The temperatures in February may be low, but for many students, stress levels are at a seasonal high.
University students are entering one of the most dreaded times of the semester - midterms. Whether it's because of extra papers to write or multiple exams for which to study, students associate midterms with reduced hours of sleep and extra time at the library.
Biology lecturer Eric Mann said the lost sleep and stress associated with exams can lead to health concerns.
"Studies have shown that students under stress have fewer natural killer cells, the body's first line of defense in fighting illness," Mann said. "Students getting sick really isn't surprising, as it has a physiological cause."
Mann added that the increased stress can also cause ulcers and migraine headaches.
Help in dealing with stress is available to students, however. Outside support is often critical, whether it's from a call home, a talk with friends or a visit to the University-provided counseling services, University officials said.
Jim Etzkorn, a psychologist at the University's Counseling and Psychological Services, said many students who experience stress around midterms do so because they feel they must excel on their exams.
"Becoming stressed over perfection hurts their studying, and ironically, damages their ability to perform well on the exam," Etzkorn said. "We try to get people to have realistic expectations and to re-evaluate their time management."
Counseling and Psychological Services studies show that many students in need of help don't seek counseling. First-year students in particular were found to be reluctant in turning the counseling service for assistance.
Amy Spencer, a first-year Music student, said many of her classmates suffer from stress.
"I don't know how to study for exams," Spencer said. "Sore throats and sickness are common in a lot of people I have seen."
Engineering junior Catherine Cunningham said professors often don't consider students' workload when giving out assignments.
"Professors don't think that you have more than one class," Cunningham said. "I studied until about two or three in the morning and then got up at 6:30 a.m. to study some more. It hasn't been fun."
Other students say they are lucky enough to have their exams spread out over several weeks.
"I'm feeling fortunate that I'm only having one (exam) a week for the next few weeks," Engineering sophomore Cheryl Williams said.
ADDIE SMITH/Daily
Engineering first-year student Lenny Krol studies in his room yesterday in Bursley residence hall on North Campus. Krol said he has four exams this week.