Healthy Living in College Made Easy

Starting college is a time to explore new opportunities, meet people and chase your dreams. However, it also marks a new phase of self-management. Many students are leaving the familiar structures and routines of their childhood for the first time. It can be empowering to choose how you fill your days. But between classes, social events and late-night study sessions, making healthy choices can sometimes feel like an afterthought. The good news? Most colleges are packed with resources to help you stay on top of your physical and mental well-being.

Here are some of the top college health hacks from Kameron Suire, an assistant professor of exercise science at Berry, to use campus resources to keep your health in check while making the most of a college experience.

1. Get outside and move

Colleges are some of the most beautiful and unique spaces to visit. They typically have green spaces, trails or recreation areas waiting to be discovered. Exploring your new campus can be a fun and active way to get to know your new school. Check out your college website for maps and trails.

For example, at Berry College, the sprawling 27,000-acre campus offers miles of paved and gravel hiking and biking trails. Even if your college isn’t quite this massive, getting outside is one of the easiest ways to move your body and clear your head. Spending time in nature is a proven stress reliever, too, so take advantage of any natural spaces your campus offers.

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2. Hit the campus gym

Most colleges have fitness centers that are free with tuition or affordable for students. Since you are probably already paying for them, don’t get ripped off by not using them! These facilities can feature everything from weightlifting equipment and group exercise classes to indoor tracks and swimming pools. Whether your school’s gym is big or small, it’s a great place to make movement part of your routine.

If you have never stepped foot in a gym before, don’t worry. Colleges are prepared to help you find your way around. Look online or talk with staff about whether your school offers personal training. Even if you don’t have time for a training session, it’s likely a staff member can help walk you through how to use the different weights or machines available to students.

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3. Join a wellness group

Getting involved in a health-focused club is a great way to meet people and stay motivated in college. Typically, there are three different ways to get involved.

Wellness initiatives

Many schools offer clubs that help students build well-rounded, healthy lifestyles. For example, the American College of Sports Medicine is the largest sports medicine and exercise organization in the world, and they have satellite student organizations at colleges across the globe called “Exercise Is Medicine On Campus.” The mission of this organization is to promote physical activity as a vital sign of health through fun, engaging activities and educational events. By participating, students can learn practical strategies to incorporate movement into their daily lives while connecting with peers who share similar health and wellness goals. This international organization on different campuses is also a smart option for finding exercise accountability.

Fitness clubs

Some groups meet on campus just to get moving together. From rock climbing clubs to ballroom dancing clubs, check out what your school offers. You might discover a group that aligns perfectly with your interests. Remember, staying healthy is not just about hitting the gym or eating vegetables. Building strong social connections is key to overall well-being. Whether joining a club, attending campus events or simply hanging out with friends, making time for meaningful interactions can boost your mood and energy.

Intramural sports

Joining recreational sports teams can also help you build healthy habits while making friends. Typically, different sports opportunities are offered throughout the calendar year, so make sure to find out which sports are offered when. Building a sports team can also be a fun opportunity to get active with an already established friend group from a residence hall or major.

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4. Get fit and get credit for it

It’s likely you will be required to take a physical activity course during your college years. Through these classes, you can try a new activity with solid instruction. These courses may allow you to access equipment or support on the college’s dime, giving you the chance to try a new hobby without the same expense as doing it on your own. Plus, these classes typically have a healthy habits component that can help you think critically about your daily routine.

5. Be smart about dining halls

College dining options can be a blessing and a curse. Sure, the unlimited pizza and desserts are tempting, but most cafeterias serve healthy options, too. Knowing where to look and how to use the food available can be a major step towards healthy habits. Aim for a mix of fruits, vegetables, proteins and whole grains. Finding a meal like this might mean mixing up your options. You might visit the grill area for a chicken breast, then the stir-fry area for hot veggies and finally stop by the salad bar. At some schools, students have access to online menus that include ingredients and calories to help students make thoughtful choices about their eating habits too. And yes, you can still enjoy a treat now and then. It’s all about balance. Bonus points if you experiment by trying new foods!

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6. Do not ignore poor physical or mental health

Don’t wait until you’re feeling run down to visit your school’s health center. These centers typically offer everything from basic medical care to mental health support. And because you were required to submit medical information to register for college, your insurance status and medical history are likely already on file. Here you won’t have to fight for an appointment with the general population. Instead, begin building a relationship with on-campus support as soon as you get to school.

Also, remember your mental health is just as important as your physical health, and colleges understand the pressures students face. Most schools provide free or low-cost counseling services for students with stress, anxiety or other challenges. For more information on building your mental strength and wellness, check out our article on mental resilience.

7. Find a routine that works for you

In the end, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to health. Maybe you’re a morning runner or perhaps you prefer a late-night yoga session. The key is finding a rhythm that fits your life and sticking with it. Start small, experiment with what feels good and build habits that help you feel your best. As you get started, give yourself grace. It’s likely your health habits have been revolving around 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. school schedule or a sports team with routine workouts. All the individual free time of college can feel overwhelming, and it may take time to find the right rhythm.

Adulting 101

Most college students realize the choices they make about majors and career will determine their future years. However, few students consider how the habits they form around nutrition, exercise, and sleep also impact their future selves. Beyond immediately influencing grades and college success, the health habits students form in college often set a pattern for their adult lives.

In an interview about his research on how college education impacts future habits and longevity, Peter Savelyev says, “It is well known that many essential life determinants emerge early in life. Later in life, things are harder to change.”

Ultimately, your habits could change later, but young adulthood is a crucial moment when you have the freedom to shape what life will look like without the input of guardians or parents. In other words, this is your moment to shine! But this moment also comes with new living situations, new eating arrangements and lots of social opportunities that can lead to poor sleep, nutrition and exercise habits.

Beginning with an awareness of this challenge is the first step to taking advantage of all the health resources available to college students. Staying healthy in college doesn’t have to be complicated. By exploring your school’s resources and making small adjustments to your routine, you can thrive physically, mentally and socially. Whether you’re at Berry College or anywhere else, these opportunities are within reach. Make your well-being a priority!