The Most Stressful Time of Year

For many students, college is the best four years of their lives. Unfortunately, the fun stops for a week every semester.

Each semester, for one fateful week, students cram for exams that encompass an entire semester's worth of material and can count for as much as 30% of their final grade. Not only can these tests make or break a student's grade, if they are not careful, it could wind up breaking them.


Feeling the Stress

College is a stressful time. Between balancing school, relationships, a social life, and jobs, all while typically experiencing true independence for the first time, anxiety and stress are common. This stress is never felt stronger than during exam weeks.

"There is definitely additional pressure during finals. They count for so much that you kind of have to study a lot more. If you don't, everything up to it really didn't mean much," said sophomore Joe Caporaso.

One place that feels the impact of finals week is the library.

Admitted sophomore Teddy Bender, "Really the only time I go to the library is for finals, and there are never any seats. Everyone is there."

Another sentiment that some students shared was a lack of sleep.

"I love to sleep, but once it gets to the end of the semester there is never any time to. That is the worst, your sleep cycle gets all screwed up," said Caporaso.

Help is Available

Students aren't the only ones to acknowledge that finals are a stressful time.

Finals are "high stakes and stressful for all of our students," concedes Gail Tuttle, Vice President of Student Affairs.

However, help is available on campus for students who feel overwhelmed.

High Point University has an Office of Counseling that offers assistance to students experiencing "behavioral, and/or psychological problems during the transition into college life."

Much like the students, the counselors are never busier than during finals.

According to Dr. Kim Soban, Director of Counseling and Psychological Services, the office typically averages seeing a 15% increase in students during finals.

Lynda Noffsinger, a clinical counselor in the office, agrees.

"This past week has been interesting. I have had several new clients walk through my door this week for one issue or another, and I also have had some of my students who have regular weekly appointments cancel because they have too much schoolwork to do."

Besides the counseling services, the University has other fun ways for students to relieve stress.

During finals, the University coordinates study break activities in the cafeteria. These breaks typically consist of free food and a movie, allowing students a much deserved break from studying.

"Our University encourages students to come and experience our final examination breaks. Many of the items we provide are comfort foods and something to ease the anxiety of studying or doing final projects," explains Tuttle.

Dealing with Stress

According to the American Institute of Stress, stress is "America's number one health problem."

Even though many students experience stress, they often handle their stress in very different ways. How they handle their stress is crucial in determining the affect it has on them.

"There are negative and positive ways to deal with stress," explains Noffsinger. "However, stress never goes away, and the sooner one learns to cope with it positively, the better."

One of the easiest ways to deal with stress is to utilize time management skills. Creating a schedule of your day and budgeting your time creates a sense of security.

Eating well and exercising are two simple ways to combat stress. Unfortunately, this doesn't always seem to be the case.

"Because of the culture and because of maturity levels, some students choose to cope with their stress in negative ways- binge drinking, abusing drugs, staying up too late, under eating and overeating," says Noffsinger.

"For students that are overly stressed, it is important to keep a healthy perspective. School is certainly important but nothing is worth damaging your physical, emotional, or mental health over."

For more information on dealing with stress, visit High Point's 10 steps to manage stress and anxiety or advice on dealing with test anxiety.