Make some new semester resolutions
OK, so making resolutions is typically reserved for New Year's, but why not buck the trend and make some new semester resolutions instead? The beginning of the academic year is the perfect time to either break some bad habits you developed in your freshman year or start your student life on the right track. Here's a few to get you started:
• Eat better: Sure, it's tempting to binge on pizza when you're putting together that presentation for your accounting classes, especially if you can order online. But wait! Before you pick up that phone - or tablet - really think about what you're doing. As the expression goes, "You are what you eat."
Constantly eating foods that are high in sugar, fat and carbohydrates will make you feel tired and could eventually jeopardize your health. Why not resolve to cut down on the fatty fast food and choose something healthier? You might even find your grades and attention span improve as a result.
• Stop procrastinating: In the words of the third President of the U.S., Thomas Jefferson, "Don't put off until tomorrow what can be accomplished today." Jefferson was renowned for his wisdom, and this little tidbit of advice is one of his best.
Nobody's saying you shouldn't have a good time when you're in college - after all, kicking back and blowing off some steam is an essential part of student life - but make sure you're on track with your coursework before you go out and have a good time. Don't make life harder for your future self. If you've got time to study for that midterm, do it. Now.
• Try to live frugally: Why waste money if you don't have to? There are literally thousands of ways you can save money while you're in college, from using your student ID to gain a discount at popular retailers to renting your textbooks. Before you start spending your student loans, really think about what you want versus what you need.
Similarly, creating a monthly budget and sticking to it is one of the best things you can do to manage your finances. Keep track of what you spend the most money on, then come up with ways to reduce this figure. Do you eat out a lot? Why not take up cooking? Is your entertainment budget getting out of hand? Consider looking for free or inexpensive ways to spend your leisure time. Remember - every penny counts.
