College Students...what do you do?

Okay...so I'm a second year college student.  I go to a school about one hour away from home (I commute there everyday).  So being a student, my life, (I'm not saying that other's aren't ) is very hectic.  So I'm on the road for about 2 hours a day.  I go to a school that has a great fitness center called the "Strom Thurman Wellness & Fitness Center".  The place is awesome!! It's got like 4 or 5 levels filled with equipment and activities.   I would love to go, but between getting to class and studying for my classes, I am unable to "fit" excercising the way I want to in.  I want to know, how other college students deal with their school schedule, being on the run all the time, but still able to fit exercising in and getting healthy meals in doing the day....I just need some sugessions....PLEASE!!!

If I were you I'd take advantage of the place! Do what I do and go when your classes are done, get in a good workout, and then go home. It'll be worth it, trust me! I go to a small college now, and my gym is less than a block away. I bring my workout stuff with me and leave it in my car, that way I can just go straight to the gym from my last class.

I commute 2 hours daily to a full time job, go to graduate school at night, and have 4 kids, so I also don't have much opportunity for hitting the nice new rec center on campus either!  Trying to drive somewhere on that schedule is impossible for me, so I have secured a 30-minute time slot on THURS, SAT, and MON for strength training at home.  If and when I have time, I also like to ride my bicycle for an hour or so, but I have no set schedule for that.  I make the most of my 30 minutes though and make sure I stick to it no matter what.  I would say find time slots that fit your schedule and force yourself to stay committed.  Before you know it, it becomes second nature.  You CAN do it, you just have to make that commitment.

lol you go to the University of South Carolina, I almost went there but decided to go to IU instead!  I work about 16 hours a week and am really involved in my business fraternity.  I make exercising a priority so I always think about my day the night before and go to the gym when I have free time during the day.  Sometimes I work out in the morning sometimes at night but I always get it in.  You could invest in a couple of fitness DVDs to do at home when you really don't have a chance to work out.  Good luck!

I am a law student, which means that over and above my classes, I have about 9 to 12 hours of reading and prep. work to do every day. I find that making a commitment to getting up earlier in the day and going to the gym in the morning before classes gives me more energy for the rest of the day. As my schedual is hectic, my goal is to go at least 3 times a week. If I don't have the time during the week, I make the time on the weekends to catch up.

It's definitely about forcing yourself to include it in your schedule. Think of it like a class or an appointment you wouldn't miss; sometimes that helps to schedule it in. My suggestion would be to hit the gym after class. I tried going before, but then I was all sweating and gross going to class (I have a thing about public showers). When I played soccer one semester, I just kept a change of clothes in my car so I could go right after my last class. It's definitely worth it! And you will be surprise at how relaxed you will feel too. It makes studying a whole lot easier!

I feel your pain!  I work a full-time and a part-time job, while going to grad school full-time.  So, I know a little about this subject.  What I do is commit to 3 days a week to work out after class, trying to do more than that will kill me. 

Like someone else said, try to get to campus earlier and work out in the morning, it really helps.  If you don't want to do that, get some DVDs and workout in the morning.  When I know that I am not going to be able to get to the gym, I do a fitness DVD in the morning, and then I am good for the rest of the day. 


See if your gym offers a fitness class for credit.  I took a step class for credit in my Senior year of college, and was great!  I had to go because I was getting graded on it, and I got more fit in the process.


I know it's hard, but just be creative about it and I am sure you will realize that you have more time than you think.

I'm also a second year college student, and usually on the run. I can't manage to get exercise in every day... I try to get to the gym 3-4 times a week. I usually try to go in the morning... before classes to get it out of the way. I have to wake up a little earlier, but it's the only time that really works for me.

Right now I'm trying to eat 6 small meals a day, instead of three big ones. It's easier to eat healthy while staying busy, because you can always just eat granola bars, fruit, smoothies, etc. (stuff that's easy to take to class with you or eat in the car).

 If you really don't have time to go to the gym at your school try to walk/run/bike places around your house in the morning or at night, after everything has settled down. 

Wow you guys!!! Y'all have some great ideas...I agree...I just need to "get with the program"! Some of you talked about getting to campus early...well, I have 8 oclock classes.  I already have to get up at 6:00, to get ready and drive there...

Doomie...I like your idea...maybe I'll just pick days and go then...

Anblackb...haha! Yeah, that's where I go...I do have some fitness videos...but when I want to use them, everyone has gone to bed...or someone is watching the TV...

Dolcamara...I realy like your idea...I could make it a "class" I think that would be kind of fun!

Ker3409...thanks for you meal suggestion...it's realy hard to get healthy on the go, that is small.  I wish I could eat a salad in the car...but...I don't want to cause and accident....lol.  Food on campus is EXPENSIVE, and I know that I can bring stuff from home, but not everything is healthy...

 So thanks so much y'all....

 So now...I hope more people give suggestions for food that is good to carry on the go...

Thanks again!

ok, i'm a second year chemistry grad student, so i'm at school from 9-6 at least everyday, plus homework and frequently working as a teaching assistant. i've discovered that my school gym offers fitness classes that are 25-60 minutes each. they do all kinds of stuff, and it's easy to say "this is when my class is, so this time is exercise time". also, the class won't be there later so i can't tell myself i'll go later. see if yours does that!

food... i like granola bars.  they're quick and easy.  i'm big on pre-packaged single servings.  i can toss them in my bag and go, knowing exactly how much i've eaten.  granola bars, 100 calorie packs, yogurt if you have access to a fridge, and then i bring a baked eggplant sandwich for lunch. 

