Students blog

College can be a difficult lifestyle adjustment. Living in campus housing and navigating a class schedule different from high school can be challenging. Add in extracurriculars such as clubs, sports, and social events, and it becomes even harder.

Staying on top of my physical fitness is the most effective way I balance the hectic college lifestyle. Fitting the gym into one’s daily schedule seems hard, but many people overestimate how long physical activity takes.

Simple Ways to Start Working Out

You can spend hours at the gym, but many quick workouts require only minutes of your time. Anything that gets your heart rate up and brings you out of your comfort zone benefits your body and mind.

For example, walking outside for twenty to thirty minutes every day is a simple way to start. Once you are comfortable with that, start jogging a mile every day. You can download various apps to track your progress and hold yourself accountable.

I enjoy running at the gym’s track because the atmosphere motivates me. I can surround myself with others who are also trying to better themselves. This goes for weight training as well.

Note the weight you start with. As you return to the gym, strive to increase your weight and watch your hard work pay off.

Personally, I make an effort to go to the gym five days a week, typically Monday through Friday. I use the weekend to relax, spend time with friends, or finish any remaining work.

This is just an example of a schedule that you can follow. Building one that works best for you will make it easier to stay consistent and form a long-term habit.

Mental Health Benefits of Fitness

I always worked out because I liked getting stronger and wanted to look good. However, college has really opened my eyes to how beneficial fitness is for my mental health.

When I am very stressed about school, I do not feel bad about choosing to go to the gym instead of doing an assignment. It gives me time to take my mind off everything, work hard, and return refreshed to finish that assignment.

There is a sign that hangs in our gym at school that says, “Nobody ever regrets going to the gym.” While this is cliché, it has proven true for me. No matter how badly I did not want to go or how overwhelmed I was, I always leave a workout feeling accomplished.

College is the perfect time to start creating good physical fitness habits. Your life is ramping up toward the real world, yet you still have leeway to find what works for you.

Working out is my way to stay on track and find peace. I encourage you to give it a shot and begin building a lifelong habit that will benefit you immensely.

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After the excitement of graduation, you transition to a new period of independence in college. While it’s an exciting time, staying on top of schoolwork, commitments, and clubs can be challenging. In the process, it’s easy to neglect your health and well-being.

I learned this the hard way during my first semester. I prioritized assignments and social activities over my own self-care, which led to moments of intense stress when I felt there wasn’t enough time in the day.

After winter break, I started to find ways to prioritize myself. When I began to move more slowly, I noticed I had more energy, which allowed me to contribute better to my schoolwork and activities. Here are a few things that helped clear my head.

Log Off by 6 p.m.

First, shut down your computer by 6 p.m. A typical workday ends around 5 p.m., so there’s no reason to keep working late into the night. Having this set time allows you to wind down and still have a few hours to yourself.

This practice helps me manage my time because I know I need to have everything finished by then. It also reduces stress levels before bed. Your head won’t be spinning with everything you need to do; instead, it will be clear and ready for the next day.

Nurture Key Relationships

Next, make time for the relationships that matter. When I started college, I focused so much on school stress that my friendships began to suffer, and at times, it felt like I had few people in my corner.

Eventually, I learned the importance of making time for friends and family. I now go out of my way to see my friends and call someone in my family every day. This not only helps me clear my head but also reminds me that many people care about me. You’ll see a burst of energy when you prioritize friendships and allow yourself to have fun.

Make Time for Movement

The last tactic is exercise. It may not be everyone’s favorite topic, but I have found it to be an outlet that can clear my head in an instant. My brain knows that the gym is my time and nobody else’s. I put my headphones on, listen to my favorite music, and get to be with myself for an hour or two.

This is a great way to clear my head, get some movement in, and stay healthy. I switch up my exercises among running, lifting, Pilates, and walks, which keeps things new and exciting. Once I started prioritizing exercise, I saw a huge shift in my mental health and well-being, which has made my college transition smoother.

Prioritize What Matters

Starting a new college routine brings challenges that require effort and adaptability. However, with these tactics, you can make the transition a little easier.

The most important thing is to do what you love. When you make time for the things that matter most, your well-being and the transition will automatically become easier. Remember to show up for yourself and your health because the next four years are for you!

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College life is busy, chaotic, and full of temptations to eat out every single day. Between late-night study sessions, club meetings, and squeezing in time with friends, it’s easy to grab fast food or hit the dining hall without thinking twice.

