UCSD - University of California - San Diego
01/09/2025 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 01/09/2025 04:01
New Year, New You: 7 On-Campus Resources to Help You Crush Your 2025 Resolutions
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January 09, 2025Article Content
The beginning of a new year brings a clean slate and the promise of new possibilities. Whether you subscribe to the "new year, new you" philosophy or not, it's hard to deny that there's something about turning the page on the calendar that inspires a fresh start. From eating healthier and getting more exercise to serving the community or broadening your horizons through travel, UC San Diego offers an array of programs and services to help students and employees achieve their personal development goals.
Ready to make the most of 2025? We've made a list of seven common New Year's resolutions and located the on-campus resources to help you crush them. Here's to a successful year ahead!
1. Get more exercise
UC San Diego Recreation has introduced FitStop, a free fitness analysis program designed to give you a quick, personalized assessment in 15 minutes or less. (Photo by Alana Barbieri)
With the holiday rush behind us and finals in the rearview mirror, now is the perfect time to focus on fitness. Getting more exercise is one of the most popular New Year's resolutions-and for good reason. Don't let the crowded gyms of January scare you away from prioritizing your wellness journey. UC San Diego Recreation has introduced FitStop, a free fitness analysis program designed to give you a quick, personalized assessment of your mobility, strength and cardiovascular endurance using state-of-the-art technology-all in just 15 minutes or less.
During winter quarter, FitStop sessions will be available in RIMAC's main lobby for movement screening and an activity room for strength and cardiovascular tests. Stop by on Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays between 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. or Saturdays between 9:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. to take advantage of this free resource.
Once you've gained insights from your FitStop results, you can work on improving any identified areas with Recreation's extensive fitness options. With multiple workout facilities open to all enrolled students, and to faculty, staff and affiliates with REC memberships, there's something for everyone. Whether you're looking for personal training, instructional classes like adult swim lessons, or simply a place to stay active, Recreation has you covered. Start 2025 on a strong note-literally!
2. Give back to the community
On Jan. 17, the 23rd annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service will bring campus community members together to volunteer at a local school. (Photo by Erik Jepsen/University Communications)
Looking to get involved in community service this year? January is a great time to start, as UC San Diego is offering a special opportunity for students, staff, faculty and alumni to honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. while giving back.
Members of the campus community are invited to sign up to join the 23rd annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service on Friday, Jan. 17, a day of connection and community building. Volunteers will work with students at John Muir Language Academy, teaching them about Dr. King's legacy and helping to create an herb garden. Participants will receive lunch and a volunteer T-shirt as part of this inspiring experience.
Then, on Sunday, Jan. 19, take part in the 43rd annual Martin Luther King, Jr. parade, marching with the UC San Diego contingent in downtown San Diego. Buses from campus are available for students who register for a spot. Start your year by making an impact and joining the Triton community in service and celebration.
3. Prioritize self-care and your mental health
Willo, a groundbreaking wellness app, is designed to make self-care easier and more accessible for UC San Diego students.
Taking care of your mental health and well-being is essential, especially when juggling the demands of student life. Willo, a groundbreaking wellness app developed by UC San Diego students, is here to make self-care easier and more accessible for students. This free, user-friendly app uses artificial intelligence to connect you with personalized resources, from Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) to Recreation Activity Passes, Craft Center workshops, peer counseling and much more. Designed to help you navigate the wide array of on-campus wellness services, Willo ensures you can find the support and activities that work best for you-all at no cost. Download Willo today from the Google Play Store or Apple's App Store and make self-care a priority in 2025.
For university employees who want to prioritize their personal well-being and mental health this year, the Faculty and Staff Assistance Program (FSAP) provides employee counseling and wellness consultations, assistance locating external resources, critical incident support, support groups and more.
