In an attempt to not gain the freshman fifteen myself, I’ve decided to write some tips I’ve learned to stay fit and healthy in college. I figure that if I write some rules, then it would just be downright hypocritical if I didn’t follow these rules myself. So I hope this helps you and I avoid those dangerous extra pounds.

1. Workout Before Class

The worst part about your new gym at college is that it’s crowded. I have 10 am classes and have recently learned that going to the gym at 8:30 in the morning is quite beneficial. It’s not immensely crowded because people are either at class or they don’t have class until 11/12 so they’re sleeping in. Go before class and that way, if you get swamped with homework later, you already got that workout in.

2. Workout On Your Way Home From Class

Go to class in your workout clothes. That way when you pass the fitness center on your way back to your dorm, you have no excuse to not go in and run for an hour. Then grab a smoothie and study when you’re done. It’s the perfect combo.

3. Do Your Homework While You Work Out

Sitting in your room and reading 80 pages is super boring, so why not multitask? Take your book to the gym instead of to your library and hop on a stationary bike. It’s super easy to pedal away while you finish your Shakespeare play. This way you get your work done and can study too.

4. DO NOT TAKE THE BUS

Unless you really don’t have time between classes to walk somewhere, you should. Never take the bus. Wake up those 30 minutes earlier and walk your butt over to your 8 am class. Your calves will thank you. I'm not going to lie to you, I totally cheat this rule for those 9:30 am classes all the way in the drama building.

5. Be Careful in the Dining Hall

Although dining hall food is bad and very few things taste good there, be aware of eating too much ice cream or mac and cheese or pizza. Make yourself a salad every day for lunch or eat an omelet for breakfast instead of that waffle. If you make smart choices every time and really think about what you are eating, then on those weekends where you go out to eat at restaurants with friends, you can afford a fattening, guilt-free meal.

6. Only Keep Healthy Food in Your Dorm

If you only buy foods like veggies, fruits, and low-calorie snacks then you’ll be way better off. Late at night when you’re hanging with your hall-mates, you’ll want to snack so having only carrots available will prevent you from nomming on ramen and potato chips all night. If you don’t buy it, you won't be tempted to it eat.

7. Find Some Fitness Classes to Take

Personally, my suite-mate convinced me to take a class at Pure Barre. Now it’s only free for the first week so after that, I’ll have to move on because I’m a broke college student, but it honestly was a really good work out. Go out and find a free barre, cycling, yoga, or any other fitness class somewhere near your campus and go whenever you can. Bring friends and enjoy the class because it’s a super fun and motivating way to work out. Plus, if you’re like me and have zero self-motivation when it comes to fitness, the instructor will give you the extra push you need.

8. Join Dance Fitness Club

Most college campuses will have something like this and I think it’s an amazing idea. I’ve gotten emails for Zumba classes as well as many other dance style fitness classes and they’re all FREE!! Again, take some friends and have a fun time dancing your booty off and getting in shape.

Warning: After all this new exercising and walking to classes, my calves hurt. A LOT. Just be prepared, but trust me, it’s worth it.