Each year the stereotypical New Year’s resolutions appear; the gyms are full and the leftover Christmas chocolate is locked away out of sight.
I think resolutions are great – there is always potential for improvement and change can be good! However, with the busy nature of university life, it can be hard to find the time to achieve your resolutions and disheartening if you fall short of your ambitions.
The new year brings its own challenges and changes for everyone. For students, the new year can come with new modules, assessments, friends, placements, pressures or opportunities – all of which can be both exciting and overwhelming.
So here is a list of resolutions that I think are important for student life and can be achieved on top of your hectic university schedule!
Tip 1: Join a society!
What better time to start than at the beginning of a semester? The University often hosts a ‘refreshers’ societies fair, where you can go and chat to members of different societies. You can also find information on the SU website to see what societies are about.
Joining a society was one of the best decisions I have made since starting university; as I’ve made friends for life whilst doing something I love. So why not give it a go too? I promise you won’t regret it.
Tip 2: Stop procrastinating!
Let’s be honest… No one enjoys writing essays or revising for exams. If you’re like me, you enjoy it even less when you’ve left it until the last minute. Being more organised and starting work earlier can make life much easier in the long run.
Don’t get me wrong, I’m not suggesting you should complete your coursework months in advance! However, writing 200 words a few days a week is a simple tactic that could a long way. You could even start a mini study group with plenty of snacks and friends to help you out.
Tip 3: Stop comparing yourself to others!
This is something I am 100% guilty of. At university, it can be difficult to remember that you’re doing your best and that is good enough.
It is so easy to compare things like your grades, your bank balance, your diet or your social life with your peers. Stopping this comparison is a resolution that requires nothing more than having faith in yourself and your own ability.
Tip 4: Seize the opportunity!
Our time at university is short, so it’s important to make the most of it while you can. One resolution to consider is saying ‘yes’ more often.
Personally, I am so glad I said yes to complete ‘Intervention Initiative’ training last semester. Your new opportunities could be anything, like joining a society, volunteering, making new friends or going to a revision session. Whatever you choose could be the thing you are most grateful for when you reflect on your time at university.
I hope this blog post gives you some ideas on positive changes you could make this year, or helps you realise you’re content as you are, without resolutions.
Happy New Year!
Meg x
Worcester Student Life 