Academic pressure, financial strain and uncertainty about the future are among the leading stressors for Iowa State University students, according to counseling psychology doctoral student Jaisy Lau.
“The desire to succeed academically is one of the biggest stressors,” Lau said. “Many students want to achieve good grades and graduate with a great GPA to prepare for a career. But this internalized belief in the myth of meritocracy, that hard work alone guarantees success, can build up anxiety and stress.”
Lau said career uncertainty also weighs heavily on students, particularly those nearing graduation. An unstable job market has left many questioning whether their investment in education will pay off.
Other significant challenges include the rising cost of living, maintaining mental health and social pressures to fit in.
While grades are often seen as the primary measure of achievement, Lau noted the expectations placed on students, either by themselves, their families and society, overall can be overwhelming.
“Students may sacrifice healthy eating, hobbies, social connections and even sleep in favor of exams and assignments,” Lau said. “This hyperfocus on success understandably leads to immense stress and, over time, burnout.”
Madeline Nightingale, a senior in agricultural studies, said she feels the pressure most in certain classes.
“I think in certain classes the academic expectations can easily increase my stress levels,” Nightingale said. “When I have a paper or project due that is worth a lot of points is when I typically see that increase. To manage it, I typically take a step back. I try not to cram it all and finish it on the last night. I like to start a week or so in advance so I can have time to work and think about my assignment.”
Erin Baldwin, associate vice president for Student Health and Wellness and director of Thielen Student Health Center, said Iowa State’s Student Health and Wellness unit offers a wide range of resources to help students manage stress.
The unit brings together four departments: Recreation Services, Student Counseling Services, Student Wellness and Thielen Student Health Center.
“Our departments offer a variety of services, knowing each student has different needs,” Baldwin said. “We have self-help options available through the TAO app, a free resource funded by Student Government, with modules on stress, time management and navigating challenges. Students can also complete the Cyclone Support self-assessment and connect with a peer wellbeing coach if interested.”
For more direct support, Student Counseling Services offers workshops, therapy groups and individual counseling. Students can typically get an appointment within a week. Uwill, a 24/7 teletherapy service, is also available for free.
If medication or medical support is needed, Thielen Student Health Center can schedule students within one to two days. Recreation Services also provides stress-relief outlets, from group fitness classes and intramurals to the Esports room.
“Stress shows up differently in each person, but common issues we see are headaches, muscle tension, gastrointestinal problems, weakened immune systems, anxiety, depression and sleep disorders,” Baldwin said.
Lau also said stigma remains one of the biggest barriers preventing students from seeking counseling.
“Therapy does not mean someone is ‘crazy,’” Lau said. “It should be seen as an annual physical or dental cleaning, a way to maintain mental health and create space for self-discovery and growth.”
Baldwin added that no level of stress is too small to warrant reaching out.
“Stress over time can accumulate to start impacting your overall wellbeing, academics, relationships and more,” Baldwin said. “It’s good to find strategies that work for you.”
For students like Nightingale, finding ways to recharge is essential.
“When I feel burnt out, I see myself getting tired and not wanting to do much or go to class,” Nightingale said. “When I start to notice myself getting burnt out, I like to do something I love. I will go get my nails done, or go shopping, or have a girls night with my roommates. Doing something like this and resetting my mind really helps me.”
To those who feel overwhelmed, Lau’s advice is simple: pause and reflect.
“You are here at ISU, putting in effort toward a field you may not have thought yourself capable of,” Lau said. “It may feel like you are endlessly pushing a boulder uphill, but unlike Sisyphus, you have people around you helping with the process. You just have to look up from your laptop and see them.”
More information on the services offered can be found on the Student Health and Wellness site.
