First-year university students often embark on university life with excitement. In addition to experiencing greater freedom, they begin to take responsibility for their lives. However, it can be challenging for students to balance their studies with their new self-care responsibilities, while forming peer relationships. Some students may eat a suboptimal diet, for example they may regularly consume ‘fast food’ rather than healthier alternatives. Their physical activity may also decrease, as a result of time constraints and/or lifestyle choices. A suboptimal diet and reduction in physical activity, combined with possible stress associated with this life transition, can result in adverse health effects, for example weight gain and mental health issues. This article aims to support nursing students to adopt a practical approach to maintaining their health and well-being as they adjust to university life.
Nursing Standard. 31, 24, 51-63. doi: 10.7748/ns.2017.e10588
Correspondencepmcsharry@stangelas.nuigalway.ie
Peer reviewThis article has been subject to external double-blind peer review and checked for plagiarism using automated software
Conflict of interestNone declared
RevalidationPrepare for revalidation: read this CPD article, answer the questionnaire and write a reflective account: nursingstandard.com/revalidation
To write a CPD article Please email gwen.clarke@rcni.com. Guidelines on writing for publication are available at: journals.rcni.com/r/author-guidelines
Received: 12 June 2016
Accepted: 27 October 2016
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