When you come to move into college it can be an exciting and some testing time, especially if you are serious about your weight training and bodybuilding. As you'll no longer have access to your favourite gym or all the healthy food you'd normally be able to have at home and you'll probably find that sharing fridges and kitchens can be a headache.

You'll need to be dedicated and motivated

It might take you a week or two to get settled in and it can be daunting starting at college, however once you find your feet, if you have high levels of commitment and drive you'll have no problems keeping in shape and getting that perfect toned body. However there are a number of essentials tips that'll help you on your way.

Set goals and plan ahead

Before you start college it is essential that you set out clear and specific goals and devise a training program for the year and make a commitment to stick to it. Don't forget this includes your nutrition and diet as well as your workouts.

Get the right nutrition

If possible try and stay in self catered accommodation so that you can have maximum control over your nutrition and ensure that you're eating the right foods. If not you are going to have more of a difficult job, as college food in catered accommodation is average at best and most certainly not ideal for packing on muscle and burning off fat. If you find yourself in this situation don't over do your eating on the college food, especially if its food your body isn't used to, instead save up for a small fridge for your room. Budget for some healthy food week and stock up your fridge with good nutritious food which your body will thank you for.

Stock up on protein shakes and healthy snacks

Before you go to your lectures or classes each day, make up a healthy lunch for yourself so that you can avoid the canteen, take some protein shakes or snakes as well to ensure you don't go hungry and your body stays fuelled. If you have to go into the canteen, don't be tempted by the unhealthy food, it'll just undo all the good work you've been doing down the gym. Try to stick to the food options you'd normally go for such as chicken, eggs, pasta, tuna, salads and cottage cheese.

Find your local gyms

As soon as you get there spend some time orientating yourself with the area you are staying, find the local gyms, have a look around and see which ones are best suited to your needs. Speak to some of the instructors and find out the best routes for running so you can get your cardio training in. Don't forget to check the opening times of the gyms and their prices, many will give you a student discount on membership, so make sure you ask.

Form good habits and avoid the booze

Watch your habits and try and form good ones, make sure you get enough sleep and organise your time so that you get your work and training done, as well as making the most of the social activities. Try to avoid the drinking as you'll be throwing your training away; if you are just bodybuilding for fun and to look and feel good don't feel bad about having a few drinks at the week end, but remember drink in moderation and be responsible. If you are bodybuilding for competition then there is no way any alcoholic drinks should be getting past your lips. As alcohol lowers your testosterone, dehydrates and will cause you to put on fat. Abstain from drinking and your friends will soon respect your for discipline and commitment.