The Iglu Guide | Blog
Top 5 New Year’s Resolutions for students in 2023
The trick to setting winnable New Year goals as a student is to make them actually achievable. Otherwise, you’re simply setting yourself up to fail. What student never wants to eat fast food again? Or watch endless YouTube reaction videos? Be realistic, think about what changes you genuinely want to make – and you’re on the road to success! Here’s 5 to get you started.
1. Develop a study plan
How many times have you heard the phrase, ‘It’s about studying smarter, not harder’? Well, there’s actually quite a bit of truth here. University students have a notorious reputation for being badly organised, cramming in study at the last minute and being in desperate need of deadline extensions when it comes to crunch time. If this isn’t you, congratulations, you’re doing an amazing job! If this rings more than a few bells, 2023 is the time to get organised. Set out a time management plan at the start of the year that takes into account your study load and everything you will need to do to achieve your learning goals. This will help you stay across your schedule, plan ahead and most importantly create time to complete assignments. Each semester you can break down your tasks into manageable chunks, so that it doesn’t become overwhelming or unmanageable at any point. Analyse your preferred working style to maximise your time, and make sure you take into account any commitments that you have outside of university such as clubs, exercise or work. This will help you understand if there are any scheduling changes that need to be made.
2. Practise healthy habits
As a student living independently, it might be the first time you’ve had to be responsible for your own diet, sleep patterns and exercise routine. The excitement of student accommodation and university living can often throw your usual routine out the window. Instead of being served up a nice home-cooked meal, you’re suddenly snacking on supermarket noodles at all times of night with nothing in the fridge that could pass for fresh food. If you’re dedicated to a solid 8 hours sleep and love to cook up a meal in your student accommodation every night, congratulations! You’re nailing it. If you’re that student who is unfamiliar with the kitchen and have permanent bags under your eyes – this is for you. Cutting short your sleep can lead to poor academic outcomes as your brain struggles to retain information. Commit to regular sleep and wake times, and avoid excessive screen time when you’re supposed to be nodding off. Try to avoid too much convenience food and include plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables in your daily diet. Don’t worry if you occasionally stray off this path, as long as it’s only a treat rather than a regular habit. Include exercise as part of your daily routine – even if it’s just a walk to and from university, and take advantage of any gyms on offer as part of your student accommodation.
3. Get networking
Student life can be a lot of fun, but it’s important not to lose sight of the fact that at some point it will come to an end. And real life will begin. For most students, that means getting a job – and it’s a whole lot easier if you already have some kind of network ready at your fingertips. Networking is a gradual process that can start well before graduation. It’s essentially about meeting and staying in touch with other students and professionals in your interest area. Networking in a student-based environment is a great way to help advance your career opportunities, build confidence and improve your interpersonal skills. Start by gathering any relevant information, attending job fairs and industry events and by setting up digital profiles on relevant platforms such as LinkedIn. Integrating with your student cohort is a great way to gain introductions to other like-minded students, meet new people and make useful contacts. Make an effort to attend any student social events that are on offer either through your university or through your student accommodation provider. You can also network informally thorough your professors, friends or family contacts. Make sure you follow up on any useful introductions straight away.
4. Learn something new
Ever feel like you’ve got the same boring old resumé as the next student? Learning something new or unusual is a great way to help you stand out from the crowd – and keep yourself motivated along the way. It could even be that talking point in a job interview that gets it over the line. Alternatively, it could just be a bit of fun and something different. Be careful not to make the mistake of trying to learn too many things at once. That’s a lot of time you probably don’t have, doing things that probably won’t be that useful – and you’re more likely to throw in the towel when it all gets too much. Instead, choose one or two activities to focus on that will keep you entertained. It might be the chance to finally learn those salsa steps you’ve been hankering after, or an opportunity to get creative. Whatever you choose, make it something you’ll enjoy and stick with it. The fact that you have spent your own time mastering a new skill shows commitment, perseverance and tenacity – whatever your choice!
5. Embrace sustainability
We all want to be eco-friendlier, but it can be difficult to find meaningful action that makes a difference in singularity. But actually, every student can play a role because never before has the individual had so much power. In the absence of significant government intervention or regulation, the consumer has a huge amount of influence in holding suppliers to account. You have the opportunity to make environmentally friendly choices with everything you buy, and know that you are only supporting businesses that prioritise the planet. From clothing and food through to energy and transport, we always have the chance to take the sustainable pathway.
- Walk or bike where possible to reduce emissions
- Avoid fast-fashion purchasing – use the ‘will I wear this 30 times’ rule
- Question where your product has been sourced from
- Choose local goods to support local businesses
- Keep your food miles as low as possible
- Eat plant-based food
- Reduce, reuse, recycle
