The scope of this study was to estimate the prevalence and associated factors of lower levels of leisure-time physical activities, insufficient consumption of fruit and vegetables, alcohol consumption and smoking among college students from a public university in the northeastern region of Brazil. The sample was stratified in accordance with the academic program, period of study and year of admission to the university. The negative health-related behaviors were analyzed in relation to socio-demographic and program affiliation indicators by means of Prevalence Ratios. The most prevalent negative health-related behaviors were insufficient consumption of fruit and vegetables, lowers levels of leisure-time physical activities and alcohol consumption. Insufficient consumption of fruit, smoking and alcohol consumption were more prevalent among men. Furthermore, insufficient consumption of vegetables was higher among younger, unmarried, men after three years at the university, whose fathers failed to complete elementary school. Lower levels of leisure-time physical activities were higher among older women, who evaluated relationships with colleagues negatively and whose fathers failed to complete elementary school.