Newly equipped with emotional support water bottles and fresh planners, some students are digging a bit deeper to kick bad habits from last semester. 

In a recent TikTok trend, creators posted their “ins and outs” for the new year. Whether it was to stop drinking diet soda or to call their mother more, people shared how they want to reinvent themselves in both big and small ways. Here is what some LSU students are adding in to, and booting out of, their new semester routines. 
Riley Lawson, a senior fashion merchandising major, is focusing on how she wants to mature as she approaches graduation. 
IN: Exploring nature and exploring Baton Rouge
“I feel like Baton Rouge has a lot of hidden gems,” Lawson said. “As an LSU student, I’ve kind of stuck to just doing things around campus. There’s so many things right outside of campus that I always drive past and never do, so I’m into doing those things more this semester.” 

Even though some students don’t explore off campus very much, Baton Rouge is never lacking in things to do and new places to try. Great food, cute boutiques and interesting music venues are minutes away from campus. 

IN: Using a digital camera 

“I’ve really gotten into film recently, just alternative forms of taking photos other than iPhone photos,” Lawson said. 

Capturing moments on your phone is always quick and easy, but using a digital camera is a fun throwback to the good ole days. 

IN: Reading and embracing staying in more 

“That is one I’m big on,” Lawson said.

Even though it’s her senior year, she’s liking the idea of chill nights staying in rather than going out.
“I just adopted a second cat, so chilling at home with my cats, reading, lighting candles and watching movies. Being a grandma at the age of 21,” she said. 
OUT: Overconsumption

“My number one out is overconsumption,” Lawson said. “I’m an avid thrifter trying to reduce my clothing consumption specifically.” 

Lawson said that she feels like lots of other students she knows also struggle with trying to minimize their closets. As a fashion merchandising major, she said her classes have taught her about the negative effect the fashion industry and overconsumption can have on the environment. 
“I’m pushing myself to rewear outfits and reduce the amount that I spend on clothing or the types of clothes that I’m buying,” she said.
OUT: Too much screen time

“I’ve been seeing the TikToks, and I feel like everyone has a high screen time as an ‘out.’ That’s definitely when I made reading an ‘in,’” Lawson said.

When it comes to making progress with this, she finds putting her phone on “do not disturb” is helpful. Lawson also mentioned scrolling on Pinterest instead of TikTok because she finds it more inspirational. 
OUT: Drinking 
“Another out is drinking, which is very controversial being an LSU student,” Lawson said.  
Growing up in Louisiana, Lawson said that heavy drinking culture can be a big part of celebrations like Mardi Gras and crawfish boils. While she isn’t planning on giving up drinking entirely, she does want to be more mindful about her alcohol consumption. 
“I’m not necessarily giving it up, but only doing it whenever I feel like I want to, not when I can,” Lawson said.

Sydney Hubbard, a sophomore mass communication major, is using her “ins and outs” to embrace the smaller ways she can add health and excitement to her life. 
IN: Travel
“There’s no reason to start your bucket list late,” Hubbard said. “This summer I want to go somewhere international and fun.” 
Hubbard has her passport and is ready to plan a trip somewhere far away. She’s leaning toward Australia or England as her first destination.
IN: Waffle House runs
“Last semester I didn’t go to Waffle House at all with any of my friends and I’d love to do little Waffle House trips,” Hubbard said. “They’re cheap and fun. Waffle House has a certain je ne sais quoi.”
Something as little as doing more late night trips to Waffle House can help get you and your friends out of a funk. Being more spontaneous and romanticizing a local Waffle House could be the new cure to the homework spiral. 
IN: Eating healthy 
Not including her Waffle House trips, Hubbard is choosing groceries over eating out.
“I’m eating out less. I know groceries are getting more expensive, but frozen vegetables are not bad. They’re easy to cook and I’m trying to get more nutrients in,” she said. 
Save yourself a cold and go eat your frozen veggies. 
OUT: Acrylic nails
According to Hubbard, acrylic nails are something to leave in the past. 
“Let’s all acknowledge acrylics damage nails. Dipping powder is the way to go,” she said. 
Hubbard said she will continue gatekeeping her nail tech, but she doesn’t mind sharing her favorite nail salon. Blume Beauty Bar, located in Prairieville, is where she goes to disconnect from school and focus on self care. 
OUT: Self doubt
Hubbard wants to trust herself and listen to her own voice more this year.

“It’s a new year and it’s time I trust my gut,” Hubbard said. “You know you the best.”

Even if you aren’t posting your “ins and outs” on Tiktok, a new semester means out with the old, and in with the new.