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canadian university report: stress

Pages from a calendar.Chee siong Teh

The transition from high school to university is one of the biggest adjustments in the life of a young person. The "firsts" can include leaving home, setting up in a new city, making friends and choosing an academic path. Amid the excitement and good times, expect some stress: it's a natural response to change and uncertainty. Recognizing the source of anxiety – and how to relieve it – is part of the growing-up process that comes with making the most of university.

AUGUST

Stress: Selecting classes, summer welcome sessions, finances, meeting new people

Help: Peer support,financial aid office

SEPTEMBER

Stress: Less-structured learning environment, orientation week, making friends, feeling homesick

Help: Residence dons, mentors, study groups, club days

MID-OCTOBER

Stress: Mid-term exams, academic workshops, student marks, poor time management

Help: Life counsellors, sleeping/eating/study habits

NOVEMBER-DECEMBER

Stress: Final exams, financial problems, academic workshops, study-personal life balance

Help: Counselling/health services, academic advisers

JANUARY

Stress: Anxiety over end-of semester grades, second thoughts over program choice

Help: Study groups, faculty adviser

FEBRUARY

Stress: Picking a major, reading week, time management, course selection

Help: Registrar's office, mentors, 2nd-year faculty adviser

MARCH

Stress: Final exam preparation, career, summer employment, next-year housing

Help: Academic skills centre, student housing

APRIL-MAY

Stress: Final exams, time management, leaving friends

Help: Study groups, student affairs, academic advisers

SOURCE: TRENT UNIVERSITY; UNIVERSITY OF GUELPH

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