There’s something about the beginning of a new year that makes you want to shed all of your old, terrible habits, and adopt new ones that will make your life better and easier. Or at least it makes you want to talk about all of the new things you’re going to do. This year, though, you really should attempt to follow your New Year’s resolutions for more than one whole week, especially if you’re a college student. When you’re in college, living in a squished dorm surrounded by your closest friends, it’s insanely easy to fall into patterns of unproductive behavior and while you should absolutely spend your college years having fun and making memories, you should also do things that will benefit you in the future.
Have a look at some of the resolutions, taking and sticking to which, will make your life far more better and graceful in the year 2016:
1. Try to Make a Friend in Every Class You Take :
This isn’t just to try and make new besties all over campus — though that possibility is an added bonus. Making at least one friend in each class is sort of like a backup plan. If you have a friend who you can text or message when you miss class or need help with an assignment, you’ll have a better chance of passing and/or not making a mistake. Plus, then you won’t have to reach out to your professor with every question you have, which will just make you look better.
2. Organize Your Dorm Room:
If you live in a dorm room, then you already know that it’s small and cramped, which doesn’t make for the best living situation. Over your winter break, try some ways to keep your room more organized and neat. It will make you feel less stressed to walk into a clean room after a day of classes, and it will also be easier to find items you need for class if they’re all in one place.
3.Stress Less about Finding a Relationship and Just Enjoy Yourself:
Of course, college is about learning, but it’s also a time when many people couple up. Some people go to college with the intention of just having fun; others go to college with the hopes of finding their one true love. I’m not going to tell you which is best for you, but what I will tell you is this: if you’re single, make it a point to make 2016 the year you’re not actively trying to find a significant other. Just enjoy yourself! If it happens, great. If it doesn’t, whatever.
4. Find an Internship :
Don’t wait until your senior year to start searching for an internship in your field of choice. Get one earlier than that, and try to get more than one throughout your time in school. Internships are so important for networking and gaining experience — if you don’t have at least one during college, chances are you’re going to have a harder time finding a full-time position.
5. Set Aside Time to Do the Reading:
I know it sounds so lame and everyone says it, but seriously… do the reading! It will make such a big difference on your grades! For 2016, vow to set aside at least an hour every night to read the assignments from your various classes. You’ll feel so much more caught up, which will make you feel less stressed, which will allow you to have a truly great weekend that doesn’t end in a Sunday night scrambling to get everything done.
6. Actually Make Time to Visit Your Friends from High School :
Whether you’re commuting or going away to college, make solid plans to visit your high school friends at their school — don’t just talk about it. It’s a really fun way to catch up with the people you miss, meet people you wouldn’t have otherwise, and do something different. Plus, your friend will love that you came to see them, and it’s nice to reconnect with someone who knew you when you were in high school.
7. Stop Using Your Bed as an Excuse to Miss Class :
Every college student misses class once in a while. But failing a course because you missed one too many classes is just a complete waste of money. Promise yourself that in 2016, you’ll stop telling yourself things like, “But it’s raining. I can’t go to class if it’s raining.” Just do it. Unless, you know, you want an extra semester of classes?
8. Take Advantage of Class Hours :
If you’re looking for a way to pass a class, this is it. Taking advantage of class hours is one of your best options when it comes to showing your professor that you care, and that you’re worthy of a passing grade. They’re also the best way to get the answers to any questions you might have. You don’t need to give up your social life to attend every session, but make an appearance once in a while.
9. Join any Club or Society or NGO :
If you’ve never joined a club or a group on campus, do it in 2015. It’s the perfect time to start! It will look good on your resume, but more importantly, it will be a way to get free snacks. Just kidding — it will also help you meet new people. (But really, free snacks.)
10. Stop Complaining About College :
Seriously, just stop. I realize that classes can be incredibly stressful, and that schoolwork with a job is really hard. But honestly, college is the best. Every graduate who is sitting through their full-time job counting down the hours to the weekend is jealous of you. Enjoy it while you’re there, and take advantage of every opportunity you have — it goes by too fast.