• Book, flowers and coffee

Stress and how to manage

Feeling stressed sometimes during your studies


... is completely normal


Student life comes with deadlines, exams, group work, new expectations, and often a lot happening at once.

Many students experience periods of light stress, and that doesn’t mean something is wrong - it means you care and you’re trying to keep up.

Short bursts of stress can even be helpful - they can give you energy, focus, and motivation when you need it most.

Lavender and sunlight

WHAT IS STRESS?

Stress is your body’s natural response to demands and pressure. In short periods, it can help you perform. But when pressure continues without breaks, it can start affecting your wellbeing.

Common signs include:

  • Feeling overwhelmed or lacking overview
  • Trouble concentrating
  • Feeling tired or unmotivated

These are signals telling you to pause and check in with yourself.








  • Tension headaches or stomach discomfort
  • Changes in sleep patterns
  • Irritability

Practical suggestions for handling light stress

Notebook and person

Get an
overview

- Make a realistic weekly plan

- Break large tasks into smaller steps

- Add breaks between study sessions

Selfcare

Take care of your body

- Prioritize sleep

- Eat regularly

- Move a little every day - even a short walk helps

Talk bobbles

Talk to
someone

- Share your thoughts with a friend, fellow student, or family member

- Ask for help when things feel unclear

- Say no to extra commitments if your schedule is full

Lotus flower

Create small calm moments

- Try 5 minutes of breathing exercises

- Step away from your screen between tasks

- Keep your study space tidy to reduce mental clutter

The Study and Career Guidance

The study and career guidance team

The counselors from the Study and Career Guidance at ITU can answer many of the questions and doubts you may have and talk to you about what is troubling you.

Helpful resources to check out
We also advice you to check out these helpful resources, if you find your situation is not just linked to your student life at ITU.

Contact details