Just “Say No” to New Year’s Resolutions
I do not care what anyone else says. New Year’s resolutions
DO NOT WORK. Think about it. When was the last time you RESOLVED to do something
for the new year and never did? For me, it was this past year and then the year
before that, ad nauseam. And you are probably no different. So, forget
resolutions.
Instead, why not make a list of things that you CHOOSE to do
(or not do) over just the next semester? At first glance, this may appear to be
just like New Year’s resolutions, but when you CHOOSE to do something as
opposed to FORCING yourself to do it, it makes all the difference in the world.
Here is my list of 5 things for college students NOT to do
for next semester. Feel free to add to it or delete things as you see fit.
Top 5 Things NOT to
Do Next Semester
Enroll only in
classes that sound fun. Beyond the dating scene and occasional parties in
between study breaks (yeah, right), a big part of your college experience is to
graduate. That means taking classes that are REQUIRED for your major, and may
not be what you consider most “enjoyable.”
Give in to spring
fever (for the entire quarter). This may be hard to swallow, but here it
is: when the sun is shining outside, you do not have to skip every single class
that day. Go ahead, when you have worked hard, give yourself a break. But do
not go overboard. For those of you who belong to that fraternity with the pool,
I understand how tempting it is to spend day after day in vacation mode, where
“work” involves opening your eyes to check your burn factor.
Study when you feel
like it. This relates to the spring fever item above. It goes without
saying that good grades are important. Well, good grades do not appear
magically as if by osmosis. Once you have registered for classes, set up a
study schedule. Be reasonable with your time and stick to it. You will see the
results if you persist.
Do your laundry once
a term, when you return home. Mom and dad love it when you visit, no doubt.
But, when you greet them with your basket of forlorn underwear and party
clothes, love may only go so far. So do it yourself, at least monthly. Your
roommate will appreciate it, and just think of the money you will save on air
fresheners.
Blow your student
loan money before spring break. Or for spring break. Be wise by formulating
a spending plan if you have not done so already, and yes, here it is again:
stick with it. That way you will have plenty of funds to get you through the
semester, and you can avoid calling home begging for money when you are out of
cash.
You will always have a handful of
wonderful memories from your college years, including the challenging two weeks
you spend at home during the holidays, living with mom and dad again. Wherever
you go to school, you probably could not have gotten through without a student
loan.
The Education Finance Advisors at NextStudent can help you
figure in all your college expenses so that you get the student loan that best
suits your needs. Don’t get caught short. Go to www.nextstudent.com for all your student
loan needs.
Check back here next Friday for my next blog on Campus Life.
Student Loan Girl