Staying Active, Involved, and Healthy on Campus

Authors: Anias Pullen, Paul Evans

Introduction

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Table of Contents
3. Step 1. Identify Your Needs
4. Step 2. Improve Physical Activity
   1. 2.2 Utilize the CRC
   2. 2.3 Outdoor Activities & Recreation
   3. 2.4 Green Spaces & Walking Routes
5. Step 3. Maintain Physical Health
   1. 3.1 STAMPS
   2. 3.2 Emory Hospital
6. Step 4. Maintain Mental Health
7. Step 5. Improve Social Activity
   1. 5.1 On-Campus Events
   2. 5.2 Student Organizations

Step 1. Identify Your Needs

The first step to improving your well-being is understanding which part of your life feels out of balance. Look at your weekly schedule and take note of when you feel most tired, stressed, and isolated. Ask yourself:

• Do I spend too many hours sitting or studying?
• Have I been skipping meals or neglecting sleep?
• When was the last time I engaged in something outside of the classroom?

Try This:

1. Reflect on your weekly schedule, and choose an area (physical activity, mental health, or social connection) to improve on.
2. Choose a small goal to complete, using this guide for suggestions. Focus on smaller, realistic tasks!
3. Set a reminder on your phone or planner to stay consistent.

Step 2. Improve Physical Activity

Movement is one of the quickest ways to improve focus, reduce stress, and boost energy: qualities that make a noticeable difference in the classroom. You don’t need to become a dedicated athlete to stay active; small, consistent actions can make a major difference. Research shows that even moderate activity, like brisk walking or light strength training, can boost memory and concentration.

Try This:

1. Incorporate time in your weekly schedule to visit the Campus Recreation Center to increase your physical activity.
2. Incorporate time in your daily schedule to walk or study at one of Georgia Tech’s many outdoor spaces.

The Campus Recreation Center (CRC) is Georgia Tech’s center for fitness and wellness, located on west campus off of Ferst Drive. It is easily accessible by walking or taking the Stinger bus. The CRC offers group fitness classes, intramural sports, personal training, and various wellness programs. It also hosts Adventure Trips such as kayaking and hiking, perfect for students who enjoy exploring nature.

2.2 Utilize the CRC

Try This:

1. Visit the CRC at least 1-2 times per week (Tip: most student apartments also have a fitness room!)
2. Try going during non-peak hours (early morning or mid-afternoon) for a calmer experience
3. If you’re unsure where to start, stop by the front desk or explore the CRC’s options for one-on-one training. Visit [LINK to CRC GtHow] to learn more information on their resources.

Helpful Links:

• Campus Recreation Center website: CRC
• Intramural sports schedule: Intramurals

2.3 Outdoor Activities & Recreation

Outdoor activity is a great way to refresh your mind between classes. Georgia Tech has several outdoor spaces that encourage both recreation and relaxation. You can head to volleyball or basketball courts pick-up games, or visit the STAMPS field to use the outdoor track.

Stamps Field, located next to the CRC, features multiple turf fields suitable for various sports, surrounded by a large outdoor track field. The adjacent Burger Bowl field is a grass field also used for sports, leisure, and relaxation. Alumni Park, directly west of Stamps Field, has two sand volleyball courts. Equipment can be rented free by students from the CRC during working hours.

North Avenue, an on-campus housing community, offers residents and their friends a range of facilities, including a gym, sand volleyball court, turf field, and indoor basketball court, all available for use on weekdays.

Peters Parking Deck, located right near the heart of campus, has two newly refurbished basketball courts and tennis/pickle ball courts, available 24/7/365 as long as there is enough light.

Tech Green, a large green space which marks the center of campus, is often used by students for a variety of sports, such as frisbee and soccer, as well as leisure and recreation on the expansive grass field. There are also hammocks and picnic benches nestled on one corner for students to enjoy.