But learning to cook even a handful of simple meals can be a real gamechanger. It may not feel like a priority at first, but cooking for yourself offers benefits that go far beyond the plate. It isn’t just beneficial—it’s empowering.

Stretch Your Budget

Cooking saves money. The fifteen dollars you’d spend on a single takeout meal can easily cover the ingredients for two or three homemade dishes.

Staples like pasta, rice, vegetables, eggs, beans, and chicken are all inexpensive and incredibly versatile. With a little planning, you can turn one bag of groceries into several days’ worth of meals.

When you do the math, it’s clear how much money is lost to fast food, campus cafés, and delivery fees. After comparing the difference, cooking feels less like a hassle and more like an investment in your health, wallet, and lifestyle.

Connect and De-Stress

Cooking while in school can actually be relaxing. Preparing a meal is a great way to unplug and de-stress amid a hectic schedule filled with deadlines and digital overload.

There’s something calming about chopping vegetables, stirring a pot, or seasoning your food just the way you like it. It forces you to slow down and focus on something physical and creative.

An unexpected bonus? When you cook for or with your roommates, it becomes more than just making food; it becomes a moment of connection. Sharing a home-cooked meal, even something as basic as spaghetti, creates a sense of comfort and community that a cold slice of pizza in front of your laptop just can’t match.

Start with Something Simple

You don’t need to be a professional chef to get started. Start small. A one-pan stir-fry, scrambled eggs, or even overnight oats for breakfast are all beginner-friendly options.

Look up a few student-friendly recipes or watch short cooking videos online. There are tons of resources for college students with limited time, space, and equipment.

Slowly but surely, you’ll build your confidence, expand your recipe collection, and improve your skills. Before you know it, your dorm or apartment might smell like a five-star kitchen.

The next time you’re tempted to order in, take a moment to think about what you could make instead. You’ll save money, eat healthier, and reduce waste. You might even discover a new hobby you didn’t expect to love.

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Imagine eating instant noodles in your dorm, dreaming of going home soon for your mom’s chicken adobo. For many college students, including me, this is a reality. As a foodie, it’s hard to look at a cupboard of dwindling instant-noodle packages. Not only did eating the same thing get old, but it also wasn’t nutritious.

College life is often depicted as having an empty wallet and surviving on instant noodles. However, I learned that it doesn’t have to be that way! Here are my best tips to eat well in college while keeping your cash intact.

Find Your Campus Food Pantry

Many universities have a food pantry to combat student food insecurity. On days when I ran low on groceries, I took advantage of the one on my campus (shout-out to Pack Provisions at the University of Nevada, Reno).

Using the pantry, I could get ground beef or chicken once a week, which kept my belly and wallet full. These proteins are versatile; you can make burgers or a stir-fry with the right seasonings.

The pantry also provides eggs, milk, cereal, bread, and other foods that can last for weeks. I highly recommend checking if your university has a food pantry. It’s there for you!

Score Free Food at Events

Have you ever walked through campus and seen a crowd around a table? Chances are clubs, organizations, and companies are handing out free food to attract students.

As a hungry student, I’d do almost anything for free pizza. Stay updated on events offering free food by following your university’s social media accounts. I follow nearly fifty campus organizations and enjoy a variety of free food at least once a week.

Expand Your Budget with SNAP

During my first year, I worked as a server for twenty-four hours every weekend (bonus tip: work at a food establishment for free meals). One day in the library, I saw a local organization helping students who work at least twenty hours a week apply for a government program called SNAP.

SNAP, or the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, provides food benefits to supplement an individual's grocery budget. Since I was eligible, I set up an appointment, and they helped me apply.

Every month, I get money on an EBT card to use at SNAP-friendly businesses. This card allows me to eat well and buy exactly what I need within my allocated budget.

Final Food for Thought

Eating well-balanced, nutritious meals as a college student can support other facets of your life, like your studies and workouts at the gym. Did I also mention that your immune system gets a nice boost?

For college students, proper nutrition is critical. You deserve more than a diet of instant noodles; by fueling your body, you fuel your success in and out of the classroom. Eat well, study well, live well!

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For as long as I can remember, Emma Watson has been one of my favorite celebrities. It isn’t often that we see strong, well-read, and educated women in popular media who are passionate about promoting empowerment. Watson embodies all of that.

Every time I hear her speak or watch her on a red carpet, I get chills. She’s poised and calm, yet somehow captures both raw emotion and intelligence in nearly every response. Because I admire her so much, I was thrilled when I saw she would be a guest on an upcoming podcast. The day the episode was released, I put on my coziest clothes, settled in, and pressed play.

