New Year, New Me (Hopefully)

Welcome Back U of T!  The turkey has all been eaten, the sidewalks are icy, and the bookstore is busy again. It’s the beginning of a new semester which means it’s a fresh start - a clean slate to leave the procrastination and bad habits of first semester behind! 

It’s funny how, as students, we get the chance to make “New Years Resolutions” twice a year - once in September, and once again in January. We’re driven by the belief that a new semester will actually change something - that it will actually be different. 

When in reality, it rarely is. 

This year however, I’m determined to break the trend. I’m saying goodbye to Wednesday night movie marathons and Canton Chilli VISA debt, and hello to setting morning alarms and using an agenda. 

Here’s how I’m planning to do it; 

1. Using an Agenda

I was an avid agenda user in high school and first year, so I don’t know why I dropped this habit. For me, writing everything out makes me retain it more and makes it seem more urgent than typing it into an app. 

Tip: I still love my to-do apps though! Wunderlist is my favourite for school, grocery lists, blog post ideas, and everything in between. 

2. Getting A Job

When I say first semester took everything out of me, my bank account is included. I’m hoping that by getting a job in January, and easing into the hours, I’ll have some time to adjust and potentially something I can keep through the summer!

Tip: If you’re also looking for a job, check out the Summer Job fair on Tuesday in Varsity Dome from 11am-3pm. 

3. Making a Routine 

My schedule is pretty inconsistent: some days I have to be up at 7:30, while others I can sleep in until noon. This semester I’m determined to make a routine of getting up and going to bed at the same time every day. Obviously exceptions will be made, but a regular sleep schedule dramatically increases the quality of your rest!

Tip: If your problem is getting out of bed in the morning - try this app which makes you get out of bed to turn it off! 

4. Attending More Events

Being a Community Crew member, and just a student at U of T, I see about a hundred cool event listings every day. Rarely however do I actually make the time to attend one of these events! Using the agenda tip above, and some wrought iron determination, I am making it my goal to do one new thing a week! 

Tip: If this sounds like something you’re interested in, join in on social media and use the hashtag #TryitUofT when you do something new on campus! 

So this is what I’m going to try to keep up this semester! I’m already one week in and feeling pretty good about it - but I would love if you could all help keep me on track by tweeting me @Rachael_UofT. Share your “New Semester Resolutions” with me and maybe we can help each other achieve our goals! 

For now U of T enjoy the beginning of a new semester, and stay warm!