I’m not really one for new year’s resolutions but I do like to set myself a resolve for the beginning of each new chapter of my life. As I head back to uni to start my second year, there a few things I resolve to do. This will be my mandate for the year; something I can refer back to in order to check that I am on track.

Here’s my second-year resolve:

I will work as hard as I possibly can

The reason I came to uni was to learn and this requires me to work hard. I will seize every opportunity for learning and will do whatever I can to further my education. This year, I will make sure that I don’t leave my work until the last minute and that I am completing every task to the best of my ability.

I will be the best friend I can be

Relationships with others are the most important thing and so I will treasure these above all else. I will go out of my way to help friends wherever possible. I’ll make time to strengthen friendships both in groups and on a one-on-one basis. This year my friendships will remain strong.

I will make my own mental health a priority

So often, I can spend so much time doing work and looking after others that I forget to look after myself. This year, I’m making myself a priority. I’ll make sure I have a good self-care routine and that I’m taking time out for myself. You can read how I’ll do this here. This year, there will be no burnt out Emily!

I will have as much fun as possible

Uni is a time for enjoying yourself and so that is what I intend to do. I will make sure that I have a good balance between my work life and my social life. I’ll find new activities to try, last year it was ice skating and rowing- who knows what this year will be!

I will allow myself grace for when I mess up

It’s inevitable that there’s going to be times that I get things wrong. This year, I’m going to give myself grace when I mess up. I’ll learn from my mistakes and I’ll try not to repeat them again. I’m still growing, still learning and I think it’s okay for me to allow myself some grace in that.