College students confront a variety of challenges on a daily basis. Living up to the standards prescribed by the media and other social groups leaves some students feeling distraught and many feeling vulnerable. Feelings of failure and self-loathing often lead college students to become preoccupied with their self-image and actions, motivating them to make physical and psychological changes throughout their college years. Such self-examination sometimes results in bad choices. The current study examined body image satisfaction and perceptions among college students. Findings imply that both genders are socialized to judge their bodies according to a standard set by the media and society. It appears that females judge themselves more harshly against these standards than males do. Because of the numerous social activities that students report avoiding due to self-consciousness, it seems that society indirectly limits many individuals' freedom to enjoy life by promoting physical expectations they fail to meet. Understanding the problems faced by students can help in guiding their selection of appropriate adaptive responses. For this reason, it is important to address some of the challenges they face. (Contains 18 tables and 18 references.) (ADT)