After being lazy all summer, I am so relieved that I am back at school and being productive. I remember coming to Fairfield last year and having absolutely no idea how to fill the free time in my schedule. I was still making new friends, so all I did was go to class, eat, and go back to my room by myself; it was extremely uneventful.
But with time, I began forming some good habits that I carried with me to the new school year. Hopefully some of these will inspire you too!
1. Go To The Gym
As much as you may want to stay in your bed all day eating Ben & Jerry’s and watching Netflix with your roommate, staying active is extremely important. Going to the gym at least 3 or 4 times a week can be so beneficial to you. Not only will it help you relieve stress, but it will improve your confidence and happiness, too – that’s what exercising does for me! Working out doesn’t have to be a chore because there are so many fun classes that you can take, like Zumba or Spin! These classes are upbeat, and the music makes it feel more like a party than a workout! Going to a fitness class can also help you meet new friends, which is always a plus! Staying healthy is so important, especially in college, so I really am an advocate for staying in shape and getting that workout in a few times a week!
2. Eat Healthy
The “Freshman 15” is real, so make it a habit to eat well! Obviously, we all like to indulge every once in a while, but eventually those habits catch up to you. With one swipe, you have access to an entire dining hall. Instead of reaching for the pizza and French fries all the time, incorporate some healthier options in your meals. Try getting a wrap, vegetables, or making yourself a salad at the salad bar! It may not be your mom’s home cooked meals, but it is up to you to make the best out of mealtimes while you’re away at school. I really had to break the habit of reaching for the junk food instead of the healthier options, and while it was hard, it was worth it.
3. Form Good Study Habits
College isn’t just for parties and hanging out with friends. We’re here to get an education and the key to success is forming good study habits early on. Making it a habit to go to the library, or somewhere quiet and free of distractions, will force you to focus and really push you to do your schoolwork. Along with changing my study habits from high school that weren’t working for me in college, I wrote down my schedule on a big whiteboard. Seeing all my clubs, activities, and work for that week in one place helped me become more organized and motivated to stay on top of my tasks.
4. Make Time To Relax
I realized that sometimes stress can get the best of you, so it is important to give yourself time to relax. Finding the balance between your schoolwork and social life will help you in so many ways. While it is important to get good grades and study hard, sometimes you need to stay in for a movie night with friends or go out to a party. You should also try to find some time for yourself, whether you need to take a nap Time away from the books is just as important as the time you spend hitting the books.
5. Look Presentable
A good habit to have is to try to avoid “bumming it” too often. Don’t get me wrong I love wearing sweats and being comfortable, but in college, you meet so many new people and are constantly running around campus. Looking put together is a great way to make a good impression on your classmates, plus it will help you feel ready to ~slay the day~. Looking presentable is something I feel like most students should get in the habit of doing. Who knows, you might even get a compliment or two!
6. Stay In Touch With Family
Get in the habit of calling, FaceTiming, or even shooting a text to your family every few days! I’m extremely close to my family so I call my parents every night, but I know some of my friends can go weeks without talking to their parents. Forgetting to update your family on your college life can be easy when you’re so busy, but it’s super important to keep them in the loop. Even if you can’t call them every day like I do, your family will definitely appreciate a call or text a few times a week!
7. Eat Breakfast Every Morning
Eating a healthy breakfast is the best way to start your day! I know that sometimes if I skip breakfast, I continue to be busy and skip meals until it’s too late in the day. Eating a balanced breakfast in the morning will give you energy for your long, busy days. It’s so much harder to be productive throughout your day if you’re on an empty stomach. Plus, eating breakfast avoids hearing your stomach grumble in class – awkward!