It signifies a fresh start, an opportunity to set ambitious goals, and the excitement of embarking on new projects. For many school leavers, this time is particularly momentous as they transition into tertiary study, marking the beginning of an academic journey filled with intellectual challenges, personal growth, and transformative experiences.

New beginnings are psychologically significant because they create a clear mental demarcation between the past and the future (Dai, Milkman, & Riis, 2014). This "fresh start effect" enables individuals to feel a renewed sense of motivation and optimism, making them more likely to set and pursue goals.

For tertiary students, this psychological boost is particularly valuable as they enter tertiary education, which demands a higher level of autonomy, critical thinking, and resilience. The excitement of starting college is not merely about the academic endeavour, but also about personal reinvention. It represents newfound independence, and the opportunity to cultivate meaningful connections. The college experience can be transformative, influencing students' personal identity, and career aspirations.

The start of a new year often prompts reflection on past achievements and aspirations for the future, fostering a mindset conducive to self-improvement and innovation (Suh, Diener, & Fujita, 1996).

As King’s College embarks on 2025, it too looks to be ambitious as it sets new goals and achieves new things. As I shared recently at a Presidents’ and Fellows’ dinner, 2025 will see King’s College full,  with a resident and associate enrolment of 475 members - 227 returning students and 248 1st year students. We have representation from 137 schools across all states and territories as well as from 11 countries. What a diverse and rich community we have this year and I’m looking forward to seeing the community of King’s grow in depth through the year.

King’s this year has many exciting projects including the further development of our sporting clubs, exciting partnerships with sporting and community groups, international touring, and new initiatives around building connections with alumni and community. I would encourage you to read the information shared with you by the other staff at King’s as you embark on 2025, and I look forward to talking with you all as soon as I can.

References

Dai, H., Milkman, K. L., & Riis, J. (2014). The fresh start effect: Temporal landmarks motivate aspirational behaviour. Management Science, 60(10), 2563-2582.

Suh, E. M., Diener, E., & Fujita, F. (1996). Events and subjective well-being: Only recent events matter. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 70(5), 1091-1102.