Happy New Year! We hope you had an amazing start to 2022. If you haven’t yet, it’s time to start thinking about your New Year’s resolutions and what needs to go on your priority list. If you’re not sure where to begin, here are three ideas that can get you off on the right foot for your education in the months ahead.

Learn Something New

Learning isn’t all about grades. While grades are, of course, essential to passing high school, getting into college, and graduating college, you need to actually be sure you’re learning something or it’s all for naught!

Learning something new, especially outside of school, can help you develop new skills and open amazing doors and opportunities. They could even lead to new friendships, jobs, and hobbies. Have you thought about:

• A craft like woodburning, cross stitching, or needle felting
• A language
• A sport
• Exercise routines
• About a subject or topic completely new to you
• A musical instrument
• How to create a video game

Don’t be afraid to go outside of your comfort zone. But make sure whatever you choose to learn is it’s something you care about – that’s the best way to stay motivated and keep going, even if your new hobby is tough. Whatever you choose, set reasonable goals for yourself and work towards reaching them.

Revisit Your Study Habits

Maybe your study habits could use some work, even if you’re the type of student that “doesn’t have to” study before a test? Studying in college is required if you want to do well in your classes, and it’s important to learn those habits early.

Start by reviewing class materials, studying for tests, and completing homework. These can also come in handy if you still have to take your ACT or SAT. You may want to:

• Create flash cards
• Create a schedule for your studying
• Work with a tutor
• Build a study group with your peers
• Talk to your teacher
• Take better notes
• Visit the library more often
• Organize your notes, tests, and materials so they’re easier to reference.

Try making it fun! Maybe using fun-colored pens for those flash cards? Maybe music helps you relax and focus? Or maybe sipping a delicious Frappuccino at your local coffee shop will help do the trick. In any case, make “fun,” revised, study habits a 2022 priority.

Reward Yourself! 

Take some time to reward yourself and recognize your achievements. If you are constantly on the go, give yourself a break to just chill. See friends, visit with family, get a workout in. Taking some time to enjoy the things you love will help you avoid burnout.

Whether you passed a difficult test, are graduating high school, got into your dream college, or just got through a week of tough studying, take some time for you. This could be a night out with friends, a night in by yourself to read your book, or a Lord of the Rings movie binge. How you reward yourself is completely up to you, but always take the time to acknowledge your achievements.

What New Year’s resolutions will you be setting for yourself in 2022? Will any of these be on your list?

If your resolutions include refinancing student loans, let us help guide you.

Haven’t selected a school yet? Make that a 2022 – actually a “right now!” – priority is finding the schools that will be right for you. Our college match tool help prioritize a list specifically based on your needs!