Lifetime normative transitions, which include signifi cant ecological structural changes,
as transition to higher education, constitute a risk factor in the adoption and maintenance of healthy
lifestyles. Health behaviours and attitudes (HBA) that integrate personal lifestyle are variables that
infl uence students’ health condition and academic success. Objectives and sample: A sample of fi rstyear
students (N = 546) from the University of Coimbra, from the academic year 2009/2010, was
collected in order to study “students in transition” (1) perception of occurred and desirable changes in
seven HBA sets of their lifestyle and its impact perceived in subjects overall health, adaptation process
and academic performance; (2) actual health condition and academic success; and (3) the infl uence
of some HBA on these variables. Main results: Although the prevalence of HBA has changed with
transition, most of the students have changed/maintained a healthy lifestyle, except for alcohol
consumption and physical/sports activity. These two HBA played an important and confl icting role
in health condition, as well as in academic success. Conclusions: Most of the results are consistent
with the literature and provided important information for planning a health and academic success
promotion intervention project in this specifi c context.