We all make New Year’s resolutions. Whether it’s eating healthier, exercising more, or taking time for self-care, the start of a new year - and the beginning of every new semester – is a chance to hit reset. 

If you’ve made it past the mid-January “quit day,” congratulations—you’re building momentum! And if you’ve already stumbled, don’t worry. There’s no better time to recommit to your goals, and Harvard’s student resources offer a wealth of free opportunities to help you prioritize wellbeing and make 2025 your best year yet.

Thanks to a grant from the Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS), the College Residential Communities have recently revamped their fitness spaces, making it easier than ever for students to stay active without even leaving their building. The grant funded the installation of new cardio machines, such as treadmills, and strength-training equipment like Smith machines.

These upgrades were guided by student surveys conducted by Krystle Petrie, Director of Administration for Residential Communities, and the Residential Program Space Committee. “The number one cardio machine requested by students was a treadmill. First Years also have the ability to check out fitness equipment like fitness bands from the FYE office,” Petrie explained.

To further support students, Petrie’s team partnered with the Wellness Tutors and the Athletics Department, specifically Recreation, to create instructional posters offering tips for using the new equipment and designing effective workouts. To prioritize safety, Environmental Health and Safety ensured the installation of Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) near each gym.

In addition to the Residential Community fitness upgrades, all Harvard undergraduates benefit from free memberships to Harvard Recreation facilities. This includes access to the Malkin Athletic Center (MAC), the Quadrangle Recreational Athletic Center (QRAC), Hemenway Gymnasium, the Murr Fitness Center, and Blodgett Pool, along with group fitness classes like yoga, spin, Zumba, and high-intensity interval training (HIIT). For those new to the gym or looking to refresh their routine, Harvard Recreation offers free equipment orientations, as well as personal and small-group training sessions. Students can activate their class access through the Harvard Rec app or website, making it easier than ever to get started. Recreation also offers opportunities for students to take part in other modalities like tennis, rowing, squash, and sailing.
 

Beyond physical fitness, the Harvard Center for Wellness and Health Promotion (CWHP) provides a range of services designed to support holistic wellbeing. Located in the Smith Campus Center, the CWHP offers workshops, mindfulness sessions, and classes in yoga and meditation. Students can also experience the restorative benefits of massage and acupuncture at discounted rates. Other focuses of the CWHP include health education topics like sexual health, sleep, and substance use, helping students create a balanced and healthy lifestyle. Drop by their office to grab free safer sex supplies or a sleep kit to get a better night’s rest.

Harvard’s peer counseling groups, supported by Counseling and Mental Health Services (CAMHS), are another excellent resource for maintaining mental and emotional balance. Whether you’re stressed about academics, navigating relationship challenges, or grappling with identity concerns, a group is ready to listen. Peer counselors provide confidential, non-judgmental support, offering a safe space to discuss whatever’s on your mind.

Harvard’s peer counseling resources include groups like Contact, ECHO, Indigo, Response, and Room 13, each trained to support students with various issues. For example, some groups focus on identity and intersectionality, while others address concerns related to body image or relationships. HUGPT, another option, offers a group therapy model, helping students work through challenges with peer support. These peer counseling groups emphasize that breaking stigmas around mental health starts with reaching out; speaking to a peer counselor can make a huge difference.

Investing in your wellbeing isn’t just about feeling good—it’s about thriving academically and personally. Stepping away from the screen for a quick workout or venting to a peer counselor can recharge your energy and clarity, helping you tackle your goals with renewed focus.

If you’re ready to make the most of these resources, now’s the time to explore what’s available in your House and across campus. Check out Harvard’s Guide to Student Wellness Groups or visit the websites of Harvard Recreation, the Center for Wellness and Health Promotion, and peer counseling groups for up-to-date information on services and hours. Whether you’re hitting the gym, joining a workshop, or seeking someone to talk to, Harvard’s community is here to support you every step of the way.

Let this be the semester you prioritize yourself and discover how much better life feels when you do.