The best way to start the new year off right is to set some good resolutions. These don’t have to be too wild or optimistic. Resolutions can be really simple. A good list of resolutions can really set the tone for a good year ahead.

I, personally, always struggle to find good resolutions. And setting reasonable and achievable resolutions is key. Did you know that only 9% of people keep their resolutions all year round? As I said, you need to be realistic.

Hopefully, this list will help with that.

Why bother setting a New Year’s resolution?

Resolutions help you pause, reflect, and set direction for the year ahead. They help keep you moving in the right direction, the direction that you set for yourself.

Setting resolutions shouldn’t be a chore. Rather, it’s the time to decide what you want 2026 to look like. How do you want to spend the year?

When choosing a resolution, you must keep in mind your goals and desires. Good resolutions should reflect personal, professional, and academic goals.

Here’s Student Expresso’s list of 23 resolutions. Take whatever you like!

Productivity Resolutions

1. Read a book a month

I personally love self-help books. They are genuinely a brilliant way to discover yourself as a person and grow both personally and professionally.

Just one book a month – 12 books in the year. That really isn’t that difficult.

To help you get started, here are 6 self-help books you can add to your reading list.

2. Watch educational videos

I know this sounds boring, but watch even just 1 educational video a week. This could be just a 5-minute video.

I love watching TED-Ed videos.

3. Take an online course

I’ll let you decide how many online courses you want to do, but I highly recommend doing them.

At least make this January’s resolution: I will finish one online course in January.

And best of all, you don’t need to spend money doing courses either. Here are the best free online courses you can start right now!

My personal recommendation is Google’s AI for Anyone course – completely free!

4. Listen/Watch educational podcasts

Podcasts are a brilliant way to increase your knowledge, and you can listen to them anywhere.

My favourite podcast is the Lex Friedman Podcast. Give it a listen!

5. Start a side hustle

Doesn’t have to be the next Google or Apple. A side hustle is a brilliant way to keep yourself busy while having a bit of fun. And if done properly, you can get some extra cash too.

SaveTheStudent have a brilliant article on the 10 best side hustles you can start in 2026.

Financial Resolutions

6. Start Budgeting

Get in control of your finances in 2026. Save money this year, and then spend it on yourself: get new clothes, go on a vacation or do whatever you want.

Budgeting really isn’t difficult, but it’s a game-changer. Here’s our comprehensive guide on saving money in 2026.

In the article, we share 14 easy ways to save money. This includes the best offers you should avail at restaurants, easy discounts and much more.

7. Avoid impulse shopping

You can save unbelievable amounts if you just become a bit of a better shopper!

A super simple resolution, and it can go a long way.

8. Sell old stuff

You’ll be surprised by how much clutter you accumulate over the years. If you have a lot of unused items, consider selling some of them online for the extra cash.

Health and Wellbeing Resolutions

9. Sleep at least 7-8 hours

Whether you take anything from this list or not, do just this one thing: Sleep at least 7-8 hours a day.

Better sleep has many many many benefits.

10. Walk every day

Walking for even 20 mins a day has tons of health benefits. And more than anything, it’s a nice way to pause and reset for the day.

11. Start meditating

If you’ve been meaning to meditate for a while, let 2026 be the year you finally start.

I personally love the app Insight Timer for meditating. Give meditation a chance!

12. Reduce caffeine

Limit your coffee, Red Bull, Monster and any other caffeine sources to a minimum. I’m not telling you to stop, just limit them. Your body will thank you.

13. Start a gratitude routine

Showing gratitude is a brilliant way to improve your mood and to improve overall mental health.

Some people like to keep gratitude journals, while others like to just say a couple of things they are grateful for in their heads.

14. Limit scrolling

Again, a super important resolution, and a tough one to keep. As the year progresses, try to limit your time on social media as much as possible.

Don’t just cut it off completely. Reduce slowly and gradually.

Academic Resolutions

15. Attend all classes

Something very simple and doable. Just show up!

Of course, if something’s out of your control, that’s fine. But try to make a conscious decision to go to all lectures and practicals.

16. Stick to a consistent study schedule

Promise yourself this year that you won’t be pulling all-nighters the night before the exam!

The best way to do that is to have a study schedule. To help with this, you can check out our article, How to make a timetable.

A better schedule, more often than not, leads to better grades.

17. Ask questions in class

It seems daunting, but if you’re stuck, ask for help!

Make this your resolution: you will ask questions whenever you need help.

18. Stop procrastinating

A very difficult thing to do, I know! But promise yourself that you won’t leave projects until the last day. Start small. But make progress!

The first step to stop procrastinating is to become better at time management. Learn to value time this year.

19. Give your full attention in every class

There are some classes which you just want to fall asleep in. But try your very best to stay focused in every class you attend this year.

The best way I find to pay attention is to take notes of what the teacher/professor is saying.

I take notes with my iPad. If you’re struggling to find a good app to take notes in, check out our article on the best note-taking apps for iPad with Apple Pencil.

Social and Lifestyle Resolutions

20. Meet new people

Try to make a conscious effort to meet new people, make new connections, and form new friends.

This can be as simple as going to events, and just talking to people you don’t know.

21. Volunteer

Volunteer at a local club or society. Work towards a good cause. Volunteering can help you fulfil the previous resolution too!

22. Try one new cuisine a month

One of the best ways to experience a culture is to try their food. Start by trying at least one new cuisine a month!

23. Read Student Expresso daily

A very biased resolution, but the best one on the list!

Finally

So, there you have it. Student Expresso’s best 23 resolutions for 2026 for you!

Take whichever you like!