Whether it’s a new workout routine, a commitment to spending more time spent on hobbies or a vow against procrastination, the beginning of 2026 marks an opportunity to start fresh.
As the spring semester begins, students are planning how they want to refresh their lifestyles with New Year’s resolutions.
Eyad Alhammad, a first-year neuroscience student, decided to make a resolution for the first time this year thanks to the encouragement of his friends and family. Alhammad believes his resolution to start journaling will help him organize his study habits to achieve his academic goals.
“I want to try and study at least 10 hours every week, block out distractions and [not] skip class,” Alhammad said.
Many students see the new year as an opportunity to improve study habits. Owen Woodworth, a first-year exercise science student, plans to focus more on schoolwork by reevaluating his time management and organizational skills.
“I’m going to try and decrease my screen time and actually make a schedule for myself every day,” Woodworth said. “It’s important to stick to your goals.”
Emma Hsu, a first-year pre-med student, is also focused on her academic goals in 2026. She wants to pass chemistry by increasing her use of Pitt’s academic resources.
“That’s my only goal. If I pass, all is well,” Hsu said. “I’m going to watch TikTok videos, go to office hours and get tutors.”
Hsu believes the best way to maintain resolutions is to “commit to the bit” with the help of friends.
“Tell other people what you’re going to do, so you have accountability,” Hsu said.
Sophie Larson, a first-year neuroscience and psychology student, also wants to take full advantage of student resources this year. She plans to seek internship advice at the Career Center and take free fitness classes at the new Recreation and Wellness Center.
“I want to preemptively plan and stay on top of my goals during the semester instead of waiting until the end,” Larson said. “Now is the hardest time, but it’s the most important to set goals.”
The beginning of the year also marks a popular time to start a new hobby or dedicate more time to revisiting old ones. Adrina Smith, a first-year neuroscience student, plans to focus on her artistic goals.
“I want to draw more, and I want to post my art [online] more frequently,” Smith said. “In 2025, I told myself I would draw more. I kind of did, but I didn’t do it as much as I wanted to.”
Maintaining a New Year’s resolution for 12 months can seem overwhelming to some, but students like Smith believe progress is not always linear.
“You can always restart,” Smith said.
Lilia Wonders, a first-year public policy student, wants to dedicate time to making new friends in 2026. However, she believes the goals students make in January may not serve them throughout the entire year.
“Don’t think your goals [have] to be for the entire year — split it into sections,” Wonders said. “You can always switch your goals up.”
Other students like Owen Boring, a first-year accounting student, want to reprioritize their fitness. Boring aims to improve his golfing skills this year through consistent planning and practice.
“Last semester, I was getting my footing, so I know the drill now,” Boring said.
Students are also seeking ways to balance the stress of schoolwork with improved mental health practices in the new year. Summer Lucks, a sophomore biochemistry student, wants to stop procrastinating and be mindful of where she spends her energy.
“I don’t want to waste energy on things I can’t control,” Lucks said. “It’s hard to be consistent, but just focus on the first two weeks [of practicing a healthy behavior], and then it becomes a habit.”
Natalie Cimochowski, a first-year marketing major, believes that it is important for students to find self-motivation to keep up with their goals as the year progresses. Cimochowski is finding inspiration in the new year to improve her screen time, reading habits and financial awareness.
“In 2025, I was stuck in the same habits,” Cimochowski said. “The new year makes me want to rebrand.”