BLOOMINGTON -- Freshman year of college brings new freedoms. But searching for yourself brings responsibilities, including caring for your body.

Most college freshmen study hard, get involved in campus activities and work on little sleep; some experiment with alcohol and sex. Results can range from exhilaration to panic.

"The first semester is the hardest," especially for students away from home for the first time, said Debra Adams, a registered nurse and director of the Arnold Health Service at Illinois Wesleyan University, Bloomington.

"Many freshmen are in an experimental mode for the first six to eight weeks," said Dr. Glenn Weiss, medical director of the Student Health Service at Illinois State University, Normal. Add to that the stress of a demanding academic environment.

But those things can take their toll. Grades and relationships can suffer, tempers flare and health deteriorate.

Here's how to take care of yourself:

Develop a support system

If homesick students go home each weekend, they aren't on campus when most socializing happens, so they don't make new friends, Weiss said.

Instead, while staying in contact with friends and family back home, immediately seek out people on campus with common interests, goals and values through a faith group, athletics or a club.

Come up with a schedule

Some college freshmen think they have a lot of free time because they're not in class for eight hours a day and may not have homework every night. But that exhilaration turns to stress by mid-terms if they haven't been studying and keeping up with their papers, projects and labs, said Sandy Colbs, director of ISU's Student Counseling Services.

She suggests freshmen develop their own schedule for class time, studying, eating, exercise, play and sleep. That balanced lifestyle will ensure that their work is done and they have time to replenish.

Maintain your health

College students are at greater risk of colds, influenza and mononucleosis because they are living in a crowded environment. Washing your hands thoroughly and often, avoiding people who are sick, staying away from others when you're sick, getting enough sleep, eating healthfully and exercising, avoiding or minimizing alcohol and cigarettes, avoiding sharing drinks, covering your coughs and getting a flu shot in the fall are good ways to stay healthy, Weiss and Adams said.

Get adequate sleep

Students with a full load of classes figure they can get everything done by sleeping less. That may work for a day or two, but sleep deprivation leads to poor performance in class, more stress, more susceptibility to illness and greater odds of binge drinking and unprotected sex.

Weiss recommends that students get seven to eight hours of sleep a night as often as possible.

Eat a balanced diet

Eating a balanced diet throughout the day fuels the body, fends off illnesses and helps with weight control, Weiss said. Focus on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fish and grilled lean meats, said Dianne Feasley, a registered dietitian, ISU assistant director of campus dining and IWU nutrition counselor.

"Eat when you're hungry. Stop when you're full," Feasley advised.

Take fruit with you so you won't stop at a vending machine when you're hungry on campus but away from your residence hall, she said. During late-night study breaks or social times, focus on the conversation, drink water, stretch or run up and down a flight of stairs.

Be physically active

Many freshmen who were athletic in high school stop when they enter college, Feasley said.

Stay physically active by going to your campus recreation center, joining an athletic club, playing intramural sports or just going for bike rides or runs, she said. Physical activity helps with weight control, health maintenance, assists studying and focusing, provides stress relief and a social outlet and encourages better sleep.

Avoid or limit alcohol

Drinking alcohol impairs your judgment and increases your risks of traffic crashes, violence and sexual activity, Weiss said. Limit your drinking by having supportive friends who can socialize without drinking. Belonging to clubs and organizations helps.

Think before sex

Deciding whether to have sex is a personal decision, but both people need to consider the emotional and physical consequences of sexual activity, including the risks of sexually transmitted diseases and unintended pregnancy, Weiss and Adams said.

Abstaining from sex is the safest route and freshmen need to know not all students on campuses are having sex. People who decide to have sex should use condoms, Weiss said. Many student health services offer male and female condoms and birth control pills.

When needed, get help

When it appears your academic and personal life and health are coming apart, assistance is available through your student health office, student counseling office, residence hall adviser, chaplain, dean of students or academic adviser.

"Don't be afraid to reach out for help," Colbs said.