Avery Phillips is a business administration junior and rotational opinion columnist for Mustang News. The opinions expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect those of Mustang Media Group.
As January flies by and February rolls in, many of our New Year’s resolutions are quickly fading. You might have already turned in assignments late or gone to the Rec Center fewer times than you promised yourself. But there are things even more essential for Cal Poly students to bring into the new year, things that would benefit every Mustang.
What’s on my vision board for 2026? Read for inspo on everything essential to our next chapters and what we need to turn the page on.
In: Taking morning classes
If you’re a night owl like me, morning classes are the first thing you look to avoid when choosing your next classes. That’s why I was mortified when I was forced into registering for a 7 a.m. class this quarter. The class has completely changed my mindset and my sleep schedule.
It’s so nice to get into the routine of waking up with the sun. You get your classes out of the way so that you can spend the rest of your day however you want. Plus, you can grab a coffee from Scout on the way and romanticize your academic life.
Out: Skipping class
It can be easy to get into the habit of skipping a class once you start, especially if a professor doesn’t take attendance. I don’t even want to mention how many times I chose sleep over accounting freshman year.
My best advice is to make a trip out of it. Use your class as an excuse to go on a walk or to buy food while you’re out and about. Nothing motivates me more than telling myself I will stop at Subway as a reward for being a busy college student.
In: Having a class crush
2026 is all about spicing up your love life! There’s no better way to start than yearning over someone who sits two rows in front of you. Even if you’ll never talk to them, having a target adds excitement to any lecture or lab.
This applies outside of the classroom too. Sit next to a cutie in the library and use the huzz for study motivation.
Out: Friendcest
If you’ve been in a “friendcestual” friend group before, you know that it’s something to leave in the past. If you haven’t, you’re probably bound to experience it at some point in your life. Long story short: things can get real messy real fast.
Just remember that there are so many other fish in the sea. Flirt with someone you meet at a party, not with someone you’re too linked to. It’s all fun and games until there’s drama in the friend group.
In: Solo dates
College is all about learning to live independently and doing new things. All through freshman year, my life revolved around the people around me. I would force my friends to go with me everywhere — even to do my own laundry. It was only when I started joining clubs on my own and travelling alone that I gained more confidence to do things by myself.
Making memories on your own is a great way to explore your personal interests and self-reflect. Think of your favorite places to be and treat yourself to some solo adventures. This can be something as simple as eating dinner in VGs alone or taking yourself to the movies.
Out: Ghosting your friends
As an avoidant person, I am often guilty of not reaching out when I haven’t talked to a friend in a while. If you’re in the same boat, you need to hear this.
You don’t want to drift away from people just because you’re not putting in the effort. I personally feel so much better when I grab coffee with someone I’ve been hoping to catch up with. Make those plans you’ve been thinking about instead of letting go of a meaningful bond.
In: Broke college student hacks
With tuition expenses and pricey dining plans, it’s essential to save our money wisely. There are plenty of resources we can take advantage of completely to our disposal.
This is where I have to point out that if you buy scantrons from the bookstore, you’re wasting your money. It’s worth asking the front desk of your residence hall or stopping by the food pantry to grab some, along with free groceries.
Out: Close calls around bikes
It’s very possible for a bike to intercept your path practically anywhere on campus. Walking uphill from Dexter towards Baker is a nightmare during rush hour when all the bikers are out.
Because we’re a biking campus, it can be tricky to constantly avoid almost getting run over. The only way you can control this as a pedestrian is to always make sure to look both ways when crossing those green bike paths. Stay safe!
In: Thinking delusional
This is the year to be more whimsical and embrace delusional thoughts. Reading too much into the intentions of everyone you interact with is the best way to make life more interesting.
Assume everyone walking by you wants you. Believe your work crush is your slow-burn soulmate. Apply to jobs that seem definitely out of reach. And who knows? You might unintentionally manifest exactly what you want.
Out: A performative lifestyle
I’m sure you’ve heard of the “performative male” epidemic that was trending all of last year. Coffee shops around San Luis Obispo have seen plenty of those who come in with their tote bags to buy matcha and read feminist literature.
We need to bring back authenticity in 2026. It’s perfectly fine to change up your style, but “customizing your character” is all about enhancing the real you. Ditch the clothing trends that don’t feel like you. Remind yourself of the hobbies you enjoy rather than the ones that match your aesthetic. Instead of just claiming to be an activist, research causes and attend protests.