Content vs. Comments

The conversation touched on many topics, from navigating public life to love, marriage, and continued self-discovery. But when I scrolled through the comments, I noticed something striking: no one was talking about what Watson had said. Instead, nearly all the attention was on her appearance. The top comment read: “Wow, so nice to see a natural face in Hollywood! What beautiful wrinkles.”

For context, Watson has maintained her aversion to fillers and Botox despite the pressures of a Hollywood career. Personally, I think this makes her even more stunning. However, the flood of comments revealed something extremely troubling: people were shocked that a woman Watson’s age looked… natural.

Lived Experience

We live in an era of hyper-feminization and youth obsession, where it seems there’s a med spa on every corner. Even at my dentist’s office, I was casually offered to start the “baby Botox” routine at my next cleaning to get ahead of the wrinkles. At the ripe age of 20, society is already concerned I might look like I’ve aged.

The message is everywhere: aging is a problem to be solved, not a natural process to be lived. This can create an endless cycle of treatments. The initial goal of preserving youth gives way to an ongoing chase to ‘fix’ the latest result.

And it's an experience that often affects women in a unique way. Though aging affects everyone, women bear the brunt of society’s panic about it. Men are often celebrated as they age; “silver fox” is a compliment. Women? No such term exists.

Truthfully, I don’t understand our obsession with erasing the signs of a life well-lived. Our bodies are more than ornaments; they’re vessels of deep experience. They show signs of joy, love, and labor. Our wrinkles highlight the joy we expressed, and our stretch marks and scars highlight the beauty of reproduction.

Reverence for Aging

I urge you: let your body exist as it is. I want my face to look lived in—because I have lived in it. What an honor to have laughed so much that I carry creases near my smile. What an honor to have smiled so hard that crow’s feet etched themselves near my eyes. What an honor to have lived a life so full that my face shows it.

It isn’t easy to resist the constant pressure to look forever young, but maybe real beauty is found not in denying time, but in embracing it. Your natural face, in all its glory, deserves to exist without shame, without guilt, and without apology.

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College can get hectic! It’s easy to get lost in the moment and forget to take care of yourself. And since many cognitive and motor processes are interconnected, physical activity helps boost your mental health as well as your overall health.

Studies show that people experience increased cognitive function after exercising, meaning you will ultimately be helping your studies by taking a break from the books to get up and move. And no, you do not have to exert yourself at your maximum level to see these benefits!

As a senior in college who prioritizes fitting exercise into my busy schedule, I will share some ways to help get enough activity in your routine without sacrificing your grades to do it.

Outdoor Recreation: Hiking Near Campus

Hiking isn’t always the best activity in a time crunch, but it is very rewarding, and spending time away from the hustle and bustle of college is crucial for your mental health. I love to use the All Trails app to find trails near me, as it is free and easy to use. Many universities also have resources accessible online and rentable gear. This information can usually be found using Google, your university’s recreation site, or your student union. You might be surprised by how many trails are hidden near your campus!

On-Campus Commuting: Walking & Biking

Depending on how close you live to campus, taking the extra few minutes to walk to your class pays off. I always feel much more refreshed getting to class after taking non-motorized transportation, and it is easy to fit into your schedule!

Another thing I love to do is walk or bike around campus. I know my campus like the back of my hand, but I still find it beautiful every time I explore it.

Intramural Sports: Team Fitness & Fun

Not only are intramural sports great exercise, but they are also a terrific way to make new friends who share the same hobbies as you. This may seem daunting if you are new to it, but there are usually leagues of all skill levels for various sports. I had barely heard of flag football when I started college. Still, I decided to join an intramural league on a whim and absolutely loved it!

Student Yoga: Finding Zen on Campus

All you need for a yoga session is either grass or a floor, and a towel or a yoga mat (if you have one). This is a great way to get in some light exercise and de-stress. There are multiple types of yoga, and you can download apps or use YouTube to discover which types are most suited for you.

Racket Sports: Fun & Fitness on the Court

Last but certainly not least, racket sports can fit into the intramural sports category or could be something you do at your convenience. Whether you are a tennis enthusiast or have never touched a racket, it is not too difficult once you learn the basics. If you are brand new, I would recommend pickleball, but if you’ve had some experience, badminton or tennis are also great options. These types of sports are a fun way to multitask socializing with aerobic exercise.

