Lessons in everything life and Leam: new year, new us?

2025 is a new year marked with new and exciting opportunities. Whilst some will make extravagant resolutions that will be adhered to and others will make some that will be forgotten within weeks, I have opted for a new approach this year. Instead of aiming for an unachievable overhaul of our lives, we should strive to do 52 different, new, and exciting things in 2025. It could be that bucket list of destinations you’ve always dreamed of travelling to, ticking a book off your reading list, or simply trying a new coffee shop. Here is a run-down of what I have deemed ‘in’ for 2025:

Still, there is something comforting about the nostalgia of Pop! and attending different circles should be on the 52 things-to-do list

My first ‘in’ is going out, but I don’t mean clubbing. This can be embodied in many ways, and it is up to you to decide how to execute it. Perhaps this reflects my ageing, but finding outings that don’t involve clubbing become more appealing for those in or approaching third years. Consider trying a new cocktail or trying a different bar to your list of 52 new things. This is an easy way to get out of the house and feel adventurous. Also, whilst Leamington has an abundance of lovely yet generic restaurants like Giggling Squid, Wagamama’s, and a soon-to-be Gail’s, it also has a plethora of gorgeous independent establishments that fit every need. So, add a new restaurant to that bucket list and enjoy the fine delicacies available. A couple of my friends have vowed to go to a new restaurant they wouldn’t find anywhere else every three weeks. This is to attempt to maximise their culinary experience in Leamington. Restaurants of note include: Tartine, Baserri, and Taverna Meraki.

In complete dichotomy to my previous point, Pop! is ‘in’. Bonus points are available if you find love in the hallowed halls of the Copper Rooms. Again, this might reflect my ageing. It is a sign of desperation to re-live my glory days. Still, there is something comforting about the nostalgia of Pop! and attending different circles should be on the 52 things-to-do list. Not only is this a great way to meet new people and immerse yourself in a different atmosphere, it also gives you the excuse to write off a Wednesday afternoon and a justifiable reason to be in the Copper Rooms for the 27th time. Returning home without quickly dropping into one of our favourite kebab shops for a snack would also feel wrong. So, Pop! remains to be the gift that keeps on giving.

Sustainability is ‘in’. One thing that Leamington has in its favour is the charity shops. You can find some true gems tucked away in the back shelves of the plethora of charity shops at your disposal. Implementing more sustainable shopping habits in 2025 is easy – you could pledge to donate clothing each month, not shop for an entire month, or have a one-in-one-out policy for your wardrobe. The Parade and Regent’s Street have many lovely charity shops catering to your wildest dreams. If sustainability is in for you in 2025, there is a health food shop called Core on Regent’s Street. It offers fresh fruit, vegetables, and pastries, as well as the option to refill containers with cupboard essentials.

Take this new year as your chance to do the things you’ve been putting off for so long; it doesn’t have to be intense, scary or a complete switch up to your life

Travelling is also ‘in’. Whilst the start of a new year prompts people to think of all the extravagant places they could go, I have decided in 2025 to focus on becoming better acquainted with the local area. This, again, can take on any form that floats your boat. If cultural immersion and literacy are your thing, pop along to Stratford Upon Avon to watch a production at the Royal Shakespeare Company. If outdoor activities are more your thing, then the Cotswolds are only an hour’s drive away. My friends and I have these on our to-do list for this year. We also have tickets to see Twelfth Night. We are starting the year as we mean to go on, and while a trip to the Cotswolds might be on the cards, it is much more likely that we will find ourselves in a heated pool rather than a natural lake!

So, take this new year as your chance to do the things you’ve been putting off for so long. It doesn’t have to be intense, scary or a complete switch up to your life. In fact, many of the things on our list are things we probably would have done anyway. It is nice to have something to hold you accountable. Ultimately, ticking something off a list makes everyone feel good. Therefore, it isn’t a ‘new year, new us’ for my friends and I as we continue to make lists like last year. However, I can vouch for 2024 being a pretty good year, partly due to our lists. We travelled, talked, trained, and so much more, and we had our lists to thank for that!