For the vast majority of us, university is the first time we’ll live away from family and home comforts.
With a newfound sense of freedom to do as we please – the temptation to binge-watch shows on Netflix, live off takeaways and booze most nights of the week, is greater than ever. However, your bank balance and health certainly won’t thank you!
We appreciate that staying fit at university can be tricky – especially when you’re already juggling your studies with your social life and maybe even a part-time job. That’s why we thought we’d share a few tips to help you take the next step towards a healthier (and happier) you.
5 ways to keep in shape whilst staying at student accommodation
1. Spend time outdoors
Being outside – even if it’s just for a couple of minutes – will do you the power of good. Not only does it allow you to get some fresh air and de-stress, but it’s also a great way to explore the sights around your student accommodation.
Perhaps you could ask a friend to come for a walk with you, or if you brought your bike with you to uni, maybe you could cycle to the campus?
Whatever you decide to do, make sure you wrap up warm to avoid having ice-numbed hands!
2. Eat well
Whipping up delicious meals at your student accommodation can be a bit of a chore – especially if you’re culinary skills aren’t up to scratch and you’re learning how to manage your money.
Although you might be tempted to grab a McDonald’s on the way home from uni, or to ping a ready meal in the microwave, eating a balanced diet may be easier (and more affordable) than you think.
Fresh fruit and vegetables are often cheaper than microwave meals and can have numerous health benefits. Take broccoli, for instance. Brimming with nutrients and antioxidants, it protects your body’s cells from damage and promotes healing.
For more healthy eating tips, check out our blog ‘Eating healthy while staying at student accommodation’.
3. Drink plenty of fluids
Studies suggest that drinking water can:
- Boost your mood
- Improve physical and mental performance
- Aid weight loss
- Increase energy levels and brain function
- Treat headaches
- Prevent hangovers
So, next time you exercise, grab yourself a glass of water to replace lost fluids, as opposed to sports drinks that are ladened with sugar and calories and cost money. Water is free!
For times when you need to curb pangs of hunger, if you don’t particularly like the taste of water on its own, consider adding cordial.
4. Sign up for clubs
Most universities offer a plethora of sports clubs, activities and fitness classes for students – the University of Bolton sure do!
With a 50ft climbing wall and multi-use four-court sports hall on campus – perfect for badminton, table tennis, 5-a-side football and volleyball, to name just a few – nothing is stopping you from keeping active in between lectures and revision sessions.
And the best bit about such clubs is that you can either ask your course-mates, or the people staying at your student accommodation, to come along with you or make new friends there.
5. Join a gym
Walking into a gym for the first time can be daunting, especially if you go on your own and at peak time. However, there is a simple solution – get one of your mates to sign up too, and aim to go at a time when it’s less busy.
Working out in pairs can be motivational and help you achieve your goals faster. You can also give each other advice and support each other along the way.
If the cost of a gym membership is the only thing holding you back from joining a gym, and you’re staying at our student accommodation in Bolton, fear not.
Here at Orlando Village, we work with JD gym Bolton and are delighted to offer exclusive student discounts – making exercise more affordable.
To find out more about these offers, speak to our staff and we’ll happily provide you with the information you need.
Want to know more?
Eating a healthy and balanced diet, drinking enough water, and getting your daily steps in will benefit you in more ways than one.
Similarly, making sure you have a good night’s sleep will make the world of difference. Aside from feeling less groggy, getting the recommended 7-8 hours will allow your body to repair itself and function properly too.
For more tips on staying fit at uni, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. And if you have any questions about our student accommodation in Bolton and the facilities available, give us a call on 01204 903 488.
