(Editor’s Note: This post is by our intern Kat M. who has since finished her internship. Thanks Kat!)

Take it from personal experience; the ‘Freshman 15’ tale is no myth. Generations of college grads have received their diplomas no longer able to fit into their high school jeans and cursing at their prom dresses, now 3 sizes too small. While it’s certainly difficult, it’s not impossible to maintain your physique throughout the next 4 years. Read and try to follow these 10 tips to avoiding the dreaded freshman (or sophomore, junior, senior) 15.

1.) Save your Quarters for the Laundry Machine:
Saving your quarters may be good for your waistline. Avoid fast food and vending machines regardless of how tempting, convenient and cheap they may seem. The immediate gratification will leave you hundreds of calories deeper and wishing you had some more change for that wallet-draining $2.00/load.

2.) Get Moving!
Researchers found that students who exercised 3x or more a week reported greater physical health and happiness than those who did not. Every University or College has a gym for its students and offers extracurricular activities to get involved in. Most schools offer intramural sport programs year round which offer casually competitive leagues you and your friends can join. There are a million ways to stay active on your new campus and it will allow you to cheat on the rest of these tips!

3. Avoid late night snacking
While it’s sometimes difficult enough to resist a late-night snack out of your own mini-fridge, it’s almost impossible to resist the peer-pressure of pitching in for 2 a.m. delivery with your friends. Combine extra willpower and #’s 6 and 9 to give into temptation.

4. Break out your old water bottle
Traveling around campus all day and sitting through mind-numbingly boring lectures can leave you reaching for a snack or a high-sugar soda. Try carrying a water bottle around for the day and re-filling between classes. It will keep you full, hydrated and calorie free!

5. Watch your emotions
New students thrust onto campus often find themselves feeling all new kinds of emotions. Feelings of stress, homesickness, and anxiety can trigger overeating. Next time you’re about to reach into the chip bag, ask yourself if you’re really hungry or just procrastinating over that 10 page paper due the next day.

6.) Don’t skip meals!
We get it, you’re newly independent and have the luxury of doing (and eating) whatever you want, whenever you want. For your waistline’s sake though, remember your mom’s lecture on eating three meals a day. Numerous studies show that skipping breakfast can actually lead to weight gain and skipping any meal can lead to increased hunger and inevitable binge-eating.

7.) Keep your mini-fridge stacked
…with healthy foods. College kids are notoriously low on cash and it’s an investment to visit the grocery store regularly. However, not being stocked up on healthy snacks and meal options means you’ll likely be visiting restaurants and/or ordering out. This will inadvertently lead to a higher calorie count and lower bank account.

8.) Beware of the dining room
Watch your portions and rounds in the dining room. It may be tempting that one swipe of your college ID card will earn you unlimited trips to each station in the dining room, but don’t let your excitement of trying every flavor and topping at the ice-cream machine allow you to lose focus. Look for the healthy food stations in the dining room and limit your portions.

9.) Get enough sleep
This isn’t new to you, but let’s re-emphasize. Studies consistently show that getting less than 7 hours of sleep a night leads to weight gain. Aim for 7-8 hours a night by keeping a regular sleep schedule regardless of what day your morning class falls on, napping minimally and avoiding caffeine in the evening.

10.) Don’t blame it on the A-a-a -alcohol!
While no freshman should legally be drinking alcohol to begin with, you’ll likely face the temptation of underage drinking anyway. Besides the many health risks heavy drinking leads to, drinking alcohol is empty calories. Also, because drinking lowers inhibitions, late night drinking often leads to late night eating (See #3.). So, you may be chasing those six red solo-cup beers (900 calories) with stuffed cheese sticks (750 cals) or super nachos (1,500 cals). This ads up….traditionally to 15 extra pounds for you to lug around your sophomore year.