The start of a new year often brings intentions to create healthy habits—mentally, physically, and socially. But college life is busy, unpredictable, and full of competing demands. At Rachael’s First Week, we believe the habits that protect your safety and mental health are built one step at a time—not overnight—so you can show up for yourself and others all year long.
Here’s how to stay consistent with positive habits while keeping your New Year’s resolutions realistic and sustainable.
1. Start Small to Build Safer Routines
Big aspirations like “never drink” or “always stay calm” are hard to maintain. Instead, choose small actions that support safety and wellness—like checking in with yourself before going out, sharing your location with a trusted friend, or carving out 5 minutes of quiet before bed. These little choices reinforce safety awareness and emotional grounding, day after day.
2. Make Safety a Daily Priority
College safety isn’t just about big decisions—it’s about everyday awareness.
- Plan your ride home before you head out (whether it’s a friend, campus shuttle, or rideshare).
- Keep your phone charged and emergency contacts easily accessible.
- Walk with a group, not alone after dark.
For more safety tips to add to your routine, check out Rachael’s First Week Campus Safety Guide:
👉 Campus Safety Tips & Checklist
3. Use Mental Health Resources That Support Consistency
Mental health is essential to forming healthy habits. To stay consistent, make mental wellness part of your plan: set aside time for rest, connect with supportive people, and don’t hesitate to reach out if things get overwhelming.
Explore RFW’s mental health support and insights into common college stressors here:
👉 Mental Health & the Transition to College
Many campuses also offer counseling services—find them early so you know where to go when you need support.
For immediate emotional support anytime, you can also use the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (call or text 988) to reach trained counselors.
4. Know What to Do After Assault or Trauma
Supporting someone (or yourself) after sexual assault can feel overwhelming, but there are confidential resources that help survivors connect with care and advocacy.
A trusted national partner that RFW supports for crisis and healing resources is:
👉 RAINN (National Sexual Assault Hotline & Support) – 24/7 confidential support:
Call 800-656-HOPE (4673), chat online, or learn more about healing and next steps at rainn.org.
Prioritizing safety and knowing where to find support ahead of time helps you act confidently and responsibly when it matters most.
5. Keep Habits Visible and Trackable
Visual reminders (like digital checklists, phone alarms, or sticky notes) help reinforce routines. Seeing progress—even small wins like checking in with yourself daily or using safety features on ride-share apps—builds momentum.
For ride-share safety, take time to review tips from Lyft and Uber before you use them:
- Lyft Safety Tips: lyft.com/safety
- Uber Safety Tips: uber.com/us/en/ride/safety/
Making a habit of checking safety features helps protect your well-being without adding stress when you’re already out having fun.
6. Use Accountability and Support Systems
Staying consistent is easier when you’re not alone. Share your goals with a friend, check in with someone daily, or make resolutions that include looking out for each other. RFW’s message is all about community—helping others stay safe is part of staying safe yourself.
Final Thought from Rachael’s First Week
Keeping your resolutions isn’t about perfection—it’s about practice, awareness, and support. Small, consistent habits build confidence, enhance safety, and promote mental wellness over time. Make your safety and well-being a priority this year—and know that you’re not alone on the journey.
For more student-focused safety and wellness resources—blogs, podcasts, checklists, and guides—visit rachaelsfirstweek.org anytime.
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