Health is really important to maintain, and being a college first-year does not make it an easy task. There are a lot of aspects of good health that could fall through the cracks for college first-years with all the homework they are assigned. However, it can be done, especially with practice.

1. Balance your work and sleep schedules. The best performance on anything, especially assignments, can only be done by getting a good, restful night. It may be better to go to bed and finish an assignment in the morning than remaining up to get it done. “Try to establish a schedule for sleeping; set a time to go to bed and a time to wake up at the latest because in college it is easy to stay up late. It is important to have regulation,” sophomore Hannah Kromel said.

2. Assignments are given with plenty of time to accomplish, which is why they should be completed almost immediately. Beginning an assignment the day it was given will help make it seem less overwhelming, or like there is more free time in a day.

3. “Do everything right away, do not put it off because it will pile up,” sophomore Nick Kaltreider said. Sometimes it may seem an assignment is not due for a week or so, yet that due date will approach rapidly, especially because of other assignments.

4. Everyone views caffeine amounts differently. Some would say to drink none at all. However, that is not realistic for most college students. The perfect balance may be no more than two cups of caffeine a day. Setting a limit is advised to avoid drinking too much. “Drink enough coffee to get work done,” sophomore Grace Burke said, “but not too much or you’ll be jittery and get nothing done.” It is important to know one’s self and how much caffeine will be over one’s limit. There will be times a boost may be needed to keep going on an assignment, but there is such a thing as too much caffeine.

5. Homework and studying are important, but eating is too. Every student should eat at least two meals a day to keep up his or her energy and health. Eating less than two meals could cause long-term health effects or academic decline.

6. If working on a tedious assignment and feeling stuck, taking a walk around campus can help. A walk can be refreshing and give the mind a break, and it could even be inspiring. Sometimes taking a stroll through the paths, especially when writing a paper, can help ideas form.

7. A study at Oregon State University in 2011 found that most college students were missing nutrient and iron-rich foods like fruits and leafy-green vegetables. Learning how to fend for one’s self can be challenging in the first year, and all the freedom to choose what to eat can lead to less-than-sustainable eating habits. Remember the same rule from kindergarden: try to get at least one piece of fruit or serving of veggies with each meal. Of course, treat yourself to an extra slice of pizza every now and again.

8. “Make exercise a part of your daily life, and don’t forget it,” junior Samantha Petela said. “Make a point to do and schedule time with yourself.” Exercise can be a way to reconnect with one’s self and stay in shape. Taking the time to exercise can help relieve stress too.