New Year's Resolutions: Do They Really Work for College Students?

The mix of a new semester, fresh goals, and that collective “New Year, New Me” energy can feel both inspiring and overwhelming. Should you jump on the resolutions bandwagon, or are they just another thing to stress over? Let’s break down the pros and cons of New Year’s resolutions for college students, along with tips to make them work (if you decide they’re worth it).

1. A Natural Reset Button: January 1 feels like a fresh page, and for college students, it lines up perfectly with a new semester. It’s the ideal time to recalibrate—whether you’re looking to build better study habits, join that intramural volleyball team, or finally tackle that never-ending to-do list.
2. Growth Is Part of College Life: Resolutions can be a tool to push yourself outside your comfort zone. College is all about evolving—whether it’s academically, socially, or personally—and setting goals can help you navigate that journey intentionally.
3. Motivation to Improve: There’s something satisfying about setting a goal and actually sticking to it. Resolutions can give you the structure to take small steps toward becoming the version of yourself you want to be.

1. Unrealistic Goals Lead to Burnout: We’ve all been there—setting a goal like “I’ll study three hours every night” or “I’ll work out daily” only to abandon it by February. Resolutions often fail because they’re too ambitious or don’t account for the realities of college life.
2. Added Pressure = Unnecessary Stress: Between assignments, part-time jobs, and social commitments, the last thing you need is the added weight of resolutions that feel more like chores. Nobody needs that kind of energy.
3. The All-or-Nothing Mentality: Messing up one day doesn’t mean your goal is a failure, but resolutions can make it feel that way. This “go big or go home” mindset often does more harm than good.

If you decide to set resolutions this year, here’s how to keep them low-stress and manageable:

• Start Small: Instead of “get straight As,” aim for “review notes after every lecture.” Small, consistent actions lead to big results.
• Focus on Habits, Not Outcomes: Goals like “spend 10 minutes stretching daily” are easier to stick to than vague aspirations like “get in shape.”
• Embrace Flexibility: Life happens, and that’s okay. If your goal feels too rigid, tweak it as you go.
• Celebrate Wins—Big and Small: Did you hit the gym once this week instead of twice? That’s still progress. Acknowledge your efforts without beating yourself up.

New Year’s resolutions aren’t a one-size-fits-all solution. For some, they’re a great way to set intentions and kickstart change. For others, they feel like unnecessary pressure. The trick is figuring out what works for you—whether it’s a formal list of goals, a focus on small habits, or simply giving yourself permission to grow at your own pace.

College is about learning, growing, and figuring things out (sometimes the hard way). Resolutions can be a helpful part of that process, but they’re not the only way to thrive. Whether you dive into 2025 with a list of goals or just a general vibe of self-improvement, remember that every day—not just January 1—is a chance to start fresh.