Amber Hill
Two years ago, I took my first steps onto a university campus, gazing at everything with awe. The possibilities, it seemed, were endless. I was finally independent, away from the rules of the family home: I could eat, drink, and do whatever I wanted. And that is exactly what I, and many other students, did liberally, sparking an epidemic of stress-fueled binge-eating, a rather peculiar preference for bland ready meals, and a startling takeaway addiction.
Although one may not think it at the time, living at home did have its perks. Home cooked meals, most likely with generous helpings of vegetables, weren’t things that I expected to miss, but when you are reduced to having yet another bowl of cereal for the fourth evening in a row, it is the little things that matter.
With various lockdowns having forced many of us into the confines of our own homes, it has been more difficult than ever to stay healthy, particularly as students. According to Fresh Student Living, students spend an estimated £925 on takeaways a year – it seems that we are a nation of burger lovers, after all.
Of course, it is easy to say that students should simply buy their food in supermarkets and make healthy, nutritious choices, rather than rely on fast food. But, as the BBC suggests, this isn’t always so simple, with one student from Manchester’s School of Art acknowledging that one of the reasons many opt for less healthy meals is because of money issues, a factor that has only been worsened by the Coronavirus pandemic.
In an article by Top Universities, it was revealed that the National Union of Students are concerned about the numerous issues which face students today, such as worry over accommodation costs, student debt, and whether they would even have enough money to finish their courses because of furlough or shift reduction. To go through all this stress, worry, and uncertainty, only to then have to drop out because of finances, is a heartbreaking concept.
80% of students are worried about how they will manage financially as a result of the coronavirus
National Union of Students
With gyms and sports facilities being perceived as being non-essential, our generation haven’t been able to do their favourite workouts as much as they would like. I, for one, was reduced to going for runs and doing HIIT workouts, all the while missing the buzz and hype of the gym. It seems that I wasn’t the only one – an estimated 76% of Brits sought new ways to stay in shape, according to Nuffield Health.
Experts have known for a long time that exercising regularly can create huge benefits for your mental well-being. Not only does it feel good to look good, but burning off pent-up stress and tension can help to keep you balanced. This is why most universities have on-site gyms or sports facilities, most of which are free or at a discounted price. But being healthy isn’t just about exercise; getting the right diet is equally as important, and this is one thing that the majority of students are failing to master.
Low-intensity exercise can give our energy levels a much-needed boost, which is perfect for when you’re reaching the end of those back-to-back lectures and the fatigue kicks in.
Dwell Student
How To Avoid Binge-Eating
Of course, there are ways to change all this and promote a healthier, more active lifestyle. Buying canned foods from cheaper supermarkets, such as Lidl, is a sure-fire way of ensuring you get long-lasting products for the best price. Cooking in bulk and eating leftovers will deter you from ordering a late night KFC, as tempting as that may be. And when it comes to workouts, most universities organise sports societies; whether it’s running, swimming, or rugby, there is bound to be something that takes your fancy.
Parents can help, too. Making sure that your son or daughter is equipped with the essentials during move-in day gets them off to a good start, and makes them more inclined to buy similar products for themselves long after you’ve gone home. Carbohydrates like bread, pasta, beans, and potatoes are obvious choices, but fruit, nuts and protein bars make for filling and useful snacks for a quick bite in-between lectures.
When everyone around you is drinking, partying, and binge-eating, it can be hard to remember that living a relatively healthy lifestyle will only do wonders for your grades and your future. Understanding this is the first step in the right direction.
Photo by Quinton Coetzee on Unsplash. Image license found here. No changes were made to the image.
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