1. Spending habits

"How in the world..."

These were my exact words as I checked my bank account after checking my bank account over Thanksgiving break. I thought that I'd alotted the perfect amount of money transferred that would take me through and leave me leftover after my first semester.

To my surprise, the $11 left in my bank account was quite the surprise. This semester, I never truly realized how much I was really spending. I was confused looking at the current balance because seriously...where did all of the money go? The most famous answer to this question continued with me. Food.

Despite my parents paying for my meal plan, I still found myself at Chipotle and other restaurants 2-3 times a week. This absolutely drained my bank account in the most unnecessary way. Although it was slightly heart-wrenching seeing my balance, I now know how to properly budget myself this time around. A big tip...Use your meal plan!!

2. Unhealthy habits

On those late nights studying until 1 am, what can be better than a snack...or two...I always found myself snacking even when I am really not that hungry. It truly helps the studying, but really is not the best move, especially in college.

Don't get me wrong, there is nothing wrong with a little snacking, but if it becomes as excessive as I was, I realized I definitely needed to make some changes. This semester I aim to put my snacks ABOVE my bed so I really can't reach them. This will help me in the long run for sure.

I also began to invest in Veggie Chips, a healthy snack that won't affect my health.

3. Taking care of myself

As a first-year freshman, there is nothing worse than managing your priorities. Between going out, hanging out with friends, doing school work, and taking care of yourself, there is nothing more difficult than keeping these things in check. I found myself sick throughout much of this semester with an ongoing cold, brought on by a lack of sleep and rest.

Here at Syracuse where many people find themselves going out every weekend, it is hard to resist the FOMO. I found myself in these situations almost every weekend, and it wasn't until my parents talked to me that I realized I had to make a change.

This upcoming semester I aim to manage my sleep schedule so I don't find myself in the situation being sick ALL THE TIME. I have already begun to implement this in my life and honestly, I am doing so much better already.