As sure as a hangover-induced duvet day follows New Year’s Eve, early January brings debate about new year’s resolutions.
Whatever you might think about them, all the talk of fresh starts can provide the kick up the backside you need to make changes – be they small alterations to your daily routine or momentous life decisions.
And 2015 looks set to be a year of change – political parties are starting to campaign in earnest for May’s general election, while the tide finally looks set to turn against beards.
So there’s never been a better time to shave off that ill-advised facial fuzz, or finally read that copy of Thomas Piketty’s 700-page Capital in the Twenty-First Century that you panic-bought during a bad case of fomo and left to gather dust ever since.
Thanks to our sponsors, Unite Students, the leading provider of student accommodation in the UK, we’re offering you the chance to win £500 worth of STA Travel vouchers.
The topic for this competition is One Thing I Plan to Change in 2015 – all you have to do to enter is upload a photo of yourself, with an object illustrating this theme, to Instagram using the hashtag #students1change and a caption of up to 100 words explaining your pledge.
Your entry could be deeply serious or quite light-hearted, but it should be original and thought-provoking to win. We want to be wowed by your photographic skill, your way with words, and the boldness of your resolution.
Here are some guidelines
For the pictures:
• Your image must include you, as well as the object that symbolises the thing you want to change.
• Aim for a clear and well-lit photo.
• Feel free to edit or use filters to enhance your picture if you’d like to.
For the caption:
• You’ve got only 100 words, so make each one work hard.
• Aim for an unusual idea that others are unlikely to have thought of – or try an unexpected spin on a well-worn theme.
• Use a relaxed, chatty style – this isn’t an academic essay.
• Avoid abstract nouns (challenge, passion, interpretation) and go for strong concrete ones instead (apples, wool, seawater).
• Make sure something of your own personality comes across.
• Describe your objective in a way that makes us feel its importance to you.
• Check your work for errors – and read it aloud to make sure it sounds natural and conversational.
Our closing time for entries is 23:59 on Tuesday 22 February 2015. Expert judges from the Guardian, Unite Students and elsewhere will pick the top 10 entries, and these will be showcased on Guardian Students. Guardian readers will then get the chance to vote for their favourite. The winner will be announced on or before Wednesday 11 March 2015.
If you still have questions, take a look at our FAQs – and there are even more details in the T&Cs. We look forward to receiving your entries.
