It's about that time for school to start back up and a lot of us are going to college for the first time. Many of us are also living in the residence halls. There's no one around to control what you do, what you wear, what you say or what you eat. How exciting! There are some downsides to this though. There's no one around to tell you what to do, what to say... and no one controlling what you eat for dinner... exactly. The Freshman 15 is a thing.

A lot of people say "it's gonna happen," but I have a few tips here to help you out. Say goodbye to the 15 pounds worth of freedom trying to attach to your belly.

1. Go to your school gym

A lot of schools offer gyms for their students. Let's face it - you're going to have some boring weekends. When you have some free time on your hands, get some friends together and hit the gym! If you make it a routine, then those pounds will stay far away from you.

2. Join a sports team

If you join a sport, you'll have something to do and you'll ALWAYS be active - whether it be from practice or games. It's almost impossible to gain those 15 pounds.

3. Join ROTC

ROTC is just as beneficial as a sport, but the workouts are much more intense. ROTC also teaches leadership skills, discipline and hard work.

4. Eat in the dining hall

If you make use of your meal plan, you're more likely to maintain a balanced diet. Dining halls generally have salad bars, fruit and cooked vegetables with your meal choices. Choose the healthier option and you'll be fine. Don't pig out on the cookies and snacks all day in your dorm room.

5. Buy healthy snacks for your dorm room

I know the cup of noodles is just so convenient, but don't do it to yourself. If you're going to eat in your dorm room, keep healthy snacks around you. Consider snacks like Nature Valley bars, and fruit salads. Avoid stacking up on the carryout leftovers. Remember, if it's not there, you can't eat it.

6. Keep your car at home

If your campus doesn't allow freshmen to have cars on campus, then you're already ahead of the game. Stick to walking around and catching buses everywhere. You'll burn way more calories that way.

7. Stay away from ramen noodles

Check out this video:

... enough said.

8. Take the stairs

I know it sounds cliche, but if you take the stairs instead of the elevator, you're burning more and more calories everyday.

9. Carry lemon water around with you

Lemon water is proven to reduce bloating and boost your metabolism!

10. YouTube

Youtube has many videos on staying in shape such as fun exercise videos.

11. Join a dance team

Dancing for your school's dance team can be a fun workout. Consider Zumba classes as well. You'll have the time of your life.

If you follow these few tips, live positively and eat healthy, you won't have to worry about the big Freshman 15. Good luck!