New Years Resolutions and Preparations for USC Students

by Ela Rybak ‘25

As December and Spotify Wraps start rolling out, people start talking about their New Year’s resolutions. Commonly, these resolutions focus on diets or exercise. Although these are both great resolutions, I have formulated a list of more college-related resolutions for the 2024 New Year if you’re looking to establish some better habits for the spring semester!

Get More Sleep

Since college students are busy with school, work, and social activities, sleep can fall by the wayside. However, sleep is extremely important for your mental and physical health! Without a good night’s sleep of 7-9 hours a night, simple tasks can seem impossible to finish since you do not have enough energy throughout the day. Try to manage activities during the day so work is done at a reasonable time, especially if you need to wake up early the next day. Also, if falling or staying asleep is an issue, check out the Aura app, which offers many different natural methods to help fall asleep.

Balance Work and Fun

In college, it is especially important to balance work with fun. It can be easy to become overwhelmed with work or only focus on fun, but it is best for you and your mental health when you have both! Sometimes, I find myself engulfed in homework to the point where going out seems stressful, but as soon as I go out with my friends, I feel energized and much better than when I was only focusing on my school work. Plus, USC and DTLA have many fun restaurants and activities nearby for you to try out with friends when you need a break from schoolwork. Take a look at some of the other blogs for ideas on this!

Attend a Networking Event

Networking events are a great way to meet peers and professionals in your desired industry. Fortunately, USC offers several opportunities for you to attend networking events and learn more about the professional industry you plan on pursuing. Whether you are networking as a student looking for an internship or full-time job, 2024 is the perfect time to start!

Eat Fruits & Veggies at Least Once a Day!

Lastly, as college students, it can be difficult to make sure to eat fruits and vegetables since it is easier to find protein and starches in the dining halls and at fast food places. Therefore, a great New Year’s resolution involves buying ready-to-eat fruit and vegetables at a grocery store like Trader Joe’s. For example, Trader Joe’s sells freeze-dried fruit and packs of vegetables that have been washed and cut to make this easier.

Create Personalized Spotify or Apple Music Playlists

Music is one of the most powerful ways of expressing yourself, which is why people often have their earbuds in around campus or spend their weekends at concerts. Therefore, a great way to enhance your mental health in 2024 is to make an organized set of playlists on your preferred music streaming platform that correlates with your favorite genres and common moods. Not only is this a fun activity, but it also enables you to grow your knowledge of the different genres of music.

Design a Vision Board

This one is simple and cute! Creating a vision board for your future on an app like Pinterest enables you to plan out your future and set goals for yourself in a fun way. This can be a great addition to your 2024, especially if you love to dream about your future life!

Creating New Year’s resolutions is a great way to prioritize your mental and physical health, so it is important to take advantage of them! Have an amazing winter break, Trojans!

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