The first half of December is a stressful time of year for college students. Beyond the projects and papers are finals, then the often-complicated matter of travel accommodation, then the last-minute holiday shopping and preparing for family gatherings.
It is because of this mounting stress that the Student Alumni Association chose to host the DeStress Fest for its fourth consecutive year. According to SAA President Aaron Horvitz, the event is especially important for freshmen, who are experiencing their first semester away from home, and their first semester of finals in college.
“People get freaked out when exams come. Yesterday the study room in Stuvi 2 was packed at 4:30 in the morning,” Ellen Cohn, a Junior in the School of Communications and member of the SAA Communications Team, told the Quad on Thursday night. She was giving an attendee a massage–one of the many activities featured. There was also free yoga and Pilates, food, and board games.
“The advertising made it seem like a fun break from studying,” said Alicia Hertz, a Senior in Sargent College, as she sat at a table with friends. “I’m starting to feel stressed.”
Recently, Boston University has been taking steps to address stress. BU Today has recently focused articles on handling stress (and, on a related note: the dangers of Adderall.) The Good to Know program, launched by Student Health Services, encourages students to participate in events and collect points, which can be redeemed for prizes. GTK has already hosted an online chat on stress management, and will next Monday be hosting a Well-Break in the George Sherman Union from 4:30 to 6:30, featuring healthy snacks and activities.
The students in attendance at the Destress Fest appreciated the steps that the University and its student groups have been taking; but they wish that more could be done to help students handle finals period.
“There could be more opportunities,” said Jenna King, a senior in the College of Arts and Sciences. “Random free FitRec classes, maybe.”
“We work out to de-stresss,” said Lyncy Ha, also a CAS senior. “I know for myself, stress is a big issue.”
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