Lethbridge post-secondary schools trying to help students manage exam stress

Support services at the University of Lethbridge and Lethbridge Polytechnic usually see an uptick in students looking for extra support this time of year, as they deal with the added stress of the end of the semester. (Photo: Quinn Keenan)

LETHBRIDGE, Alta. — Southern Alberta students are busy cramming for the final stretch of the exam season --and with all that extra work comes stress.

Support services at the University of Lethbridge and Lethbridge Polytechnic usually see an uptick in students looking for extra support this time of year.

“We definitely see students looking for, you know, some coping skills. Maybe, you know, they've been living on, like, energy drinks and it's catching up with them or just haven't been sleeping very well -- and, you know, exam time obviously is a critical time for them to be learning and studying,” said Lori Harasem, Lethbridge Polytechnic health promotion coordinator.

The schools are doing what they can to provide mental health supports to students.

They also want to remind students support is available year-round.

“We've been working all throughout the fall term to provide them with support and with tips and information about how to get ready for this moment," said U of L vice provost, student, Kathleen Massey.

"So it's not just about supporting them this week," she added. "It's also about helping them prepare, to get to this point in time,”

Students stepping up

Some students are even stepping up to help out their classmates.

The University of Lethbridge students’ union is running a free snack cart during exams.

"It's loaded up with free snacks, coffee and hot chocolate to give students the energy they need to study.“said Yewoe Sackey-Forson, vice president f student life for the students union.

The schools and support staff are also reminding students of easy tips to help reduce exam stress.

“Just getting outside and breaking up the studying really helps clear the mind," said Harasem. "Of course, like I mentioned, good sleep habits and good nutrition are really important,”

U of L exams start on Thursday and will run until December 20^th.

Lethbridge Polytechnic exams started on Monday and will wrap up Friday.