Cal Poly Students Find Unique Ways to Cope with Midterm Stress

San Luis Obispo, California – As midterm exams approach, students at California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly) are increasingly turning to various methods to manage academic stress. Leila Morrow, a public health student, stepped out of her residence hall late at night seeking relief from her intensive study session.

Academic stress has become a significant concern, especially for Cal Poly students. According to a review published in 2022, it heavily affects students’ mental well-being. Freshman microbiology major Ayumi Sandez shared, “It’s just so much information to obtain in such little time.” She emphasized that the continuous cycle of midterms creates lasting stress.

To address this challenge, Cal Poly has introduced various wellness programs. These include therapy dogs, yoga sessions, and meditation workshops aimed at alleviating student pressure. Ella Boladian, a kinesiology senior and Wellness Student Assistant, explained, “We wanted to reach a wider range of students and support them in their wellness in different ways that are not necessarily limited to the Recreation Center.”

On April 28, students participated in a guided yoga and meditation session at the Recreation Center, led by instructor Kate Berman. The evening was designed to help calm the nervous system and lower stress through practices like yin yoga. “There are so many demands placed on college students…,” Berman noted, highlighting the importance of such activities in mitigating stress.

Since the revitalization of the Cal Poly Wellness program, Boladian has noticed positive outcomes from these events. “After the guided session, I saw people leaving the studio happy and smiling,” she remarked. On the Health and Wellness Lawn, students also have access to therapy dogs, which provide emotional support during high-pressure times.

Denise Fitzgerald, a volunteer with Alliance of Therapy Dogs, stated that the demand for therapy dogs peaks during midterm periods. She recalled a former student who recognized a therapy dog years later and credited it with helping her through finals. “Just being able to sit and pet a dog helps people forget about some of the stressful times they may be going through,” Fitzgerald said.

In addition to organized support, students are finding individual ways to cope with midterm pressures. Morrow prefers night walks and journaling to clear her mind. “It’d be nice to see more community-driven study sessions,” she suggested, noting the challenges of forming study groups in larger lecture classes.

Jess Alvear, a sophomore balancing two majors and a campus job, described how she manages her time. “Taking advantage of any free time during the day can relieve my stress,” she said, emphasizing the importance of social connections during stressful times. “It just helps me to relieve my stress a little bit if I share it with other people.”

As midterms continue, Cal Poly provides various resources to support students. Whether through yoga sessions, connecting with friends, or spending time with therapy dogs, students have multiple avenues to help them navigate the stress of exams. For Leila Morrow, sometimes a simple walk and fresh air can make all the difference amidst the pressures of academic life.