>>42732228
>couldn’t get a very high maximum weight so it felt like lifting nothing for the first 2 sets
That's fine, you're just starting out
>I did 3x8 (then 16 reps if a set was too easy)
Dumbass, that's just 5x8. Do either 3x8 or 5x5, and enjoy easy sets while they last. Don't worry about it being "too easy" unless you're not adding weight.
>don't have money to afford my own food right now
Understandable, but you gotta work with what you have. Make sure you're actually eating enough calories and make sure enough of those are from protein. Meat is best, but tons of food have decent protein, eggs are primo.
>sleep deprivation experiment
Jesus, are you that hard up for cash?
>don't know how to quantify
Keep track of sets and reps. Write it down somewhere. As for form, practice with as little weight as possible. Record a side view and watch it back to compare to guides and stuff. With rows and OHP, don't worry about how light the weight might be, focus on form. Those two are really easy to injure yourself with if you approach them like a retard. Your barbell SHOULD weigh 45 lbs, unless you have the other kind (I forget what it's called, but those weigh only ~25 lbs).

It honestly sounds like you might just have bad form on your deadlift. Do you do anything else for legs?

pic unrelated