When students leave their families to go away to school, they often gain a significant amount of weight. This phenomenon is often referred to as the “freshman 15”, since the weight gain usually happens in the students first (or freshman) year.

Reasons for the freshman 15 are numerous. Going away to school often means living in dorms or residence, where food is typically less healthy than what you ate at home, and is available at all hours. Students are often less active than they were at home. School usually  involves hectic academic and social lives that can leave little time for exercise.

What kind of advice would you give to new students about staying healthy when they go away to school?