New Year’s Resolutions for Incoming College Freshmen

The new year has finally arrived, and with it has come the time for new year’s resolutions. From healthier eating to more productive days, it may be difficult to know which resolution is right for you.

New Year’s Resolutions for Incoming College Freshmen

However, if you are a soon-to-be college student, look no further - here are some ideas that will help you not only prepare for the college experience, but also thrive once you begin your secondary education career.

1. Improve Your Study Habits

Studying may seem like a big part of your life now, but it may become an even bigger part once you enter college. Still, there are only so many hours in the day! How can you make sure that you still have time to pursue personal interests while in college? Work on developing more efficient, effective study habits, of course! Consider testing popular study styles, like the pomodoro method, or academic software and websites, like Anki. You should also take time to discover your personal preferences, like whether you prefer to study in quiet spaces or with music or whether you prefer to study alone or in a group

2. Prioritize Sleep

We all know that it’s harder to learn when you’re tired, so set yourself up for success in college by making sure you get those z’s. For some, sleeping in new situations can be difficult and may cause insomnia, but this can be eased with an established sleep schedule. By going to bed and waking up at the same time everyday, you can ensure that you will feel rested and minimize feelings of grogginess.

3. Stop Comparing Yourself to Others

Maybe you catch yourself wondering why you get lower grades than another student or can’t pick up new topics as quickly. We’ve all done it - the question is how to stop doing it. Comparing yourself to others can feel tiring and frustrating and can actually cause us to preform worse at school, but it can be difficult to stop. Consider thinking about what positive aspects you bring to the table and distancing yourself from spaces that make you feel inferior. You want to go into the next school year feeling confident and prepared, not doubting your abilities.

4. Try a New Hobby

For many, college is the first time in a student’s life when they can have true autonomy regarding their interests. Additionally, there are many clubs and organizations at colleges that most students did not have access to at their high school. As such, college is a great time to explore a new interest that you haven’t tried out before. It’s important to keep interests outside of academics to ensure that you do not get burnt out - this is a great way to do this! Make sure to attend your college’s organization information night to learn more about registered clubs and organizations on campus.

5. Spend More Time with Friends and Family

It might be your last chance to. The following year will likely be spent away from home with limited contact with friends and family back home, so make sure you spend the rest of your senior year remembering how much you love those around you. You’ll never regret choosing to invest your time in valuable relationships.

6. Make the Most of your Senior Year

You’ve heard it time and time again, but senior year really will fly by. For the last five months of your senior year, make sure you engage with other students, in class, and with clubs you may be a part of. As tempting as it might be, resist the urge to fall victim to a classic case of senioritis. After all, these months are the end of the first chapter in your life. Why not live them to the fullest?