Congratulations! You are attending college and about to embark on an exciting new journey. As an experienced Student Affairs Professional, I have assisted thousands of students at Rutgers University during resource fairs and new student orientations. I’ve also mentored dozens of student employees with career advice. To help maximize your time during college, I’ve compiled a list of advice for college students to help make their social and academic experience the most successful.
Mental and Physical Wellness
1. Exercise
A study at Purdue University has shown that students who exercise at least once a week had a higher grade point average. Students had better time management, higher GPA, and better moods. My advice for college students: take advantage of free or student discounted gyms and services on campus.
Like most universities, Rutgers Recreation has in-person and on-demand exercise classes and discounted personal training. If you played on a sports team in high school, seek club sports. They typically range from traditional and non-traditional sports such as soccer, football, and martial arts, but can also have unique sports such as swing dance, ballroom dancing, e-sports or Quidditch. Do you want to play casually, for fun and according to your schedule? Intramural sports can be both fun and competitive without any pressure to attend practice.
2. Exercise and Meditate
Meditation and aerobic exercise done together helps reduce depression, according to a new Rutgers study.
Rutgers University
Practice well care instead of sick care. A Rutgers University study found that the mind and body combination of exercise and meditation – done twice a week for only two months – reduced depression symptoms for a group of students by 40 percent. My advice for college students: try the sitting meditation class below or one of these guided meditation classes provided by Rutgers Student Health. Most universities have scheduled in-person classes, virtual classes or try an app like Calm.
3. Eat Healthy
Most students with or without meal plans should incorporate the following daily:
- Drink water and limit sweet drinks and soda
- Incorporate produce such as veggies and fruit in your meals
- Choose whole grains like brown rice, oats and quinoa
- Try plant-forward protein options like legumes or tofu
- Embrace healthy fats such as nuts and avocado
- Use herbs and spices instead of salt
- Cut back on foods with added sugar
For more nutrition advice for college students, click here.
4. Get Sleep
Students may be tempted to pull all-nighters, but making this a habit can affect your health. According to the American College of Sports Management, following this advice for college students can improve your physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
- Create a Sleep Schedule
- Aim for 7+ hours/night
- Give yourself a buffer before bed
- Reserve your bed for sleep
- Avoid alcohol or caffeine before bed
- Make your bed a sanctuary
- Exercise regularly and outdoors if you can
- Don’t Smoke
Social Wellness
5. Get Involved and Make Friends & Memories
As more students return to in-person learning, social experiences are essential for your social wellness. If this will be your first time being on campus from remote learning, my advice for college students is to join activities on campus. Many universities offer similar student organizations. Many are student lead and organized, so you can also take on leadership opportunities within these groups. (Great for your resume!) Students can find their niche with a club or organization. Here is some advice for college students to getINVOLVED at Rutgers University.
- Join activities, programs, or trips that are available to you at free or discounted pricing
- Check out Greek Life, Cultural Centers, or Multi Faith Organizations
- Seek exclusive student social events such as concerts or athletic sports games
- Attend Involvement or Activity Fairs
- Participate in your school’s 5k, Marathon, or Half Marathon. Rutgers University has a charity Big Chill 5k, where students raise money and toys for the local community.
6. Connect with your classmates
Take advantage of team projects by getting to know your classmates better. My advice for college students is to create a time-efficient agenda with objectives to accomplish during your meeting, and if everyone’s schedule permits, schedule a post-meeting social hour!
7. Take an Alternative Break
Alternative Break programs provide groups of students with a semester-long experience centered on community service. Participants learn about a particular community issue within the United States during five weeks of pre-trip meetings and a volunteer break excursion. Reach out to your university’s involvement coordinator to see if they have alternative breaks!
Academic Wellness
8. Connect with your professors
If your professors have open hours (in person or virtual), my advice for college students is to take the opportunity to connect and personalize your experience. Don’t be afraid to discuss any concerns or topics you find difficult to grasp.
9. Reach for low-hanging academic fruits
Take advantage of these opportunities if your professor gives grade points for attendance, participation, or extra credit projects. This could make or break your final grade if you are between grades.
10. Manage your time
Don’t procrastinate with assignments. My advice for college students is to try using online tools or technology to support their studies. Use Google Docs/Spreadsheets or project management apps such as Slack or Microsoft Teams to help encourage efficiency.
11. Study Abroad
Studying abroad is an exciting opportunity to travel, learn a new culture and also gain college credit. Opportunities include:
- Study abroad
- Service learning
- International internships
- Global research
12. Get Help from the Dean of Student Office
The Rutgers Dean of Student Office provides solutions and support to students. If you are experiencing a personal or academic issue that may be preventing you from achieving academic success, reach out to your university’s Dean of Student Office, and they will provide some guidance.
Financial Wellness
13. Work on Campus
It’s never too early to start building financial wellness in your life. To help offset some college expenses, apply for a Federal Work-Study or a paid hourly on-campus job. Rutgers University employs thousands of students during the school year and the summer. Working on campus can help reduce commuting expenses. Many positions can help build your resume and portfolio. For example, many of my marketing students have secured internships and jobs by having some prior work experience at the university. Many attribute their success and job success to their university employment. My advice for college students is to check with your work study and career services departments. Rutgers University students can learn more about student employment here.
