College has become known for the infamous “freshman 15” — the number of pounds students often gain during the first year away from home. Between classes, homework, and extracurriculars, it can be hard for some college students to make time for their health.

Here are five ways college students can make sure they graduate with not only a degree but their health as well:

1. Avoid fast foods

Fast food has been widely criticized for its unhealthy qualities in movies such as “Super Size Me” and “Fast Food Nation.” Despite its wide criticism, college students still go to fast food for meals, according to Jarrod Smith, head coach of Drury University’s tennis team who teaches personal wellness classes at the school.

“Many college students forego their fruits and vegetables and instead eat far too much pizza, burgers, and other fast foods,” Smith says.

He attributes this to the limited selection of food at college cafeterias and cost of healthier foods being too expensive for many college students to afford. If fast food is the only option available, the American Heart Association recommends being more selective. Forego the burger and fries for grilled chicken or salad selections on the menu.

2. Add more fruits and vegetables to your diet

College meal plans can limit some students to eating whatever is available in the cafeteria. While the options may be limited, most cafeterias do have fruits and vegetables available for students to eat. Nerd Fitness’ “College Guide to Eating Healthy” recommends taking advantage of the salad bar or any cooked vegetables that are available. If the cafeteria does stir-fry, eating a vegetable-heavy stir-fry is a great way to add more nutrition to your diet.

3. Work out at your school’s fitness center

Dieting isn’t the only part of maintaining a healthy lifestyle; exercise is important, too. According to Smith, students don’t take enough advantage of college fitness centers, an excellent resource for students to improve their health.

Smith says:

“Exercise will aid in healthier eating habits, an increased metabolism, reduction in stress levels, and in obtaining quality sleep at night.”

Grant Brallier, a Drury University junior and coach at CrossFit Springfield, says the best way to start working out is to make it a priority in your life. You can help motivate yourself by setting up a reward system for going to the gym.

Brallier also recommends that students focus on the health benefits of exercise instead of the aesthetic benefits. “Most aesthetic goals people reach for are very hard to reach,” he says. “Some people simply don’t have the genetic for six-pack abs.” Instead, create goals related to your workouts such as running a mile within a certain time limit.

4. Reduce stress

As the semester’s finals week approaches, it can be beneficial to help reduce your stress levels.

Smith recommends using university counseling services to help. They can help students work through stresses related to school work and personal issues. Ed Derr, a counselor at Drury University, says managing time wisely can help reduce stress levels. According to the Institute of HeartMath, reducing stress levels can increase energy during the day, contribute to sleep at night, and improve memory.

5. Abstain from alcohol consumption

It’s estimated that 1,825 college students die each year from alcohol-related injuries, according to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism.

Smith says alcohol use is one of the biggest concerns for the health of college students — but it is also one of the easiest to fix. How? Don’t drink.

When it comes to diet, the average light beer contains 103 calories and the average shot of an 80-proof spirit 97 calories. Those are extra calories that have to be burned off when trying to stay healthy. It’s safer and healthier to avoid consuming alcohol, especially for college students looking to improve their health.

For more information on how to stay healthy in college, check out Rutgers’ “101 Health and Wellness Tips for College Students.”