[Photo provided to China Daily]

Li Jiajia, 18, freshman in Tianjin Foreign Studies University

Born in Zhejiang province, like some 9 million Chinese high school students, Li Jiajia studied the same subjects－Chinese, math, English and so on－for the Chinese college entrance examination last year.

"In high school, I went to sleep at 11 pm and got up at 5 am to study every day," says Li. "In university, I have more time of my own, so I want to try new things."

Since she entered the university in September, Li has participated in a debate competition, run a marathon and was part of an outstanding delegation in a Model United Nations contest.

Li has a long list of things she wants to do at university, including developing an everyday reading habit, backpacking on her own, starting a small business and writing an autobiography.

When asked about this year's resolutions, she says: "I have been wanting to study Spanish for a long time, so I'd better get started in the spring semester. I also want to grow some plants in spring. Seeing greenery puts me in a good mood."