5 New Year’s Resolutions for IB Students

Happy New Year all!

As we kick off the new year, it's the perfect time to set some goals and form some new habits. Whether you're just starting your IB journey or nearing the end, building good study habits now can pay off in the long run. Here are 5 New Year's Resolutions that might help you get off to a great start:

Set specific goals. Rather than resolving to "study more," set some specific goals for what you want to accomplish. For example, you might decide to spend an extra hour per day reviewing material, or to complete all of your homework before the weekend. SMART goals (specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound) are easier to track and measure, and they can help you stay motivated and on track. So, instead of just saying "I want to get better grades", try setting a goal like "I want to get a 7 in Math AA SL." From there, you can break that down into smaller goals; for example, you might set a goal of completing all of the practice problems in your textbook or scoring above a certain percentage on online quizzes.

Make a schedule. Time management is key when it comes to good study habits. To make the most of your study time, create a schedule that includes blocks of time for studying, homework, and other activities. Don't forget to include breaks and time for relaxation and fun too. A schedule can help you stay organized and focused, and it can also help you avoid last-minute cramming. Just don't forget to actually follow through with your schedule – procrastination is the real enemy here.

Find a good study spot. A quiet, well-lit, and well-ventilated study space can make all the difference when it comes to studying effectively. If you don't have a dedicated study room or office, find a quiet corner or spot in your home that you can use as a temporary study space. You might also consider joining a study group or studying at a local library or coffee shop. Research suggests that the physical environment in which you study can have a significant impact on your performance and concentration. So, instead of trying to study in your bed or on the couch (where it's way too easy to fall asleep or get distracted), try finding a spot that's more conducive to focused study.

Take breaks. It might seem counterintuitive but taking regular breaks can actually help you study more effectively. When you study for long periods of time without a break, you risk burnout and decreased productivity. To avoid this, try taking a 5-10 minute break every 50-60 minutes. During your breaks, you might get up and stretch, go for a walk, or do something fun to clear your mind. Studies have shown that taking breaks can help improve memory and retention, and it can also help reduce stress and fatigue. So, instead of trying to power through your studies without a break, try taking regular breaks to help you stay focused and motivated.

Find a study buddy or tutor. Finally, consider finding a study buddy or tutor to work with. Having someone to study with can help keep you motivated, and it can also help you learn more effectively. When you work with others, you can bounce ideas off each other, discuss difficult concepts, and hold each other accountable for staying on track. Plus, let's be real, sometimes it's just nice to have someone to vent to about all the stress the IB can bring. So, instead of studying alone all the time, try finding a study buddy or IB tutor.

Learn more: 5 Top Study Tips for the IB

By following these resolutions and making a concerted effort to build better study habits, you can set yourself up for success in the New Year and beyond. Whether you're just starting your IB journey or nearing the end, building good study habits now can pay off in the long run.

If you're an IB student looking for additional support, be sure to check out IB Solved. Our experienced team of IB tutors and coaches can provide the personalized support and guidance you need to succeed in your studies. We offer online and in-person tutoring options for IB students and Pre-IB students who want to get ahead. So, why wait? Start the new year off right – get a head start on your studies and reach out to us today to find out how we can help you crush your IB goals! Happy studying!