International Students’ New Year’s Resolution: 30 Practical Ideas
So you must have been asked this question: “What’s your New Year’s Resolution?”
While some of you might have got your goals for the new year ahead already sorted, many of you don’t.
Your answer: Because I’m a student. Right!
No stress!
As always, we have got your back.
If you don’t have a new year’s resolution in place or even if you do, we’re sure you’ll find this quick guide to International Students’ New Year’s Resolution pretty handy with actionable tips included.
Let’s get in.
What is a New Year’s Resolution?
As the curtain falls on the previous year, many people, including students, reflect on life in that year. This includes their achievements, failures, learning and everything in between.
So at the end of the year or at the start of a new year, individuals make new goals, promises to themselves for improving their life in some way, shape or form. This is known as New Year’s Resolution.
This could be in various parts of an individual’s life, including:
- Academic
- Relationships
- Finances
- Career
- Health
- And many more
Can someone else actually make a resolution for me?
The answer is No. But!
If you are unsure and need help, then you can certainly consult with a career coach or seek help from someone who has got more experience than you to help you with goals.
But eventually, you will need to sit and put them together. After all, they are your goals.
That’s why we are creating this guide, based on the ideas of our team members who were international students once upon a time. They have seen it all before you.
And the ideas are quite relevant to the international student’s life in Australia.
This can help you with your own resolutions.
Now let’s get into the resolution thingy.
International Students New Year’s Resolution Ideas
We have divided these resolutions into various categories and chosen our Top 3 in each of these categories.
1. Resolution: I will build my network
Resolution Type: Career
- I will meet at least 5 new people in person each week and try to exchange details for further professional interactions.
- I will be proactively looking to build my network on LinkedIn by connecting with 5 people each week.
- I will attend all the networking events organised by my university/institute
2. Resolution: I will invest in myself
Resolution Type: Professional Development
- I will undertake at least 3 short courses or certifications that will help improve my skills or knowledge during the year.
- I will get a mentor in my field of study to help me progress in my chosen career.
- I will start writing a journal every day of my life. I will write about my achievements, failures and learning each day.
- I will improve my time management to balance work, study and life balance.
- I will learn to build a strong portfolio and resume for my career
Tip: Get a free time management template from here.
3. Resolution: I will look after my health
Resolution Type: Health
- I will stop eating instant noodles or instant unhealthy food.
- I will go for a run for 20 minutes at least 4 times each week.
- I will sleep for 7 to 8 hours each night (no more or less).
- I will schedule regular health check ups (at least once every 6 months)
- I will priortise mental health and seek support when required
4. Resolution: I will learn more this year
Resolution Type: Academic
- I will study to learn, not to just get a degree
- I will ask 1 question at the end of each class from my teachers
- I will study 1 hour each day regardless of if there are any exams or assignments.
- I will have at least 95% attendance in each term
5. Resolution: I will manage my money well
Resolution Type: Financial Management
- I will not be doing an impulse buying of any items.
- I will find a job that pays me more than my current one (or ask for a pay rise).
- I will create a budget for the month and stick to it.
- I will seek to learn more about financial management during the year.
Tip: Get a free budgeting spreadsheet or budget planner from here.
6. Resolution: I will control my social media cravings
Resolution Type: Digital Detox
- I will not use my mobile phone in the toilet.
- I will not do mindless scrolling of the social media feeds.
- I will switch off my phone before sleeping and will buy a small alarm clock.
7. Resolution: I will build healthy relationships
Resolution Type: Relationships
- I will be calling my family or friends overseas at least once per week.
- I will listen to others before speaking or giving my opinions
- I will get rid of all the toxic relationships from my life
8. Resolution: I will help others
Resolution Type: Cultural Integration
- I will volunteer once a month at a local charity or volunteer organisation
- I will help one random person each month (either donation, food or just help in lifting bags for elderly people)
- I will help my fellow students if they are stuck with study queries.
Tip: Don’t give your assignments to others at any cost. We explained that here.
Final Words
Now these resolutions are no way set in stone. Which means you are free to choose the ones that are relevant to your life (or may be all).
We hope that these resolution ideas gave you enough to think about your own personal resolutions for the year. (We don’t mind if you want to copy some of these for yourself).
We suggest you sit down, and analyse it for yourself and make your own resolutions.
Wishing you all the very best for the new year.
