Hi there, I'm Luna.
I'm a bit like an AI, except instead of making pictures of people with 16 fingers, I can help you find the perfect course and uni.
Would you like some help in your search?
Everyone makes New Year's Resolutions, but not many people stick to them. After all who really wants to give up junk food, Netflix and everything else fun?
Here are 10 resolution ideas for sixth formers and students that are simple, easy to keep and will help you make the most of your sixth form years and uni life.
1. Extra-curricular activities
It might seem like you have no time as it is, but you can probably fill at least one of those free periods with an extra-curricular qualification or activity, or join a new society if you're at uni.
There will more than likely be something you’re interested in doing, whether it be a language or a sport. And as well as getting an extra qualification, you’ll also be boosting your CV.
2. Revise properly
Exams are difficult. Nobody can deny that. Even those people that always seem to get the top grades, we guarantee they won't have found it as easy as they’re claiming. That's why it's important to revise properly, and there are plenty of techniques for this.
You might find using spider maps helpful, as you can easily link everything up in your mind when you get in the exam hall. Or you may prefer to copy your notes out over and over to secure it in your memory. Or why not try recording yourself reading your notes and listen to them whenever you can. Find what works for you, and stick with it.
3. Research options
Start looking at your options that you’ll have once you've finished your A-levels. If you want to go to university, find a place that does a course that interests you and visit it on an open day. Research what sort of degree you need for the career you ultimately see yourself doing.
If you're already at uni, think about what career you might want to do after you graduate and make a list of some companies you could contact to ask about getting some work experience or shadowing.
If you don't yet know what you want to do with your life, then research alternatives. Some people find gap years incredibly helpful (and fun) and, when done right, they can also boost your CV.
4. Surround yourself with good friends
Friends are important all the way through your education and life. Unfortunately, some people just aren't good for you.
There are people that motivate you and support you and these are the sort of people it is important to surround yourself with. Then there are those who have no clue what they want to do with their life, don't seem to care about their future, put you down and just float around.
They might seem fun, and they might be, but be careful that they don't drag you down in the long term.
5. Be more independent
If you plan to go to university now is the time you could start to find your independence, especially if you’re moving far from home. Mum won't be there to help ease your hangover during Fresher's Week. Dad won't be knocking on your door when you sleep through your third alarm. And they’re unlikely to come and visit you just to wash your clothes.
University is all about growing up (well, a little bit at least) so try to rely less on your parents. That way it won't be so much of a culture shock when you move into halls and find yourself miles away from home.
If you're at uni and find yourself relying on ready meals every day, then develop your independence by teaching yourself to cook a few meals. It's usually cheaper to cook from scratch than to buy microwave meals and it doesn't have to take hours to cook up a treat.
6. Find part-time work
Working a part-time job and earning your own monies can help you further your independence and develop your CV. Yes, you will probably get help throughout university in the form of loans and grants, and you may be lucky enough to get financial help from your family, too. But there’s nothing like working, being paid and knowing that that money is ALL YOURS.
Although your favourite shops might tempt you into spending your new wages, try and save it. You’ll need money in your future, no matter what you plan to do. It could be the difference between you living on pot noodles for your entire time at university or eating well every night. Even if you just save a little here and there it all adds up.
Plus, if your part-time job is somewhat relevant to your future course or career it will show you in a very good light.
7. Focus on your future
It's always good to have a goal to work towards and generally motivate you. So if you’ve applied, or want to, to a university that’s a little out of your reach grade-wise, then push yourself. There is nothing stopping you apart from yourself. Don't doubt yourself! If there's a career you really want, think about what you could do now to make your application stand out when it comes to applying.
Although make sure you’re being realistic too. If you're averaging C-grades across the board, then great! But understand Oxford and Cambridge might be a little out of reach. On the other hand, don't just do a course because your grades suggest you are intelligent to do it. Know where you want to be and what you want to do and you will achieve it.
8. Fill up your CV
Even if you haven't started sending out applications yet, having a handful of related work placements on your CV will put you ahead of the game. Your placements could be paid part-time work, volunteer work, or related to something extra-curricular, for example if you've been on a society committee or if you helped out with younger students at college. So many people leave work experience until later into their degree and can find themselves struggling after graduation.
Yes, it might feel like a waste of your time, especially if it's unpaid, but it gives you a chance to get into the industry, learn from an inside point of view and helps you see if it’s something you would want to move into as a career.
9. Re-invent yourself
Now, we're not saying get a new hair cut or change your wardrobe (although if you want to, then go ahead!), but more change the way you think about things. If you're a yes person and find yourself being walked all over then maybe stop being such a yes person. And if you say no to everything, start agreeing to some things.
It's important to open up, think positive and be open minded in order to make the most of both sixth form and uni.
10. Up your confidence
And, linked to re-inventing yourself, be more confident. You're great. You've done great things, and, if you haven't already, you'll do some more. Know your strengths and own them.
It’s easier to get ahead in life if you have some confidence. But remember there is a thin line between confidence and arrogance, so try not to take it too far!
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