4. Eat healthier
iStock/Daria Kulkova
Resolving to eat healthier isn't just about sticking to a diet-it's about fueling your body to feel better, stronger and more energized. Making mindful choices about nutrition can improve not only your physical health but also your mental clarity and overall well-being. Whether you're an athlete fine-tuning your nutrition or are simply looking to adopt healthier habits, UC San Diego offers plenty of resources to support you.
For students, registered dietitians at Student Health Services are on hand to provide expert guidance, and have compiled a variety of online resources that include healthy recipes, support for eating disorders and food security resources on campus. UC San Diego Recreation also offers nutrition services led by a registered dietitian. Students can schedule a free 15-minute session, and both students and REC members can access personalized nutrition counseling and packages for a fee. Financial assistance is also available for eligible students through the Active Triton Initiative. Don't wait-take the first step toward feeling your best through better nutrition.
5. Improve your finances
iStock/Doucefleur
The start of a new year is the ideal time to take stock of your financial situation and set goals for the year ahead. Whether you're saving for a big purchase, trying to stick to a budget or planning for life after graduation, improving your financial literacy can set you up for success. UC San Diego's Financial Aid & Scholarships Office offers an extensive list of financial literacy and money management resources to help you meet your goals. From a helpful budgeting tutorial from Federal Student Aid to a cost of living calculator, these tools are designed to simplify your financial planning. GradSense financial tools also provide valuable resources, including a budget calculator, job tips and student debt advice. Take advantage of these resources to make 2025 your most financially savvy year yet.
6. Expand your horizons through travel
The winning image in UC San Diego's Study Abroad photo contest "The World is Your Lecture Hall" category was captured by Gavilan Stuver, who participated in a Global Seminar in Bern, Switzerland, entitled "Geology Adventures in the Swiss Alps" in 2024. The photo captures Geoffrey Cook, a teaching professor in the Geosciences Research Division at Scripps Institution of Oceanography, delivering a lecture against the stunning backdrop of the Swiss Alps.
Dreaming of seeing the world while continuing your education? UC San Diego's Study Abroad program offers a range of exciting opportunities to explore global destinations while earning academic credits. The scholarship cycle for programs departing in Summer and Fall 2025 will open soon, with funding options listed in the comprehensive Study Abroad Scholarship database. For the fourth consecutive year, Kathleen Denno has donated $30,000 to support Global Seminars scholarships for students with leadership experience and potential. These seminars allow students to study with UC San Diego faculty in unique international settings while making progress toward their academic goals.
A new and exciting opportunity this year is the Future Innovators Global Internship Program, which offers fully funded international internships to Pell-eligible students new to UC San Diego. Participants will spend Summer 2025 in one of four dynamic cities-London, Berlin, Singapore or Cape Town-gaining hands-on experience and exploring innovative solutions in real-world environments. The deadline to apply is Jan. 10.
7. Set long-term career goals
At the UC San Diego Career Center, students are encouraged to transform their passions into purpose by exploring their future options through advising, events, workshops, career fairs and more.
Whether you're a student charting your future career path or a UC San Diego employee aiming to elevate your professional goals, the university offers a variety of resources to help you turn your ambitions into reality.
Students can take advantage of personalized advising, events, workshops and career fairs through the UC San Diego Career Center, where the staff is dedicated to helping transform "passion into purpose." With the Career Center's innovative Triton Career Readiness Passport, students earn "Triton Stamps" for attending career development and events and are assessed and coached on their Career Readiness IQ. The passport, which students can learn about on Handshake, also serves as a living self-reflection and motivating checklist to help them develop their personal brand and career profile. Additionally, the Student Employment Office provides opportunities for students to gain real-world experience through on-campus employment, with a wide variety of jobs that allow them to build skills and career readiness.
For UC San Diego employees, the Career Connection program offers tools for career planning, goal setting and pursuing lateral or upward mobility. Staff can also benefit from managerial and leadership development programs, team-building toolkits and continuing education opportunities. No matter where you are in your career journey, these resources are designed to help you make a meaningful impact through your professional pursuits.