It’s that time of year again and for many, a brand new year represents a brand new start. And for students, sometimes hitting the reset button is an absolute must.
So for all you students out there, we’ve compiled a short list of New Year’s resolutions to help you have an academically prosperous 2016!
- Get more sleep. Sleep is a beautiful thing. It’s a game changer and it’s a weapon. And to put it bluntly, lack of sleep can make you sick, overweight, and grumpy. More rest equals more energy and more energy means more productivity. Sleep-deprived students typically perform worse on attention, memory, and problem-solving tasks. Bottom line: Don’t let lack of sleep affect your academic performance.
- Make to-do lists. Creating a to-do list is creating a list of goals or tasks, and for many students, a to-do list is an excellent way to keep track of assignments, projects, study groups, and appointments. Not all to-do lists are created equal, however, and sometimes it takes a little trial and error to figure out how to best organize what needs accomplishing. Some students prefer to write down to-dos in a notebook while others use list management tools and apps to help them keep track of tasks. Whatever method you choose, to-do lists can help you prioritize more effectively. Tip: Put your energy into the two or three task that will really make a difference! Don’t overschedule yourself with too many obligations.
- Meet with your advisor. If you don’t have a meeting scheduled with your academic advisor, make one. Now is a good time to go over any questions you might have about your progress and your post-graduation goals. For online students, schedule a Skype meeting or a phone call. Advisors help students make informed choices about degree and graduation requirements so come prepared to ask questions and to discuss any concerns you might have.
- Read more. Boy, do I sound like a parent. But I CANNOT stress enough the importance of reading. It’s an investment in your future, and right now, we are reading less, especially teenagers and young adults. Reading keeps our brains fit and informed so take some time away from reading posts and tweets and read a book! Your brain, and your report card, will thank you.
- Don’t beat yourself up. Okay, so maybe last year wasn’t the best. Maybe you made choices you regret and that’s okay. A new year means a fresh start and the chance to get rid of all those bad habits that got in the way of reaching your goals. Being a student is fun and challenging, but it is often quite stressful! With a solid plan in place — and some help from your advisors, family, and friends – you’ll be in a great position to set and achieve any goals you set your mind to!