New Year, New Me? 7 Most Popular Student Resolutions for 2023

How many times have you made a New Year’s resolution in the new year only to let it fizzle out and die within a month or two? Don’t fret! It happens to the best of us. Student resolutions are often easy to make but can be hard to follow through with during the year. Are you ready to change that?

Choose a resolution that will better your life as a student. You’ll be more invested in the change and will be more inclined to stick it out. If you’re not sure what that means, then browse this list of common student resolutions along with tips that will encourage you to commit to them.

1. Improve Grades

There are almost always student support and tutoring services available at colleges and universities to help you manage your academics. If you need study tips, drop-in services, and study groups to make a difference and lift your average, find out what your school offers and take advantage.

Sometimes improving your grades merely requires a better system. Invest in a good planner and use it. Dedicate blocks of time for studying or readings during your week and follow through with your plans. Study, focus, and make it happen!

2. Work on Health and Fitness

Your tuition usually includes attendance fees for your school’s fitness facility. Take advantage of it since you’re paying for it anyway and create a fitness/nutrition plan that works for you. Don’t forget to also focus on your mental health. A lot of times, mental well-being is placed on the back burner to make room for assignments, essays, group projects, presentations, readings, and exams… (sound familiar?) but it’s important, so make your mental health a priority. Check into counselling and other student services offered by your school if it will help.

3. Get More Sleep

I think we can all relate to this one. Sleep quality and the number of hours we get each night can make all the difference when it comes to alertness and our energy level. A better night’s rest will help you combat addictions to coffee and energy drinks (so you can save money) and will generally leave you feeling rejuvenated.

4. Make More Money

What you should really be asking is, “How do I budget?” Develop a reasonable monthly budget to use for textbooks, food, tuition, entertainment, rent, and savings and stick to it. Apply for bursaries and scholarships (you’d be surprised how many people don’t do this). If you need a little more assistance, consider a part-time job and contact your school’s career services office for on-campus opportunities. Also check out: 4 Types Of Financial Aid Students Can Count On for more information.

5. Find Some Balance

Learn how to balance the chaos of school with friends, fitness, and downtime. Yes, it’s possible. No, don’t argue with me. Use a planner to make your life easier by scheduling time for studying, entertainment, physical activity, and yes, even your social life. Balancing everything in your life will leave you feeling more energized and positive, so you’re less likely to procrastinate when it comes to working.

6. Gain New Skills

Why not try something completely new? Is there a club you’ve been thinking about joining or an elective course you’re not sure about enrolling in (but seems interesting)? Jump in and just do it as Nike advises.

1. You’ll learn something new.
2. You’ll make more connections and build relationships with people.
3. You might inherit new skills that could inadvertently land you a job.
4. What do you have to lose?

7. Plan for the Future

What do you want to be when you grow up? This question was so common when we were kids, but that doesn’t mean you have to stop asking it once you reach post-secondary school. There’s a broad range of jobs available that we discover as we continue our education. Keep asking yourself, “what do I want to be when I grow up?” to figure out what you want to do for the rest of your life.

You’re constantly being reminded that what you do today can affect your future and what you want to do. Take a moment to evaluate your current relationships and determine whether they can assist you in some capacity or (to be blunt) if they are simply holding you back.

Consider applying for part-time jobs that are related to the field you intend to pursue once you are out of school. Student support and advising are often available at college and university, so take advantage of them to figure out your next steps after graduation.

2023 is a new year. This is a new beginning and a fresh start for some, but it can also mean improving something in your life. So, set a new goal for yourself and make your New Year’s student resolutions count.