It’s that time of year when people around the world are starting to settle into the routine of their New Year’s resolutions- or, perhaps more likely, starting to break them. However, as college students, the start of a new semester often provides a more realistic opportunity to start working towards self-improvement. It’s time to move on from the results- good or bad- of the previous semester, and with a clean slate brainstorm some ways you can make this semester your best one yet. Here are ten ideas to help you get started:
1) Keep track of your spending.We all want to have fun and do things like eat dinners out, go to the movies, or buy cute new clothes for spring, but it’s all too easy to let the spending get out of control. This semester, try giving yourself a weekly or monthly budget, and keep track of how much money you’re spending on non-essentials. There are countless budget apps to help you with the process. Chances are, when you see everything your money is going towards, you’ll be inspired to indulge more carefully and save up for things that you hold to be truly important.
2) VolunteerIt may seem that between school, work, sports, or any other commitments that fill up your schedule that you have no time to spare, but giving back to the community can be truly rewarding for all involved. Find places to volunteer at Cal Lutheran’s Community Service Center. Upcoming events can be found by clicking here!
3) Read a book… not for a classAs you read this, your eyes are probably widening in shock at the idea of adding another book to that pile of textbooks looming over you, but reading for pleasure is often not only good for you, but fun. This semester, try just adding one book, something you’re truly interested in, to that stack, and see where it takes you.
4) Get OutsideWe live in beautiful Southern California, one of the best places to enjoy the outdoors. Whether you commit to simply studying out in Kingsmen Park more often, or take on the 52 Hike Challenge, get out there and breathe in some fresh air.
5) Attend Campus TalksCal Lutheran offers amazing opportunities to hear guest speakers talk and to join in important discussions, but often these opportunities get lost in our daily routine. Check out The Hub to see when speakers are coming, and write it into your schedule when you plan to attend.
6) Eat HealthierIt’s hard to commit to eating healthy on campus when the Commons offers unlimited French fries and ice cream, but this semester resolve to take advantage of Ullman’s healthier options, or cooking up something delicious on your own at home or in your dorm. In addition, don’t let eating be what gets cut out when your schedule starts to overwhelm. Even if you have to bring your textbooks into the Commons, eat something.
7) Join a new clubClubs are great communities, resume builders, and an awful lot of fun. The Spring Involvement Fair is on Tuesday, January 31st from 11:00-2:00 PM on Regals Way. If you can’t attend, check out the club directory for information on how to join.
8) Commit to excercising It’s the ultimate stereotypical New Year’s Resolution, known in particular for the short amount of time people usually stick with it. If you write into your schedule that you will go to the gym, or hike, or run, or any activity that gets your heart pumping, anyone can make this resolution stick. Entry to the Forrest Fitness Center is free for all Cal Lutheran students, so now is the time to take advantage of it and get in shape.
9) Organize your scheduleIf last semester involved a lot of remembering assignments due at 8 AM when it’s past midnight, resolve to write down all assignments and other commitments in advance. While it may seem tedious to sit down for an hour or more and write in your planner everything to expect for the semester, in the long run it will save you time and stress.
10) Explore SoCalPeople from around the world come to see sites such as Hollywood Boulevard, Venice Beach, the Getty Museum, Universal Studios… the list is endless. We’re lucky to have such incredible places to spend a Saturday at that are just a drive away. Try making a list of everything in the area you’d like to see in the next couple months, and you’re guaranteed to end the semester with tons of great memories.