It's easy to make a long list of New Year's resolution, even easier to break it a few days after New Year's Day. College students must learn to make a resolution on this one, and there's more than one good reason to do it. If you've been struggling with the coursework, then New Year can be your turnaround. You're in your late teens, so it's high time to be responsible for your actions. You'll learn this lesson, albeit the hard way, when you're looking for your first job (and your own place). How many times have you told yourself that you would become a better version of your old self? Maybe tens of times.

You may be excused for eating too much. You've worked hard on your assignments, also spent the rest of your time studying for your examinations. Your parents may not like you not calling them on weekends, but they understand your distractions. As 2017 is coming to an end, it's time to look back at what you're supposed to do during the just-concluded year. Ten is a worn-out number, so think of eighteen (resolutions) instead.

What You Shouldn't Be in 2018

You must stop being a college tourist. You can miss something on your itinerary during your holiday. You can catch up after you miss a lecture, but skipping it a number of times will put you into serious trouble. Think about the cost of your (college) education.

You should be less of a partyer. Your weekend starts on Thursday night, but you've been thinking about the party as early as Monday. If you're having trouble handling the pressure, then you don't have to be ashamed of it. If this is becoming a habit, then you need to talk it over. The Guidance Office is not far away.

You'll spend less time on complaining. It's a privilege to be studying in a university. If you don't have a scholarship, then think how lucky you are.

You shouldn't procrastinate on your assignments. If you get the thrill on beating the deadline at the last minute, then you might try a different one next year. How about finishing your assignment ahead of the deadline? You'll be able to do other things. Think about it.

You must no go beyond your limits. You don't have to prove anything to anyone, as taking more units might take a toll. Talk to your tutor, who can offer you good advice. The same thing applies to errands, you should plan it ahead. (Don't do most of it, if not all of it, in the day.)

You'll respect your professor's office hours. The faculty staff has lots of things to do, so it won't be right if you don't set your appointment during office hours. Respect is a two-way street, which you'll be fully aware when you turn into a professional.

You'll take your tutor's words seriously. Your tutor wants you to be the best that you can be. In other words, your failure is also his/her.

You'll be less hard on yourself. You beat yourself up on every shortcoming, which is not good at all. You're not a failure until you give up. On the other hand, a competitive nature has its benefits. You don't want to take the fun out of learning, as there are moments when the human brain is at its sharpest during leisurely hours.

You'll take care of yourself. Go to the gym frequently. Do the long walks daily, if not every other day. Eat less pizza (and drink less beer). And sleep more.

You must get out of your comfort zone. It's the only way to succeed in life. It will be a pity if you do it later in life, as you have nothing to lose if you give it a try.

You'll spend less time on social media. Stop tweeting about your hunger pangs. Don't post quotes that you won't apply to yourself. And never make public of your feelings (or thoughts). Good news is the exception.

You'll pay more attention to your grammar. Some students can't differentiate IT'S from ITS, as well as THERE from THEIR. They take it for granted, which doesn't mean that you should do it too. It will be an atrocity if you're studying literature.

You'll learn to love reading. It's the only way to write long essays. If you don't have enough data, then you can't come up with persuasive statements. Reading various materials is the only way. If you don't feel like doing it, then make it a habit. (Two or three chapters of a book per day, an article or two of a newspaper/magazine as well.)

You'll also learn to love writing. The bulk of your grade will be based on your essays. Your attitude on writing will reflect on how you write it, so learn to like this craft. There's no need to be serious about it, as you only need to be aware of your thoughts and how to articulate it.

You'll come up with a plan. You'll be a volunteer during your final year. You'll take internship into serious consideration. You should have a graduate degree in your resume ten years later. Success doesn't happen overnight.

You'll spend more time with your (college) friends. You'll go separate ways after graduation, so get together during your free time. And there aren't many moments.

You'll spend more on clothing. It's fine if you don't care about clothing during your first year, but you should have a change of heart the following year. Think about your graduation day, when you must look your best. And a professional must dress the part. It's all about the first impression.

You'll love yourself unconditionally. If you're aware of your strengths and weaknesses, then you'll have an advantage over the others.

College Degree is the Ultimate Goal

You didn't come up with a New Year's Resolution to make yourself feel better. You must pass the requirements with flying colors. Getting a degree is your ultimate goal, the fruit of your resolutions.

Your first step starts NOW.

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