Top 5 New Year’s Resolutions for College and University Students

They say times of transition are the best opportunities to ditch old habits. This is especially true for college and university students.

With 2011 in your rear-view mirror, here are 5 easy places you can try to improve yourself in 2012.

1) Sleep Habits

Improving how you sleep can also curve your addiction to energy drinks and coffee, so, you know, two birds with one stone.

There are a dozen ways to sleep better a night: get more exercise, resolve to do more during the day, get rid of your afternoon nap. Whatever you do, your body will thank you.

2) Ditch Bad Study Habits

This can mean everything from where you study, to who you study with.

If you found yourself distracted by the foot traffic in the library, try somewhere new to study.

If you study with your BFF, but you’re seeing more Fs than Bs, maybe find someone who will help you focus.

3) Be Less Social on Social Media

Do you reach for your phone every time a social notification buzzes it? Knock it off, you’re supposed to be studying.

You don’t have to go cold turkey. Just use it as a reward system. Tell yourself, “Don’t answer IMs until you’ve read 2 pages.” Then make it 3 pages, then 4.

4) Work/Play Balance

Be strict about scheduling social and leisure time for yourself. And stick to it!

This will not only help you recharge and rest, it will also help you work. If you know you only have 2 hours to study (vs. an indeterminate time), you’re less likely to goof off or procrastinate.

5) Diet and Exercise

I saved this for last, because it’s the most talked about, yet least acted on New Year’s resolution. They say it’s hard to start, but easy to maintain. But, so many students don’t even get to the starting blocks.

Double your chances by teaming up with someone. You can pick a friend who has similar ambitions and keep each other motivated. Or, you can pick someone that you know goes to the gym a lot and ask them to tag along. Check out the student guide to staying fit for more tips.