The beginning of the semester is a completely fresh start for freshmen, seniors and everyone in between. But for freshman, it’s a particularly good time to create some resolutions that’ll keep you grounded. You no longer have to stress about moving in, meeting new people at orientation, hating your roommate or getting lost on campus. All the stresses of first semester are over and you’re refreshed and ready to go after winter break. Here’s how to make the most of it.
Redecorate your dorm
While it may not sound like a resolution, it really is. You may have made a ton of Pinterest boards for dorm room ideas this past summer like me, but now you can’t look at that collage of all of your high school friends anymore. Instead, find some cool art and posters that express your interests more. Changing up the pictures, and even the lighting will make your room feel entirely new. If you love the décor you have going on, moving furniture around is another great way to start fresh! Given that your roommate agrees to it, you can switch sides, move your bed elsewhere, or even switch the direction in which you sleep. The fresh look will reflect your fresh new start to the semester.
Actually do the readings
I know, textbook reading is the last thing you want to do after a long day of classes, but getting it done as soon as possible will leave you feeling so much better. By not putting it off until the night before when you’re exhausted and resenting the fact that you were assigned it in the first place, you’ll actually understand what it was on and feel more engaged in class. If you don’t read it at all, sure you can just sit through class and bs it, but you’re paying for this education so you might as well take advantage of it and participate in class as much as you can. And hey, maybe you’ll actually learn something from the reading.
Go to the gym
Now that the gym is a pretty lengthy walk away, or at least lengthy according to Emerson standards, you get a nice warm up trekking through the cold. As annoying as it is to get to gym, working out will be entirely worth it. Nothing relieves stress more than aimlessly running on the elliptical machine for a half hour, blasting music and letting your mind wander. After an entire month of being home, getting back to school with roommates leaves you wanting your space again more than ever, and a nice workout by yourself, and for yourself, will really help you clear your mind and create that sense of space you need. Also, it’s really good for you. With all of the DH food I eat, going to the gym is the only thing that makes me feel better, even if it’s not to lose weight, but rather just to stay healthy and happy!
Treat yourself to brunch
It’s Boston. There are more brunch places than bars, and they are definitely worth the overpriced side of avocado toast that you ordered. As the meal plans are bought pretty early on in the semester, and you can’t, or don’t want to, change it, it’s only natural to want to get the most out of what you paid for. But eating on campus pays a toll on your health. Sometimes it’s just necessary to venture into the city and grab food or coffee somewhere other than Einstein’s or the Max. And if you’re leaving campus, why not head onto Newbury Street to try one of many brunch places, or walk down a little further to go to my personal favorite spot, Trident. It’s a bookstore and café all in one. Having eggs that are actually the right shade of yellow or crispy bacon will seem like a heavenly meal and a good break from on campus food. While most brunch places are pretty expensive for college students, your body will thank you for splurging on one good meal.
Have fun
Most importantly, have fun! Freshman year of college gives you an excuse to do just about anything. It’s before the stress of where to live arises, pre-talks about internships being a must this summer and before you have to start adulting for real. Of course school comes first, but don’t let it hold you back from going to that party on Saturday night. One of these spontaneous nights can be the setting for some of your best memories. College is all about creating new experiences and stepping out of your comfort zone, so don’t be afraid to try new things and let loose once in a while. As my uncle drunkenly repeated to me on Christmas Eve, “These are the best years of your life.” Freshman year is meant for you have fun and just enjoy the freedom you have.