Achievable New Year’s resolutions and goals for students in 2026

At the start of every year, many often ask what New Year resolution they should be setting. The truth is that the most effective resolutions are the one you can achieve, measure and celebrate throughout the year.

With so many New Year's resolution ideas online, it can feel overwhelming, but 2026 can be the year you choose goals that actually work for you.

Whether you want to lift your marks, improve your wellbeing, or strike a healthier balance between study and life, the resolutions below will help you set meaningful New Years goals you can keep.

What people get wrong about New Year’s resolution

Many feel pressured to make resolutions that are big, dramatic, or transform their routines overnight. But that’s a misconception. A resolution doesn’t need to be extreme to be valuable. In fact, the most effective New Year’s resolution can start small.

A common misunderstanding is that resolutions must be entirely new or life changing. But small habits like drinking more water, revising weekly or sleeping for an extra hour are far more likely to stick. Another misconception is that resolutions should deliver instant results. Learning, motivation, and habit-building are all gradual processes. So, your best bet is to choose something achievable, measurable, and personally meaningful.

Remember that a resolution is not a magic switch. It’s a commitment to making consistent choices that support your study, wellbeing, and long-term goals.

How do you achieve your goals and resolutions?

Setting resolutions is easy; sticking with them is the challenge. But there are simple strategies that make follow-through far more realistic.

Use the SMART framework

What are the 5 SMART goals for students in school? The SMART model provides the foundation for any strong resolution:

• Specific: Define exactly what you want to do
• Measurable: Track progress objectively
• Achievable: Choose goals that fit your current capacity
• Relevant: Link your goal to your academic or personal needs
• Time-bound: Set clear deadlines

For example, instead of “study more”, try “Revise class notes for 30 minutes, four days a week during Trimester 1.”

Set realistic goals throughout the year

Don’t overload your January with every goal under the sun. Spread your resolutions throughout the year. This helps you make steady progress and reduces the pressure to do everything at once.

Track your progress

Students often stay motivated when they can see improvements. Apps, planners, or a simple notebook can help you track milestones. Some students team up with a study partner to create a sense of accountability. Sharing your goals with someone you trust, like a friend or family member can help you stay on course.

New Year’s resolutions that you can add

Below are example of New Year’s resolutions that many find helpful. These New Year‘s resolution ideas are inspired by high-performing habits and popular wellbeing strategies. You don’t need to choose all of them. Select a mix of academic and personal goals that will support your growth across the whole year.

Get organised and study more

This is always one of the most common student resolutions, and for good reason. Organisation builds consistency, reduces stress and helps you stay ahead of deadlines. And studying more obviously helps you to achieve your academic goals.

How to achieve it

• Create weekly study blocks and treat them like appointments.
• Use assignment checklists and digital calendars.
• Break large tasks into manageable steps.
• Set resolutions as SMART goals, as discussed above

Exercise

Movement supports concentration, memory, energy and mood - four things' students rely on daily. Exercise doesn’t need to be strenuous or unpleasant, it can be a fun part of your week.

How to achieve it

• Add two or three short workouts to your weekly routine.
• Join a campus sports team or informal social group.
• Take walking breaks between study sessions.
• Aim to start with just 15 minutes a day.

Get more sleep

Sleep isn’t a luxury, it’s actually a necessity and Australians just aren’t getting enough at the moment. Many students underestimate how deeply rest affects focus, retention and motivation, as well as general health and wellbeing. If you’re not already prioritising it, you should probably start.

How to achieve it

• Aim for a consistent sleep schedule.
• Turn off screens at least 30 minutes before bed.
• Keep caffeine for the morning, not late-night study blocks.

Eat healthier and drink more water

Your brain needs fuel. Balanced nutrition supports clarity, energy and overall wellbeing, so a better diet and more hydration are great New Year’s resolutions.

How to achieve it

• Pack healthy snacks for study days so you avoid skipping meals.
• Have a water bottle with you on campus (you’ll be surprised how much more you drink).
• Choose one or two small changes instead of a complete diet overhaul.

Find a better balance between studying and working

Many students juggle part-time jobs, family responsibilities, and full-time study. It can be a lot, and it’s easy to find yourself trying to do too much and burning out. Finding balance improves mental health, helps avoid burnout, and strengthens academic performance.

How to achieve it

• Set firm boundaries, such as keeping two evenings free for rest.
• Schedule weekly time for fun, social connections, or hobbies.
• Talk to your employer early if you anticipate heavy study periods.
• Consider part-time study if you need to cut yourself some slack.

When building your New Years goals, think about both your academic success and your personal wellbeing. Students sometimes lean heavily toward one category, either all study resolutions or all lifestyle ones.

But remember that your academic performance is closely linked to your wellbeing. A combination of goals helps you thrive both in your course and in your life outside of university. So when you’re writing your list, pick a few academic New Year resolutions and a few that support your health, relationships or overall happiness in 2026. We’re behind you all the way.