As the new year rolls around, and the new semester with it, there is no time like the present to think about what 2026 holds for you.

At The Signal, we know what we’re working on, but it’s important to us that we share some love with the community. Here are 10 manifestations that we hand-picked just for you.

1. You will finally walk the nature trail

Did you know that UHCL sits on a 524-acre wildlife preserve? It’s time to throw on your hiking boots and add one more creature to the wilderness.

Touching grass is part of a balanced spiritual diet. And who knows? Maybe you’ll finally make peace with the deer that keeps jumping in front of your car.

2. Midterms will not ruin your life

With the semester starting, midterms are right around the corner. There’s plenty of comfy spots on campus to study. You may as well start now.

A bad grade isn’t the end of the world. If it’s turned in before Spring Break, then it’s none of our business.

No need to pull the fire alarm this time.

3. You will stop scavenging from the campus vending machines

You’ll learn to resist the siren’s call of a White Monster. That bag of Hot Cheetos will no longer whisper your name.

Maybe you’ll decide to follow that meal prep plan. Maybe you’ll discover the Patio Cafe’s quesadillas. Either way, things will be better now.

4. You will be rich and famous… Just not right now

The stresses of the high life would just get in the way of studying. We’re stepping in to push this one a few more years down the road. Now’s the time to lock in and secure that degree.

5. You will not need to drop a class or change your major

We’ve taken extra care to make sure that all the vibes are right this time around. Sorry for messing it up last time, we needed another try to iron things out.

Make sure you meet with your advisor and everything will be A-OK.

6. Bayou Building construction will finally wrap up

After semesters of cacophony, surely we’re almost in the clear. Soon, your professor can lecture without the backing track of one million hammers, and you can finally take your quiz in peace.

Or at the very least, maybe it will move down the hall.

7. You will reduce your phone time

As algorithms fueled by massive companies compete for our ever scarcer attention, it’s crucial to take a step back and give your brain a chance to breathe.

Staring at that tiny screen all day can’t be good for you, anyway. Pull out your laptop and ponder the big screen instead.

8. Your least favorite classmate will get what’s coming

You reap what you sow, as they say. Their rancid vibes shouldn’t be bothering you too much longer. Maybe they’ll drop out. Maybe they’ll go to therapy. However it happens, the classroom vibes are on the up-and-up.

9. You will find a shaded parking space

The scene lies perfect. A gentle breeze caresses the hood of your car as you pull up. There, where dappled sunlight trickles through the leaves, an empty spot.

And both cars next to you actually parked in the lines!