How I would have done Jules' storyline this season.
(Okay, I didn't think too much about this, it was just something that crossed my mind and I decided to share it here, so it's not going to be the most structured thing in the world. And English is not my first language, so please excuse any grammatical errors.)
Anyway, one of the things I didn't like about the second season was how they left Jules with nothing to do, and the same thing is happening in the third season, but worse. That's why I would try to get Jules directly involved with the main plot, or at least part of it.
First, I would get rid of this sugar baby storyline, because it's not going anywhere. I feel like in the first episode Rue should tell us that Jules was in art school, but decided to drop out because it wasn't what she imagined it would be. To exemplify, there could be a scene where the teacher asks for a painting based on "A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte," and then Jules would make that painting full of dicks. This would make much more sense than that nonsensical scene in episode 4, because nude painting wouldn't be a problem in art school, so the teacher's dislike of Jules' painting could be related to transphobia.
Beyond that, Jules started reflecting on how difficult it is to make money as an artist (especially a painter) nowadays, so she decided to look for a job, and got one at the mall. She doesn't LIKE her job, but it pays her bills for now.
Basically I want Rue to run into Jules at the mall in episode 2. Because then they'll bond over their miserable lives!!!!!!!!!! The episode could end with Jules offering Rue a place to stay in her not-so-fancy apartment, so Rue doesn't have to sleep on Lexi's couch.
For the rest of the season, since the two of them are living together, they'll be like a dynamic duo. This would also connect Jules with the others. Rue would eventually tell Jules about her problems with Alamo, Laurie, and the police, and Jules would end up getting involved somehow.
Anyway, I don't know how to elaborate further, but it's better than nothing (which is what we're getting).