10 College Student New Year Resolutions

With the holiday season comes a lot of fun and festive activities. From parades and light shows, to playing in the snow, to experiencing the joys of Christmas time as a whole, winter can be the most enjoyable time of year. However, the willingness to venture out and take advantage of holiday festivities greatly dwindles over winter break.

Imagine it's the last day of finals. Regardless of how well you did on all of your exams, nothing beats your eagerness to get away from academics for a month or two. This is the time of year when you actually have time to do all of the time things you said you were going to do for the past few years, but you kept getting caught up in work and school. Maybe you even just got caught up in savoring the minimal break time you did have and used it to do literally nothing.

At the end of the semester, it is typical to plan a whole heap of crafting and adventure. A list of other college student resolutions includes, and may not be limited to:

1. Eating healthier.

And when I say healthier, I mean having a more balanced diet.

All semester, you've been living off of fast food, late lunches, and snacks (with the occasional small breakfast when you wake up and the massive dinner at night). The few genuine meals here and there don't really count for much in the long run when you only had time to sneak a few bites throughout the hectic past four months. You either don't eat for hours, or you binge, and there is no in between. College students will take any food offerings and don't take it lightly when said food is unaccounted for.

2. Visiting family and hang out with friends more.

Especially the ones you have been ignoring so that you could stay focused on classes. This doesn't really include the time you spend with your close family and the time you spend at school with friends that share your major. Have sleepovers and have fun at Christmas and New Year parties.

3. Taking up a new hobby or continuing a neglected one.

There are plenty of DIY ideas online (i.e. learn how to knit or make cheap holiday decor that probably looked better in the picture than your final result, but at least you tried). Remember that art project that's been sitting half-finished in your closet since you graduated high school? Well, you supposedly have time to finish it now.

4. Studying harder.

Hey, you just got away from an extensive couple weeks of studying, but maybe the motivation to study could be greater while you're not being graded. No stress, right?

5. Reading, writing, and watching.

Buy a new book or jump right back into that series that's been sitting on your shelf. Go out and watch that show or movie you have been wanting to see since it came out in theaters in 2009.

6. Applying for jobs and scholarships.

Build a resume, and if you feel something is lacking, then aim to improve.

7. Quitting a bad habit.

Like procrastinating... or crystal meth.

Let's be honest though; once a procrastinator, always a procrastinator.

8. Being more active.

Other than frantically walking or running across campus and up the stairs, you've probably had minimal exercise this semester. Instead of practically jazz-running around the school, try going to a nature trail and taking a leisurely walk or jog.

9. Planning ahead.

Maybe you're already planning for next semester or the rest of your life in general. Either way, planning as early as possible gives a lot of leeway and free time. Anything to avoid that end of the semester time-crunch situation again.

10. And finally, catch up on rest.

Remember all of those naps you said you would take but you ended up staying up and binge-watching Supernatural? Well, me, too. Here's to all of that sleep you sacrificed this semester.

Happy Holidays!