Moving away from home to go to college or university brings all sorts of new experiences and responsibilities, including preparing your own meals and looking after your general health.

Here are five tips to help you get started living a healthy lifestyle in college or university:

Exercise Regularly

Exercise is key to a healthy college or university lifestyle. You may think that setting aside time for exercise will be difficult when you’ve got classes, assignments and schoolwork to consider, but there are easy ways to get in some exercise even when life gets busy.

• Walk to Class: Give yourself enough time to walk to class. Although this may take longer than other modes of transportation, walking will help reduce stress and keep your heart rate up.
• Take the stairs: Whenever possible, use the stairs instead of an elevator. This extra cardio will add up throughout the day and help you stay in shape with little effort.
• Take Exercise Breaks: If you have a long night of studying ahead of you, schedule breaks so that you can refresh your mind and body. Our Catharines student housing offers fitness facilities so you can take a break from your studies and workout close to home. You can also take your reading with you to the gym and read as you exercise.

Upgrade Your Diet

• Healthy Eating: Along with exercise, a healthy lifestyle requires a healthy diet. A healthy diet of fruits and vegetables, as well as foods rich in protein and fiber will help keep both your mind and body healthy.
• Don’t Skip Mealtime: You should also never skip a meal. Breakfast is one of the most ‘forgotten’ meals, but it’s necessary to start your day with a healthy breakfast. If you don’t have time to sit down for a meal, grab fruit or vegetables to go so that you can eat while you walk or even in class if it’s permitted.
• Drink Water: Drinking enough water can help boost your concentration as well as keep you from overeating. Make sure to keep hydrated as you go through your day by bringing water with you. If you’re walking to class instead of driving, taking the bus, or riding a bike, bring a water bottle with you so that you can stay hydrated as you tread to class. Keep an extra water bottle in your school bag so that you have water at hand whenever you need it.
• Avoid Energy Drinks: Energy drinks actually contribute to dehydration and can cause you to feel anxious.

Sleep According to a Normal Schedule

While trying to figure out your own school routine, you may notice your friends staying up or pulling all-nighters to study or hang out with friends. Getting an adequate amount of sleep is paramount when it comes to staying physically and mentally healthy in college. Try to get your schoolwork done early and not procrastinate so that you can get proper sleep every single night.

You may also find that your busy schedule is making you more tired than before. If you’re feeling exhausted and drained during the day, try taking a nap. Don’t nap too late, though, because you still want to get a full 7-9 hours of sleep at night.

Prevent and Treat Illness

When you’re constantly around other students you increase your chances of coming down with a cold or flu. Preventing illness is easier than treating it and you will also reduce the number of days you’re absent from class.

• Wash Your Hands: Wash your hands frequently after using the bathroom and before eating. Think of all of the places you go during the average day. From classroom to classroom and everything in between, you can pick up germs anywhere, so keep your hands clean and germ-free.
• Visit a Doctor: If you do come down with something, it’s important to treat it if and when you need to. This will increase your chances of improving quickly and getting back to class. Visit your doctor for a diagnosis and to receive the proper treatment, if required.

Take steps to create a healthy lifestyle when you’re going to college or university and you will have the energy and positive attitude you need to succeed in school. Ensure your student living experience is positive – start today!