Try This:

1. Schedule a 30-minute block between studying to go outside and visit one of these outdoor spaces.
2. Join an intramural team or pick-up game to meet new people with similar interests.

2.4 Green Spaces & Walking Routes

Georgia Tech’s campus is full of peaceful green spaces, ideal for unwinding. Explore the Eco Commons on West Campus or Harrison Square and Tech Green in Central Campus. You can find a variety of outdoor areas and hammocks scattered throughout campus to decompress and relax in.

Some ideas:

1. Opt to study in one of the above outdoor spaces instead of the library or your dorm.
2. Opt to walk on campus instead of taking the Stinger to increase your daily movement.
3. Challenge yourself to complete at least one loop of Georgia Tech’s Pi Mile during your downtime.

Here are some Reddit forums with outdoor studying, walking and running route ideas:

1. Outdoor Study Spots (1)
2. Outdoor Study Spots (2)
3. Running Pathways (1)
4. Running Pathways (2)

The favorite route on campus, as denoted by signs on the sidewalks all over campus, is the Georgia Tech Pi Mile: Gatech Pi Mile

Step 3. Maintain Physical Health

Health is not only the absence of illness, but a state of complete well being. Staying physically healthy ensures that you can perform at your best in all areas of student life. Recognizing when and how to seek help for physical health issues is an essential part of independence of a college student.

3.1 STAMPS

Do This:

1. Log into the Stamps Health Portal and make sure your info is up to date.
2. Bookmark the appointment booking page for future use.

Tips: Bring your BuzzCard and insurance information, and describe your symptoms clearly when checking in. Familiarizing yourself with Stamps early will save you time later in the semester, especially during flu season.

Stamps website: STAMPS

3.2 Emory Hospital

For serious or emergency situations beyond the scope of Stamps, Emory Hospital provides advanced medical care. This includes specialized medical professionals, testing centers, and a 24/7 emergency department.

Do This:

1. Save Emory Hospital’s address and directions in your phone.
2. Bring your insurance information for specialized appointments

Helpful Links:

• Emory website: Emory Hospital

Step 4. Maintain Mental Health

College life is exciting, but it can also be stressful and isolating. Maintaining mental health requires active effort and self-awareness. Georgia Tech offers multiple confidential services at the Center for Mental Health Care and Resources, such as wellness coaching and peer coaching.

Try This:

1. Incorporate personal self-care habits into your daily routine. For instance, scheduling breaks between classes and study sessions to relax and decompress.
2. Explore a wellness course or workshop provided by the Center for Mental Health Care. These include workshops for goal setting, habit-building, and student support.
3. Reach out early to a trusted peer or professional if you notice signs of burnout or persistent stress. Help is available and encouraged!

Helpful Links:

• Center for Mental Health Care and Resources: Mental Health Center
• Stamps Psychiatry

Step 5. Improve Social Activity

Strong social connections are key to improve happiness and resilience (synonym). Building a community on campus can help you feel supported and engaged throughout the semester.

5.1 On-Campus Events

Explore on-campus events using Georgia Tech’s Daily Digest newsletter and calendar, or the campus event page on Engage. Attending just one casual activity a week, like board-game night or movie screenings, can

Try This:

1. Use the engage page and attend an interesting event at the start of the semester.
2. Add 1-2 recurring events (workshops, student organizations, etc.) to your schedule.

Helpful Links:

• Engage page: Campus Engage
• Georgia Tech newsletter, calendar: Daily Digest

5.2 Student Organizations

Beyond public events, consider joining a student organization that aligns with your interests. With over 500 clubs at Tech, there’s something for everyone: academic, cultural, creative, or service-based organizations. Attend the semesterly Student Org Fair to meet representatives and current members. Many organizations post updates on Instagram, Discord, or Reddit, attend a few and see which feels like a good fit.

Try This:

1. Pick 2-3 clubs to visit this semester.
2. Join at least one that aligns with your interests and commit to attending weekly.

Helpful Links:

• Engage page: Campus Engage