These are some of my favorite ways to stay active, even with a busy schedule. You can try one of these suggestions or explore other options that fit your interests. Finding time for exercise isn't about sacrificing study time; it's about enhancing your overall well-being and academic performance. The next time you’re fatigued from studying, remember that breaks for physical activity can be more beneficial than pushing through the exhaustion.

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Clearing the Fog

The word “midterm” used to stop me dead in my tracks. Just hearing that exams were around the corner would send me into a full-fledged panic. This stress would run my brain so ragged that I'd enter a perpetual mental fog. Needless to say, I was a mess.

Despite attending my classes religiously and taking organized notes, I still couldn’t keep myself from burning out before major exams. That is, until one night, in a blind, chaotic spiral, I decided to go for a walk. After about thirty minutes away from my laptop, I started to feel better.

When I returned to my room, I sat back down with my notes. I noticed my panic had subsided, and I could study with a clearer headspace. After a few weeks of daily walks, I noticed my anxiety had diminished, and I was able to recall more information. It was as if the fog in my mind had cleared.

The Evidence for Exercise

The link between aerobic exercise and cognitive function is not a new concept. It has been widely documented across many medical journals and studies.

A 2022 review by Ferrer-Uris et al. showed that aerobic training three times per week for five weeks improved several cognitive abilities. These included executive function, attention span, information processing speed, and memory (Ferrer-Uris et al.).

A referenced 2011 study monitored participants for twelve months. After a year of regular aerobic activity, the physical volume of the adult hippocampus increased by two percent (Erickson et al., as cited in Ferrer-Uris et al.).

A 2025 article from the CDC linked short bursts of physical activity to improved brain health and function (CDC). The article specifies that an adult needs at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise each week for these cognitive benefits (CDC).

This weekly goal can be broken down into shorter intervals throughout the week. For example, you can exercise for twenty-two minutes each day or thirty minutes five days a week (CDC).

Steps to Success

I enjoyed night walks because of the crisp air and soft moonlight. However, if safety is a concern, I recommend walking during the day or at your campus gym.

For days when you want to stay inside, walk pads are a great alternative. They can help you meet your 150-minute weekly goal from the comfort of your climate-controlled space. Some people even set up a walk pad at their desk to use while working or in front of their TV to take a break.

If you enjoy healthy competition, consider downloading an activity monitoring app, like StepUp or StepsApp, to track your daily step count. A 2025 UCLA Health article suggests adults under age sixty need 8,000 to 10,000 daily steps for health benefits (UCLA). The StepUp app lets you invite and monitor friends' steps, which is great motivation for those with a competitive spirit.

If you're struggling with stress or burnout, consider adding daily aerobic activity to your routine. It can significantly enhance your cognitive function and overall health, helping you thrive through midterms and beyond.

Bibliography

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Physical Activity Boosts Brain Health.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Last reviewed August 13, 2025. https://www.cdc.gov/physical-activity/features/boost-brain-health.html.

Ferrer-Uris, Blai, Cristina-Eva Gámez, David Olarizu, Luis-Millán González, and Ana-María Perelló-Amorós. “Can Exercise Shape Your Brain? A Review of Aerobic Exercise Effects on Cognitive Function and Neuro-Physiological Underpinning Mechanisms.” AIMS Neuroscience 9, no. 2 (2022): 204–226. https://doi.org/10.3934/Neuroscience.2022012.

UCLA Health. “How Many Steps Do You Need a Day to See Health Benefits?” UCLA Health, February 25, 2025. https://www.uclahealth.org/news/article/how-many-steps-do-you-need-day-see-health-benefits.

Do you have a compelling story or student success tips you’d like to see published on the Pearson Students blog?  If you are a college student and interested in writing for us – click here to pitch your idea and get started! 

Getting injured during summer break was not on my agenda. I had envisioned an active summer filled with walks, gym sessions, and trips to the park with my kids – anything that kept me moving.

But life had other plans, and a fall left me with three stitches below my knee. While the injury wasn’t severe, it was enough to sideline my plans and force me to rethink how I could make the most of my summer break.

Here are my tips for overcoming an unexpected injury and salvaging your summer.

Pause: Protect Your Mental Health

As I sat in the emergency room, all I could think about were the activities I wouldn’t be able to do. The realization hit me hard. As my plans unraveled, I felt overwhelmed, sad, and defeated.

That wave of defeat brought a flood of emotions I couldn’t ignore. It forced me to pause and reflect on my mental health.