    To maximize your time i would work out after classes that way you can just hop in your car and you dont have to waste time showering and drying your hair and all that,  but of course do it in the morning if its better or starting your day...just consider it a class just say your class is the gym and it starts at 7.  food advoid eating in the car cause i did that and i ate mindlessly.  good luck

My freshman year when I was soo worried about the freshman 15, I would keep a bag filled with gym clothes, a towel, a pair of sneakers, socks and a bottle of water in my car just in case I had some extra time before classes or in between.  I had a flaky teacher who would practically cancel class every other week so that gave me an hour and a half to get a little cardio in.  I don't know when your classes are during the day, but if its in the morning- maybe you can leave your house about an hour earlier and hit the gym before your classes start or if your classes are later maybe stay at school a little longer and go to the gym then.  But I'm practical and I'm sure you are too and I know its hard to do either of these ideas.  I just started getting back to working out when I realized how much weight I've gain in the past couple of years.  Now I focus a lot of my time working out on the weekends (Fri, Sat, and Sun) and I'm trying to squeeze in workouts during the week (Attempting to get up at 5 to jog on the treadmill but thats nearly impossible!) You could try studying (if it's just going over notes or your text book) while on the treadmill or stationary bike if you can multi-task. Hope this helped a bit...good luck!

Once again thanks alot! I really appreciate y'all's suggestions...they have been great, and I think I'll start thinking of exercising as a class! haha

i know a lot of people have given in their input- but seeing your topic i thought i'd add in my two cents....

im currently a freshman in college but so far my first month ive been able to begin a pretty good fitness plan. I recommend finding a 'gym buddy' or group and setting up a time at least two times a week when you go together either jogging or to the gym for working out- it definitely helps when there is someone else relying on you to be there, and makes it less likely for you to flake out.

i usually do some cardio on treadmill and elliptical as well as weights and sit ups, and stretching before hand...the best time i think to go is usually late afternoon before dinner, that way at dinner you can replenish your muscles.

additionally at the cafeteria (if u choose to eat at school) just fill your plate once and dont go back for seconds. hope i helped at least a little :D

HEY! I am a 2nd year college student and the way I incorporate a healthy lifestyle into my already hectic world is by not assosiating myself with junk food. I get up every morning at around 8am and go to the gym, even though I have class at noon, I just LOVE to get it out of the way so I can focus on other things!For my meals I make sure to buy healthy foods so I only have them on hand to cook with! :)

Hola! Sophomore in college myself, although I'm on-campus. Kudos on that commute, by the way, that's intense! I live down the street from one (school) gym and about a 15 minute walk from another (I go to Rutgers, it's huge, we have two gyms on this campus alone on one on each of the other 4 campuses, and that's only New Brunswick!). Anyway, I have classes all afternoon, two internships, and club meetings most nights (or, you know, I want to have a social life), so I'm all about working out in the morning. It's rough to start the habit but once you get into the groove of waking up early, it's not so bad.

As for on the go, I take apples and Luna Bars or granola bars with me everywhere. I also have a serious supply of ziplock bags that I fill up with yogurt covered raisins, pretzels, baby carrots, grapes, and for a treat once in a while, mixed nuts. Ziplock bags are the way to go. That and cans of (diet) soda! I know, I know, soda is bad blah blah blah... but I dare anyone to try being an active and involved second year in college without caffeine!

Hope that helps :]

My sister goes to USC too - the gym is awesome! Anyway, I'm a senior in college, and my life is actually so hectic right now that I basically don't have any time to do things other than go to class and do school work (yes, I'm slacking right now!) So I haven't been exercising either.

But I would say, if possible, move on campus or closer to school. It will save you time and make school a lot more fun. I live only 20 minutes from my campus, but I'm moving closer because even the drive as it is now is a hassle.

haha! Yes, Crothwell...USC has a wonderful gym.  Emilytamara  I definitely love your idea with the foods.  I never thought of some of those things to take.  I take grapes an granola bars, but I guess I can take other foods besides those...Thanks.

so i need some advice.  i am a college freshman. i go to the gym 3-4 times a week, but i am still gaining weight.  if anyone has advice on how to still eat in the cafeteria and lose weight it would be great.

hey! i totally know how you feel, as im sure every other college student/graduate does. I guess the first thing to do is to make exercise a priority- something as vital as brushing your teeth and eating. My mom always told me, finding the time to exercise is never going to be easy, in any stage in life, and it just needs to be something you do for yourself.
My university has a great gym too. When I have a big test to study for and not much time, I bring my flash cards or notes and study while on an aerobic machine (not only are you killing two birds with one stone, but it helps make the exercise seem less painful). I also bring my text books or reading material. Most gyms also have weekly drop in classes that are great if you have more time. And yes, scheduling them in is a great idea! Also, if I feel like taking some time out to get a little tv in, I do it at the gym. That way I get some relaxing tv time but also a workout.
Also, don't forget to take advantage of small exercise opportunities like parking farther away and walking or taking the stairs. Everything adds up! 
Food wise, one of my favorite healthy snacks is a handful of almonds and craisins. It gives me the protein and energy to help keep me going through the day. You can also bring it from home since it doesn't go bad. Don't forget to bring a big bottle of water for your day! And fruit is always great. 
I hope that was a little helpful and hopefully not too redundant. Good luck!!

thanks for the advice.  i was wondering if anyone had advice about what to eat and what not toe eat when eating at the cafeteria.  That is my huge downfall.  I always pick the wrong things to eat (ex. french fries). if anyone knows the secret to trying to lose weight and still having to eat at a school cafeteria everyday i would be grateful.