Campus Solutions for your New Year's resolutions

Happy new year, Dinos! 

There’s something about flipping the calendar that feels like a clean slate — fresh energy, new possibilities and a chance to reset the habits that weren’t working. Believe it or not, New Year’s resolutions have been around for thousands of years (almost 4,000, to be exact).  

These days, most resolutions still circle around familiar themes: be more active, make friends, save money, learn a hobby or skill and get better grades.  

We get it—by January, winter’s in full swing and it can be a bit tough to get motivated. So, if you’re feeling that “fresh start” spark, here are some helpful things around UCalgary to keep your goals realistic, fun and totally doable this year. 

Be more active 

The million-dollar question: where to begin with exercise? Let’s start with free and with help. All UCalgary students are active living members and the active living team is the boost to get over that first hurdle. Go say hi in KNB155 and they will be happy to show you around; they make 3750 square feet of workout space a lot less daunting.  

If machines are not your speed, there are drop-in sports in the red and gold gym (give volleyball, badminton or ball hockey a shot). It could be drop-in sports at the gym, the oval, the Climbing Centre, the Aquatic Centre (you get it) wherever you go there are so many avenues to help you get active on campus, and drop-ins through active living can be a great way to meet people and make friends. 

Speaking of friends… onto the next common resolution. 

 

Meet new people and make new friends 

Between sitting in lectures, studying, part-time work, and whatever else you might have going on, it might feel like you haven’t had a chance to actually connect with other students. A great way to incorporate social activities without adding extra time commitments is to connect them to your interests or existing habits. For example: Swap a solo gym session for drop-in sports through Active Living to get out there and connect with people, while getting some cardio in. 

The best way to find your people is SU Clubs Week, held at the start of every term. There are 292 clubs currently listed on the SU Clubs website, so you’re bound to find one that speaks to you. For three days, MacEwan Student Centre will be filled with cool clubs and cool people who share your love of cheese/martial arts/solar cars/yoga/anthropology/film…and if you can’t find a club, you can even start your own! 

Another great opportunity to meet people and make a positive impact is through volunteering. Student Wellness Services, the Faith and Spirituality Centre, International Student Services, The Centre for Career and Personal Development and the Women’s Resource Centre are all looking for volunteer applicants— apply by Jan. 12 at 3 p.m. to join a great crew! 

Learn something new, or start a new hobby 

UCalgary has tons of hobby-learning, skill-honing, crafty-making resources you can access (and usually for free!) 

First and foremost: Schulich and TFDL Makerspaces. You can try out sewing and embroidery machines if you want to make something crafty, get hands-on with electronics from simple soldering to complex coding, and maybe best of all, the free-to-use 3D printers. And if you’re a total noob,  don’t worry—there’s training available and friendly staff to help! 

Clubs are a great community of passionate people who would be thrilled to teach beginners and thrilled to welcome the experienced. The most important thing is getting better at something that isn't scrolling. Play some games, make some friends and make something together! 

Author’s note: The Board Game Club, Ski and Board Club, and Dungeons and Dragons Club all sound pretty cool to me (and that's just 3 of 292 clubs).  

Save money 

It’s tough out there on a student budget. A good way to save is to take advantage of the many services and resources that are included in your student fees! The Campus Food Hub in Crowsnest Hall provides low-cost smoothies, soups, and budget-friendly grocery shopping for all students, regardless of circumstance. Bonus: They also run educational workshops, so you can learn how to prepare affordable, nutritious meals and ditch food delivery fees! 

Take advantage of your student benefits, if you’re enrolled. When it comes to your health and wellness, Student Wellness Services provides medical and mental health services, and free referrals. You can also access massage and chiropractic services!  

Academic and personal improvement 

The Chancellor Cuthbertson Student Success Centre and the Life Design Hub offer programs, workshops and events designed to help you thrive both in the classroom and your personal life. Staff and peer supporters are also available to coach you if you need some guidance. 

Keeping on top of all your classes, deadlines and assignments is much easier at the start of the semester, so make an appointment with an academic advisor and build your semester with a professional. Be sure to book an academic support advising appointment, where you can map out your studies with expert guidance. 

The Life Design Hub can help you plan both your studies and what comes next. Aside from being another great way to connect with peers, their coaching programs help you explore the value of university, set long-term goals and imagine your future pathways.  

Now go forth and make 2026 your year!