Journaling became a quiet but powerful tool, helping me track small wins each week and stay connected to my progress. I also allowed myself to be vulnerable and accept help when it was offered. I’ve learned that this isn’t a sign of weakness but a strength in the healing process.

Pivot: Prioritize Healing

Even though my injury wasn’t as severe as it could have been, it still came as a shock. I felt discouraged and disappointed, but I quickly realized that prioritizing my healing was essential for both me and my family.

It’s frustrating when your plans suddenly revolve around limitations. My summer goals included staying active, hitting the gym, starting a jogging routine, and keeping my kids active every day. But with the injury, I had to pivot and adjust my expectations. I adapted and found different ways to stay engaged and make the summer enjoyable while respecting the healing process.

I’ve learned that progress isn’t about pushing through pain. It’s about listening to your body, adapting to the situation, and following your doctor’s guidance to support a full recovery. Summer doesn’t have to come to a halt; it can simply take a more mindful and intentional path.

Adapt: Focus on Low-Impact Activities

Although my injury wasn’t major, the stitches on my knee made it painful to walk, bend my leg, or climb stairs. Despite these limitations, I still wanted movement. Even something as simple as stepping outside for fresh air became a small but meaningful effort. I attended most of my son’s baseball games, which did wonders for my mental health.

Rather than dwelling on what I couldn’t do, I focused on what I could do. Walking wasn’t an option, but I still found joy in sitting outside with my laptop, catching up on schoolwork, and watching my kids run around the yard. Those slower, quieter moments brought me a sense of peace and fulfillment.

Resilience through Recovery

An injury might change your summer, but it doesn’t have to ruin it. You can replace a summer of high-energy plans with one of intentional engagement. Embrace new, low-impact activities while prioritizing your healing and mental health.

Overcoming a setback like this can be about more than just healing your body. It can be a path to discovering your resilience and finding peace even when things don’t go as planned.

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At age seven, my life changed after reading a poem called "The Voice" by Shel Silverstein [1]. That moment was transformative because I realized I had autonomy. I discovered something within myself that no one else could take away: my voice.

Poetry became an outlet to express myself, turning my thoughts into words. Words became my first love. Though there was never an official wedding, I vowed to use them for good, through better and worse.

Emotional Empowerment Through Poetry

Through good times and bad, poetry empowers me. It provides a safe place to go when my emotions feel too big to hold. It brings me peace when I feel so happy that I want to shout my feelings at the sky. And it grounds me when my mind becomes tangled with too many thoughts to sort through.

Emotions aren't always as straightforward as our language implies; sometimes, they're more like a weather report. You might say you feel happy, but "mostly sunny" might be a more accurate description. Or maybe you don't exactly feel sad, so "foggy" would capture it better. On days when my emotions feel like this, I turn to poetry.

The Sparks of Creativity

When I'm particularly overwhelmed, I search online for a poetry prompt that resonates with me. Then, I do my best to release any negativity I'm experiencing. In moments like these, poetry gives me the power to transform my internal atmosphere. A few stanzas can turn an emotional storm into a lightning show: something electric and captivating.

There are also days when I feel so happy it's like I'm carrying a tiny (but intense) ball of sunshine. I might want to set it down somewhere, but I need to find a safe place to put it. This is where poetry grants me the power of peace, knowing that my happiness is preserved on paper.

What excites me even more than this peace of mind is the opportunity to share that happiness with someone else. I feel powerful knowing my big feelings can bring light to someone who needs the positivity.

Power through Purpose and Expression

Of course, we've all had days when we felt like we were carrying a ball of sunshine while a storm raged inside our heads. For me, this feels like my mind is knotted, and I'm not sure how to untangle it. Although this can leave me feeling powerless, I pick up my pen and let the words do the rest.

One word at a time, one sentence at a time, I untangle my thoughts like strings in a ball of yarn. And my poetry is the sweater I knit from those strings. I create something useful, something meaningful. That creation makes me feel powerful and purposeful.

Find Your Creative Outlet

Whether it's poetry, music, acting, or sports, I believe it's essential for everyone to have a creative outlet that makes them feel powerful. There's a common misconception that you must be "good" at something to enjoy it. In reality, the practice of self-expression is more important than the final product.

I hope this blog inspires you to find your voice through a creative outlet. Everyone deserves the power of autonomy and self-expression, especially in moments when we would otherwise feel powerless.

[1] Silverstein, Shel. Where the Sidewalk Ends. New York: Harper & Row, 1974.

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