Are you a young adult who will soon begin your freshman year of college? College is a great experience for many people. It offers them independence, an opportunity to meet new people, and a chance to get to know themselves better. Unfortunately, the freshman year of college is also a time when people tend to gain weight. During their freshman year, students experience what is commonly referred to as the Freshman 15, in which they gain 15 pounds.

One reason new freshmen may gain weight is because they are in a new environment. A new environment is exciting, but it can also be stressful. Students experience the good stress of being on their own and being allowed to make their own decisions and also the bad stress of worrying about their classes. The modular schedule of college classes may add to a student's stress, since most students are used to following the same class schedule every day, five days a week. In college, however, the schedule is different. Typically, there are Monday-Wednesday-Friday classes and Tuesday-Thursday classes. Students need to learn to manage their time to allow for this different schedule. Sometimes, people eat as a way of coping with stress.

Another reason why new freshmen may gain weight is because they stay up late studying or stay out late, partying with friends. On the weekends, they are tired. Instead of working out, they sleep, watch television, or do other sedentary activities.

It is possible, however, for the freshman year to be a great experience. Students can make new friends, succeed in their classes, and avoid gaining weight.

One way to avoid gaining weight is to avoid the vending machines. Vending machines are present in nearly every building on campus, from the dormitories to the academic buildings. The machines stand in prominent places, tempting passersby to spend money on high-calorie snacks.

Another way to fight the Freshman 15 is to work out. Find a form of exercise that you enjoy, such as walking or running, and do it regularly. Regular exercise will help you to manage both your weight and your stress. It will help you to look and feel your best.

If you can avoid gaining weight during your freshman year, it can be a great year. When you look in the mirror and like what you see, you can focus on your grades rather than your figure. Then you can succeed. You can earn a high grade point average and have a chance at making your dreams come true.