October, mid-term time, typically brings with it high stress levels for many Iowa State students. This year, experts say, is no exception.

“I’ve been taking it week by week. That’s about the only way I can deal with it,” said Danita Voss, a chemical engineering major. “I have a physics test tonight, so I’ll be off in a corner with my book.”

But cramming the night before a test is not recommended, said Steve Kennedy, a graduate assistant in the academic learning lab. “You need to do things in little increments along the way. “

One of the best ways to prepare for a test or complete an assignment on time is to make a weekly schedule, he said. For every hour students spend in a classroom, or are scheduled to attend class, they should study two to three hours, Kennedy said.

Some students, however, find it hard to put a plan into action.

“I take it one day at a time. I deal with one thing, get it complete, and go from there,” said Matt Ritter, a sophomore majoring in zoology.

“I feel like I am being weeded out. Right now I am waiting for pizza, when I could be studying,” added Steve Gorman, a freshman in civil engineering.

Carol Luedders, ISU’s outreach consultation coordinator, said these experiences are part of college life.

“The number one thing to realize is stress is part of life. We wouldn’t exist if we didn’t have those kinds of feelings,” Luedders said.

Students need to identify the things they can control in their lives, she added. But there are some things students cannot control, Luedders said, such as the date of an exam. She said students should concentrate on controlling their responses to stressors.

Various relaxation techniques can be used to lower stress levels. Starting from head to toe and relaxing each muscle of the body one at a time helps some people relieve tension.

“I clean my house sometimes to relieve stress,” said Dawn Wiarda, an animal science and pre-veterinarian major.

“I wander around my floor and talk to people when I need a break,” said Jenny Besanson, an interior design major. “Or sometimes I go rollerblading.”

Luedders said there is a correlation between exercise and decreased levels of stress. Walking, biking, working out or just going outside for fresh air are all popular breaks for students.

“I don’t really feel stressed out a lot. I just get really tired,” Gorman said.

“It’s hard to find time to sleep, but I try to take naps,” Wiarda added.

Some students find it easier to go the nocturnal route.

“I have a hard time studying during the day, so I usually take naps and stay up late,” said A.J. Pasquale, a graduate student in chemistry.

School officials say the first year of college is quite stressful, but as the semesters roll by, students seem to get a better grip.

“I think I complain too much sometimes, but I have my stress pretty well under control. I know what is expected of me, and how to deal with it,” Wiarda said.

And stress, Kennedy said, will come and go.

“Students should be aware of the fact that these things come in cycles,” he said. “They know mid-terms and finals all hit at the same time, and should plan ahead. If students need to get away from all distractions, empty classrooms are a great place to study.”

It is important for students to realize when they are getting in over their heads and ask for help, Luedd said.