Over the past two years, I'm pretty sure I've spent more time sick than healthy. Yes, being sick is just a part of college. You're living in a new place, you're sleeping less, your stress level is twice as high, and if you live in a dorm, the close quarters is a germ fest. While it is impossible to completely irradiate getting sick in college, here are some hacks to help boost your immune system.

1. Every morning, take Emergen-C and a Zinc supplement

Every since I can remember my mom has bugged me about taking this regiment as often as possible, especially when allergies and flu season kicks in. Emergen-C is a great hangover cure, and great for travel, but its also a great immune booster. There's a ton of vitamin C which is super beneficial in repair of tissues, wound healing, and maintain/regulation of the immune system. Zinc helps with hormone production, boosts immunity, and is an anti-inflammatory.

2. Take a shot of apple cider vinegar before breakfast

Another one of my mom's tricks, this took me years to get on board with. I absolutely hate the taste of any kind of vinegar, but after years of my mom bugging me I finally decided to try it. In her words, if you can take shots of vodka, this shouldn't be a challenge. So now no one really has an excuse of 'it tastes bad'. There's been a recent trend in apple cider vinegar since Dr. Oz talked about it on his show. It helps with metabolism, weight loss, and overall health. It is full of probiotics, and magnesium which are both great for your immune system. Also, if you really cant stand the taste, mix it with pomegranate or grapefruit juice and a little bit of honey.

3. GET ENOUGH SLEEP!!!!!!!!

Everyone tells you to go to bed earlier so you can get a full nights rest, but lets face it most nights in college, I get about 5 hours of sleep maximum. On the weeks where I don't have as much going on, I get more sleep and the difference is insane. I feel more alert, healthier, and my body is recharged enough to fight off germs and bacteria.

4. Limit your alcohol intake

College is great, its fun to go out with your friends. And it's no surprise that college students drink and party. It's all fine and good until you get hit with a wicked hangover. That's your body telling you to chill out. All the symptoms of a hangover are symptoms of exhaustion and dehydration. When your body is constantly fighting with itself after a long night out, its defense is already down, and its the perfect time for germs to nestle in. I'm not saying cut out alcohol entirely, just be aware of how much you're drinking, and drink enough water. You have to take care of your body, so it can take care of you.

5. Carry hand sanitizer with you

I was that kid in middle school with like 30 Body and Body Works hand sanitizers in my backpack. The scented antiseptic phase fizzed for a few years until I worked at an overnight camp. I started carrying sanitizer around again and noticed just how disgusting surfaces are. Espically in a place like college where there are so many common areas and surfaces.