Healthy Habits for College Students: A Beginner’s Guide

In the fall of 2022, 17.9 million college students were enrolled in a degree awarding program across the U.S. Although enrollment numbers have declined over the years, the pursuit of higher education still takes precedence in many American homes, as well as those abroad. A positive college experience is one to strive for.

College can be a great time to grow and learn, but it may also be stressful for some. That's why it is so important to have the proper healthy habits in place to navigate these challenges now so that your college experience can be the very best possible. You need to be able to understand the importance of healthy sleep, diet, and study habits and their beneficial impact on college students.

With this guide, you will be able to find tips, tricks, and healthy habits you can use to achieve college success. Keep reading below for more helpful information.

Practice Good Time Management Skills

Of the nearly 18 million college students enrolled, about 62% of undergrad students are enrolled full-time or are considered full-time equivalent (FTE). This means they will have a full roster of classes to attend and some may even have a part-time job on the side.

When not in class or working, you will need to set aside time for studying and paper writing. This also entails any other out-of-class endeavors like hobbies, sports activities, socialization, laundry, and eating.

College students going full-time can have a lot of demands on their time. That's why it is essential to have good time management. Make a schedule for all of these activities and budget your time accordingly. Doing so will allow you to live the college experience fully and responsibly.

Use Alcohol Sparingly

Many college students believe their college experience to be one of excess. We've all seen those college movies where beer, pizza, and other junk foods reign supreme, and everyone parties all night long. You may think that because you're young, the sky's the limit for what you can do and still bounce back.

But these harmful habits can be damaging even in the short term. Your physical, mental, and emotional health are at stake. An estimated 80% of college students may engage in some kind of drinking, with 50% of these students engaging in binge drinking.

Binge drinking is the act of taking in massive quantities of alcohol in a short period of time. This practice can lead to cognitive impairment and even alcohol poisoning. Alcohol can also lead to mood swings along with greater levels of anxiety and depression in college students.

If you must drink, do so in moderation. Drink water in between to flush your system. Don't give in to peer pressure and do not attempt to operate a motor vehicle, even if you only feel a little buzzed.

Engage in Exercise

College students spend a lot of time staring at books and computer screens now. That's why it's vital to incorporate exercise into your daily routine. It doesn't have to be some long and involved workout, as long as you get moving.

Go to the school gym for a workout or simply take a walk with a Fitbit to get your steps in. If you don't want to go to the gym, then keep some small pieces of workout equipment in your dorm room like resistance bands and hand weights.

Even 20-30 minutes of exercise per day can help you stay fit and keep your mind sharp. The change of pace in your routine can also help clear your mind and allow you to study better.

Nourish Your Body

Another pitfall facing college students is their unhealthy diets. College students may opt for something quick and cheap that they can grab and go. These foods are often loaded with sodium, processed sugars, carbs, and fats.

While they may taste good at first, these foods are actually slowing down your brain and your body. You may feel sluggish and experience frequent crashes from the carbohydrates and sugars wearing off midday. This can impact your academic performance.

You need a balanced diet of fruits, grains, and vegetables, along with dairy and protein to feel your best and maintain healthy habits. Avoid high-fat and high-sugar content foods. Swap out a cookie for a piece of fruit to make smarter eating choices.

Reduce Caffeine Intake

Energy drinks can be especially harmful to college students. Their massive amounts of caffeine can increase your heart rate. They cause headaches and jitteriness, followed by eventual energy crashes.

They can contain as much as 400mgs of caffeine or more in one can. Energy drinks are loaded with added sugars that can also contribute to that zapped energy crash feeling later on.

You should consume no more than 200-300mgs of caffeine per day. This is the equivalent of two to three 8 oz cups of coffee, which is more than enough.

Pay Attention to Your Mental Health

These days, more and more college students are becoming aware of the signs of stress and the decline in their mental health. Maintaining good mental health practices is essential to address college student burnout before it happens.

Mental health challenges can arise in many different ways. Stress, depression, and anxiety are the most common. But when these issues are left unchecked, they can turn into other problems such as substance abuse disorders, eating disorders, sleep disorders, and even suicidal thoughts.

It is vital that college students experiencing these mental health challenges reach out for support. Meet with a counselor and find the resources you need to manage these issues now. Talking about your mental health and getting help is crucial.

Set Good Study Habits

College students are in college, hopefully, with the goal of learning. But you can't learn if you don't have good study habits in place. Start by designating realistic study days and times into your schedule, along with breaks in between.

Make sure you have a clean and organized study space set up. A messy room and desk will only add to your study stress. If this isn't possible or you have a noisy or messy roommate, go to the library and find a quiet study space instead.

Get together with classmates and hold study sessions. This is a great way to exchange notes and ideas with one another. You're also expanding your organic knowledge and understanding without resorting to last-minute cram sessions.

Having good study habits will allow your level of knowledge retention to increase. You'll be more likely to remember what you've been taught later on for writing papers and taking exams.

Get Proper Sleep

Young college students may think that staying up late allows them more free time and that they'll be perfectly fine in the morning. But this is a common misconception. Everyone needs proper sleep to function.

If you're not getting the recommended 7 to 9 hours of sleep per night, you're missing out. Staring at computer, TV, and smartphone screens late at night also emits blue light radiation into your eyes which can contribute to insomnia and irregular sleep patterns.

An hour before your scheduled bedtime put your blue light devices down or turn them off. Get yourself into a calming bedtime routine like yoga and aromatherapy and don't drink caffeine.

Choose Healthy Snacks

With a full day of classes and other activities, it can be difficult for college students to find the time for the healthy meals they should be eating. Snacks may replace a meal at times, but choosing the right healthy snacks is a must to build and maintain healthy habits.

Again, you should stay away from items that promise a quick fix but come loaded with processed sugars and carbs. Fruits like apples, oranges, and bananas are loaded with vitamins and offer an easy on-the-go snack option.

Select fruit and nut bars that do not contain added sugars. Dark chocolate fulfills a chocolate craving while also boosting antioxidants. You can also snack on items like hummus, smoothies, and salads with a light dressing for an in-between meal pick-me-up.

Don't Underestimate Water for Hydration

For college students, staying hydrated is more important than ever. You've got places to be and a busy day ahead of you. The last thing you need to grab is a sugary sports drink, energy drink, or coffee to keep you going through your day, right?

Nope, it's just plain old H2O, or water. Drinking regular water powers your body and keeps it active. It flushes your system and keeps your brain sharp too, so drink at least 64 ounces of water per day for optimal hydration.

If you want to add flavor to your water, you can find zero-sugar Gatorade flavor packets in most stores. But your best bet is to get a reusable water bottle with a natural fruit infuser insert built in. That way you can have fresh-tasting water with a serving of fresh fruit together.

Find More Great Tips for College Students to Create Healthy Habits with Honor Society

With the proper healthy habits on their side, college students can enhance their college experience for the better. Being a college student is a challenge but it can also be rewarding. Having the right resources also helps.

Honor Society is dedicated to helping college students navigate the ins and outs of the college experience. We are also dedicated to helping students achieve the college success they strive for. Find extensive lists of job opportunities and scholarships hosted by the Honor Society Foundation, along with membership benefits like health discount plans and dining discounts.

Fill out a membership application on our website to join Honor Society today.