College changes a lot more than your zip code. Your schedule, your sleep, your stress, your food—all of it shifts at once. So when one student wrote in to say:
“I don’t feel good in my body since starting college. My routines are off, I’ve gained some weight, and I just don’t feel like myself.”
We get it. You’re not alone. Feeling weird in your body after a big life change is incredibly common. Here’s how to start feeling like you again—without turning it into a punishment or a project.
1. Remember That Your Body Is Adjusting
New dining hall food, late-night study sessions, stress, and less structure—it’s a lot for your body to handle. This doesn’t mean you’re “doing something wrong.” It means you’re adapting. Give yourself permission to ease into a new rhythm instead of trying to snap back into old routines.
2. Eat Regularly (Yes, Even Breakfast)
Skipping meals or grabbing random snacks between classes can mess with your mood and energy. Try to get in three real meals a day—nothing fancy, just consistent. Having a few go-to options (a bagel before class, a sandwich after) can help you feel grounded and steady.
3. Move Because It Feels Good
If you feel sluggish or tense, find ways to move that don’t feel like punishment. Walk with a friend, take a dance class, join an intramural sport, or just stretch before bed. The goal isn’t to change your body—it’s to reconnect with it.
4. Prioritize Sleep and Water
Boring, yes—but game-changing. Most students underestimate how much exhaustion and dehydration mess with how they feel. Try keeping a water bottle on you, and aim for a consistent bedtime at least a few nights a week.
5. Unfollow Comparison Triggers
If scrolling makes you feel worse about yourself, unfollow or mute. No one posts the in-between moments of adjusting to college life—and comparison only fuels insecurity. Focus on feeling present, not perfect.
6. Be Gentle With Yourself
You’re in a new season of life, and your body is part of that change. Treat it like a teammate, not an enemy. Confidence comes from care, not criticism.