We have to remember that after lazarus who knows how long they travelled until utopia- we have to fit the books in as well. We never find out WHY martha wants to become a doctor either.
As for all the time off- i spent a year out studying art and now am in uni doing an english degree and my brain is frazzled because i'm not used to it even though i have read all year, the techniques to work are like rusty wheels compared to the guys who have only had summer off.