Living on a college campus provides you with opportunities both inside and outside of the classroom.  From learning more about your desired field of study to developing social skills that will help you post-grad, there is plenty to gain from furthering your education.

To make sure you get the most of your experience, follow these tips for staying healthy on campus!

Eat healthy

The Freshman 15: Some are able to bypass it while it’s inevitable for others, but if you’re always in the dining hall, you’re bound to gain some extra pounds.

College often provides students with a newfound freedom to make choices for themselves, and this includes making poor eating choices.  To stay healthy and energized for those demanding classes and an even more demanding social life, eat a well-balanced diet that includes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and protein.

Get your body moving

Dancing all night at a college party can be a great form of exercise, but you shouldn’t adopt the notion of “study hard, party harder” when you want to walk across the stage in four years.

Most college campuses have an on-site student fitness center equipped with weights and cardio equipment.  Take advantage of a free gym membership to keep your immune system running in high gear.

Get plenty of sleep

You might be surviving the days getting a cat nap in between classes, but it’s no secret that insufficient sleep can make you less focused in class.  Studies have illustrated that lack of sleep can lead to health conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, depression, anxiety, and even mental distress.

Make sure you prioritize getting a full night’s rest as much as possible, and avoid all-nighters.

Manage stress

Balancing a full schedule of classes, clubs, sports, and a social life can lead to stress.

For moments when you can’t seem to catch a break, try stepping away from your assignments for a few moments and then try to get back into the swing of things.  Make a to-do list and prioritize what needs to be done first, and leave the other tasks until you can push through what’s most important.

Avoid substance abuse

Being away from home means your parents aren’t monitoring your every move, which means it’s a time for you to be experimental and try new things.  You don’t have to be a saint while you’re in college, however, you should try to use your best judgement while attending parties where substances and under-aged drinking occur.  Use of substances can lead to accidents, overdoses, and other risky behaviors.

Be smart about being sexually active

College is also a time where you might become sexually active, which can lead to STDs if you’re not practicing safe sex.  Even if you or your partner is on birth control, you can still spread disease if you’re not using a condom.  And if you plan on being sexually active, be sure to get tested regularly.

College Health Care Services at AFC Urgent Care

Being home away from home also means you won’t have easy access to your primary care physician.  And most student health centers have limited services with limited hours, and you can’t afford an emergency room visit.

At AFC Urgent Care, we provide a number of health services for college students including sports physicals, treatment for injuries and illnesses, discreet STD testing and more.

For more information about the services we provide please call to speak with one of our medical professionals at 781-322-7300.