Ah yes, the beginning of fall semester. The time of year when our campus springs back to life, when Greek life recruitment is back in full force, and when naïve freshmen deluge our campus like floodwaters over Taipei.
If you’re anything like me, my physical fitness and bank account usually peak at the end of summer, right before school begins. From there it’s all downhill as our waistbands broaden and our wallets pitifully shrivel into their former state of semesters past.
To assist you in accomplishing your goals, I have compiled an official Fall Semester List of Dos and Don’ts to keep your body, your pocketbooks, and your spirit right where you want them.
First off, DO carry water with you at all times. The benefits of staying hydrated throughout the day are countless. Drinking water keeps your body functioning at its best and also prevents you from overeating. I suggest investing in a Nalgene or a Sigg bottle you can attach to your backpack with a carabiner. Beware of random high-fives from hippies and rock-climbers.
DON’T buy food on campus. Let’s face it, the price of a meal swipe into the DC, a sandwich from the Joe, or a smoothie from the Overlook is pure extortion. Don’t fall victim to the convenience of overpriced sustenance. That is, unless mom and dad are paying for it. Should this be the case, then I suggest lending a few swipes to the Davidson Academy kids, their prepubescent eggshell physiques need to start packing on some meat if they’re to survive the harsh Reno winter. Poor runts.
DO plan your meals. This usually involves keeping a lunchbox and finding the hidden lounges on campus where you can prepare and eat your food. Usually they have a microwave, a fridge and sink, and are tucked away surreptitiously within each college. Take advantage of the resources you have access to in order to eat more frugally and more salubriously. A good place to start? A lunchbox. Preferably one made of metal that includes a mug with a sweet cup attached to it.
DON’T be afraid to eat your pizza and drink your beer. Everyone knows that pizza and beer are an essential part of the college diet. I once had a friend who tried abstaining from pizza his sophomore year, he ended up in the emergency room by Homecoming. As with all things however, balance and moderation are a must. If you know you’ll be going out, plan more exercise and eat smaller meals to keep your energy balance in check.
DO hold potlucks with the amigos. They’re a cheap and fun alternative to barbeques. Plus, you don’t have to worry about the roomies burning down your house.
DON’T eat at restaurants, when possible. Eating out often results in superfluous calorie consumption and money expenditure. If you must, try ordering off the kids menu or have the waiter pack half of your meal in a to-go box before they bring it to you.
If you do eat out, DO be more creative with your restaurant selection. There are tons of hole-in-the-wall eateries that pepper our beloved Biggest Little City in the World. My personal favorites include Naan & Kabob, Brugos, and Nick’s Greek Deli.
College is a time to try new things, meet new people, and take that frightful yet exhilarating step outside of your comfort zone. Fortunately, you don’t have to sacrifice your wallet or your physique to experience the best fruits that college life has to offer.
Memo on Your Health 
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