5 realistic New Year’s resolutions for students

With every new year comes a new resolution, for the most of us. However, sometimes we give ourselves resolutions that are simply unachievable, whether financially, logistically, or any other reason.

Setting goals for ourselves, at any age, is always important because it keeps our fire for ambition burning. When we’ve successfully achieved the goals that we’ve set for ourselves, it inspires us to continue aiming for things we once thought were impossible. This helps with our self-esteem and confidence levels too.

College is a good time to start setting goals, both academic and non-academic. So for 2019, try setting a new year’s resolution that is achievable and realistic instead of something extreme. Here are some ideas.

Live a healthier lifestyle

Source: Shutterstock

If you’ve been binging a bit too much on junk food or not hitting the gym as many times a week as you would like, try to live healthier this year.

College students are notorious for bad diets. The term ‘freshman fifteen’ – the theory that students tend to put on at least 15 pounds in their first year of college – is testament to this.

Although it may be a struggle for college students to eat well due to various reasons such as erratic timetables, inability to afford expensive groceries, and the temptation of cheap fast food, there are ways to live a healthier lifestyle as a college student.

These include eating more fruits and vegetables (buying seasonal produce can be cheaper), reducing intake of sugary drinks, drinking more water, getting more sleep, exercising more, and cooking at home instead of eating out.

Taking care of your health at a young age is important so you don’t suffer from ailments such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease later in life.

By making just a few small changes to your everyday routine, this resolution is easily attainable!

Make more time for family

Family time is important to develop strong ties and having a strong support system is good for your mental health and well-being.

College is a great time for making new friendships and developing relationships, but don’t forget your family. For international students, effort is needed to reconnect with family as you’re far away from them and can’t see them as often as every weekend or every semester break.

Use FaceTime, Skype, WhatsApp or whatever app required to call home at least once a week. Make some time to catch up not only with your parents but also your siblings and grandparents. They would love to hear from you and see how you’re doing!

If you’ve relatives who live in the same country you’re studying in, try to visit them on breaks. And when you’re home, spend as much precious time with your family members as you can.

Take up a new hobby

Source: Shutterstock

It’s important to develop new interests and hobbies in college, something fun and relaxing that you can look forward to when you need a break from studies and social obligations.

It’ll also give you some ‘me’ time or maybe a way for you to make new friends, depending on the hobby.

So whether it’s photography, painting, reading, hiking, knitting, or learning how to code, try taking up a hobby that you’ll enjoy doing this coming year.

2019 is the time to learn something new that you’ve always been wanting to. Again, make sure it’s something realistic!

Travel to somewhere new

Travelling during your college years is increasingly becoming more important and encouraged. The world is looking favourably at globally-minded people who’ve been exposed to international settings.

As an international student, you already have this covered, but are you really making use of your time abroad?

While it’s difficult to travel much when you’re busy with studies, use the breaks or long weekends to travel to somewhere new and exciting.

It doesn’t have to be an expensive trip as you can travel domestically on a budget by using trains, staying at an Airbnb, or even bunking with friends.

As long as you travel somewhere you’ve never been before and can collect new experiences, this resolution is easily achievable!

Do some good

Source: Shutterstock

Volunteer experience always looks good on a resume and it’s good for you too! Giving back or doing some charity brings more meaning to your life and motivate others to do good too.

Some easy ways you can do some charity as a college student are such as donating your old clothes and things to charity, volunteering your time to a soup kitchen or teaching underprivileged kids, and donating to a cause or local charity.

You can also check on campus if there are any volunteer or charitable opportunities you can get involved in. Many associations have fundraising activities or events for causes that you can volunteer your extra time for.

Doing some good is another great New Year’s resolution that’s easily achievable and it makes you a better person too!

Liked this? Then you’ll love…

9 types of New Year’s resolutions students made for 2018

10 New Year resolutions students will make (and typically break)