baths you prefer in your NYC closet sized apartment.
Another great site we’ve used is Naked Apartments. There are always multiple realtors to contact for each listing. You definitely get a quicker response on this site than any of the others.
Just don’t wait to long to actually decide on an apartment or you’ll lose it!
So what have I learned this week?
1. Remain calm. The world may be falling down around you but everything really will work out in the end.
2. Get some sleep. The stress is not going to let you but your body is going to beg for it. Do everything you can to keep a normal(ish) sleep schedule.
3. The internet has all the answers. You can Google anything! And sometimes getting some stuff out of your brain and in front of your face can give some relief.
4. Apps can save you life. Yes, I know you have that Kim Kardashian game and Facebook. But there are so many helpful apps out there worth downloading. And they’re free!
5. Friends make things easier. As I always talk about, having a strong support system will keep you more sane than you could every imagine.