I started the new year off the same as always: jumping in the ocean, eating black-eyed peas, then falling asleep in front of the TV. There is comfort in familiarity, but I like the new year to feel at least a little different, if for no other reason than to keep me from accidentally writing 2007 on all my papers.
Last year, change was thrust upon me. I returned from abroad at the end of 2006 and moved into a new school apartment. 2007 was already different than 2006 and I hadn’t needed to do a thing.
But this year, I’m back at the same university, in the same apartment, with the same roommates. And sure, it’s raining out, but that’s not so much different as wetter. And as we get older each year, with 2008 now being my graduation year, I’d like for the year to bring excitement, not just new responsibilities. So, I’ve had to do some thinking to make 2008 really feel new.
When I was living in the dorms, the only real way to change surroundings was to rearrange the furniture, which is not that hard ““ there aren’t that many configurations that work. And you’ll be surprised how simply moving your desk will give you a whole new perspective, especially if your window has a view.
In my second year, my roommate and I moved both desks to face the window, leaving room on one side for a cozy chair. It’s the little things that matter when you’re in a little room. (If you’re in a triple, I have no advice.)
In the apartments, you can really have fun rearranging furniture. Plants, too, add new life. My holiday poinsettia is past wilting and my succulent plant died over the break, something I didn’t think could happen since they store water. Nothing dampens a room like a dead plant, but then few things brighten a place like flowers. A trip to the nursery should make your place feel better.
Besides surroundings, belongings can be switched up too. Instead of bringing back all your clothes after winter break, leave a few items behind. One time freshman year, I’d forgotten to bring back a favorite brown top after winter break. I missed it for the first week or so, but then forgot about it. And when I returned for spring break and found that shirt in my dresser, it felt like a new shirt.
So this year, instead of bringing back all my jeans, jackets and tank tops, I left a few non-essentials behind. So I won’t get to wear some favorite things this quarter, but it’s a simple way to change your look and save money on new clothes. I did bring all my shoes back, though.
This philosophy works for all kinds of things. You don’t have to bring your entire DVD collection to school. This will force you to watch something new when you get bored. Do you really want to see “Anchorman” for the 10th time?
While the grind of schoolwork may be the same as always, 2008 can at least feel a little different, even in small ways.
If you think it’s easier to just get a haircut, e-mail Crocker at acrocker@media.ucla.edu.