Introduction: Physical activity and healthy dietary behaviors are critical in the reduction of risk of chronic disease. Despite knowledge about the benefits of physical activity and nutrition, behaviors have not reflected current understanding. Developing healthy habits among college students is important because these students are likely to become tomorrow's leaders and will likely influence environmental and institutional factors that impact behavior. Historically, health-related research has emphasized individual-level factors that contribute to behavior but is shifting to encompass ecological-level influences. The purposes of this study were to 1) determine physical activity and nutrition behaviors engaged in by a cohort of college students, 2) identify environmental factors and institutional policies that impact behavior, and 3) make recommendations as to how these environmental factors and policies can be altered to support healthy lifestyles. Method: A random sample of 1700 students at a major university in the southeastern U.S. was surveyed. A total of 531 students participated (47% response rate). The instrument, an adaptation of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention National College Health Risk Behavior Survey (NCHRBS), requested information on a variety of health-related behaviors. Analysis of environmental factors addressed the physical design of campus, availability of facilities, and convenience to shopping. Institutional policies examined included curriculum requirements for physical activity and health education, availability of intramural activity programs, food service policy, preparation and availability. Results and Conclusion: Comparing data from the current study to NCHRBS data, students on this campus had similar levels of physical activity as students nationwide. Approximately 60% of college students ages 18-24 are not participating in vigorous or moderate physical activity. Barriers to physical activity included lack of facilities, campus design that does not support cycling or walking, and lack of convenient shopping. Institutional policies that did not support physical activity were the absence of a physical activity or health education requirement, and inadequate intramural opportunities. With regard to dietary behaviors, students in the current study reported eating fewer servings of fruits and vegetables than students nationwide. Barriers to healthy dietary choices included ala carte food service, shortage of healthy foods offered, and discouragement of food storage and preparation in the residence halls. Policies that reduce barriers to physical activity and healthy dietary behaviors need to be identified and implemented on college campuses to support healthy choices among students.