As a high school senior, you hear from all of your older friends, “You’re going to gain the freshman 15” or “Don’t get fat.” There are many ways to prove your older friends wrong and to avoid the freshman 15.

1. Don’t let your eyes be bigger than your stomach

We all love Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners but those holidays only come once a year. Don’t eat like you would eat at those holidays. Groceries are meant to last you over the month, not just a day.

2. Try to workout a few times a week

You pay for The Rec in your tuition, you should probably use it as much as you can. There is a reason that they built one on campus.

3. You don't have to try every restaurant the first week

You will be at college for at least 4 years. So will those restaurants.

4. Pace yourself on the Fuzzy's visits

Fuzzy's is definitely God's gift to every college town. I mean $4 margaritas? You can't beat that! Chips, queso, and salsa? Even better with $4 margaritas! But they aren't the healthiest choices.

5. Monitor your alcohol consumption

You are on your own, no more parents. You're going to want to go crazy on the drinking. But don't. Excessive alcohol consumption is pretty unhealthy. I mean you probably shouldn't be drinking alcohol if you aren't of age. Safety first!

6. The d-hall may not be as good as you think

All you can eat is awesome, but how awesome? Go easy on the d-hall food and workout at the rec! Stock your fridge with healthy items because during those cold months, who wants to walk from your dorm, across campus, to the d-hall? Not me!

7. There are intramurals for a reason

Intramurals are good! They get you involved and get you active. You don't have to be Babe Ruth to play softball or you don't have to be Aaron Rodgers to play flag football but intramurals keep you exercising while having fun and making friends.

8. Campus is beautiful, take a walk

If you're from the campus I am, Tarleton State University, you know that campus is beautiful. Our grass is beautiful and green year 'round since no one can walk on the grass! Walk around, enjoy the sites there are to see. You won't be there forever. You won't be able to just step out of your dorm room and take in the beauty of your campus. Don't take it for granted.

Use these tips and you will be on your happy way to not gaining the dreaded freshman 15. Love your body and take care of yourself. You don’t want your old classmates looking at pictures of you at the end of your freshman year thinking “Dang, she gained a lot of weight.” See you at the rec.