How to manage stress as a student: Practical tips for a calmer university life

Published on 28 Apr 2025

4:50 min estimated read time

by Andrea Liu

Disclaimer: The content on this blog is the opinion of the author and it was correct at the time of writing

Feeling overwhelmed with coursework, deadlines and social pressures? You're not alone. Student stress and anxiety are incredibly common, whether you're studying at home or abroad. As an international student, stress can feel even more intense when you're adjusting to a new culture and educational system. We will explore what causes student stress, how to reduce stress as a student, and some effective student stress relief activities to help you cope better.

Understanding what causes student stress

Before diving into solutions, it's important to understand what causes student stress in the first place. Academic pressure tops the list for many - exams, coursework deadlines, and the constant fear of falling behind can be overwhelming. Financial worries are another major source of student stress and anxiety, with many struggling to balance part-time jobs with their studies.

Additional factors contribute to international student stress. Culture shock, language barriers, and homesickness can compound the usual academic pressures. Being thousands of miles from your support network while navigating a different educational system creates unique challenges that can significantly increase stress levels.

Social pressures also contribute to the causes of student stress. The desire to fit in, make friends, and build a social life while keeping up with studies can feel like an impossible balancing act. In today's digital world, social media comparison only adds to this pressure.

How to reduce stress as a student: practical strategies

Now that we understand what causes student stress, let's look at practical ways to manage it. Learning how to reduce stress as a student is a valuable skill that will serve you throughout your education and beyond.

1. Create a realistic schedule

One of the most effective ways to reduce stress as a student is proper time management. Break large tasks into smaller, manageable chunks and create a weekly schedule that includes study time, breaks, exercise, and social activities. Be realistic about what you can accomplish each day, and don't forget to schedule downtime too.

2. Prioritise self-care

When experiencing student stress and anxiety, self-care often falls by the wayside. However, it's crucial to maintain basic wellness habits. Ensure you're getting enough sleep, eating nutritious meals, and staying hydrated. Physical health significantly impacts mental well-being, and neglecting your body will only worsen student stress and anxiety.

3. Move your body

Student stress relief activities involving physical movement can work wonders for your mental state. Exercise releases endorphins that naturally combat stress hormones. You don't need to run marathons or spend hours at the gym – a 20-minute walk, a quick yoga session, or even dancing to your favourite songs can be effective student stress relief activities. At UEL, we have an Active Campus initiative with a weekly programme of free activities to help our students get moving.

4. Connect with others

For those experiencing international student stress, building a support network is particularly important. Join student societies, attend social events, or connect with other students from your home country. Talking about your experiences with others who understand can significantly reduce feelings of isolation that contribute to international student stress. UEL runs an International Student Social Wellbeing group to help combat this social isolation.

5. Learn mindfulness techniques

Mindfulness and meditation are powerful student stress relief activities that can help calm your mind during overwhelming periods. Apps like Headspace or Calm offer guided meditations specifically designed for students. Just 5-10 minutes of mindfulness practice daily can help reduce student stress and anxiety levels. At UEL, we have a student wellbeing resource page, and also one for staff and healthcare professionals.

6. Seek professional support

If student stress and anxiety become overwhelming, don't hesitate to seek professional help. UEL offers free counselling services for students, including specialised support for international student stress. Remember that asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.

7. Set boundaries

Learning how to reduce stress as a student involves setting healthy boundaries with your time and energy. It's okay to say no to social events or extra commitments when you're feeling overwhelmed. Protect your study time and rest time equally.

Special considerations for international students

International student stress comes with unique challenges. Language barriers can make academic work more time-consuming and social connections more difficult to form. Cultural differences might leave you feeling misunderstood or isolated.

To combat international student stress, consider:

Joining international student groups on campus
Seeking out cultural exchange programmes
Using university language support services
Creating a balance between connecting with your home culture and embracing the new one
Establishing regular communication with loved ones back home

When stress becomes too much

While some level of stress is normal, persistent student stress and anxiety that interferes with daily functioning may indicate a more serious problem.

Signs that what causes student stress has become overwhelming include:

Persistent feelings of hopelessness or sadness
Difficulty sleeping or oversleeping
Changes in appetite
Withdrawing from friends and activities
Difficulty concentrating
Physical symptoms like headaches or stomach problems

If you're experiencing these symptoms, please reach out to our university's mental health services promptly.

Understanding what causes student stress and learning how to reduce stress as a student are essential skills for academic success and personal well-being. By implementing practical strategies and engaging in regular student stress relief activities, you can manage the pressures of student life more effectively.

Remember that experiencing student stress and anxiety doesn't mean you're failing – it means you're human. Whether you're dealing with the typical pressures of academic life or the additional complexities of international student stress, there are always steps you can take to improve your situation.

Be kind to yourself, reach out when you need support, and remember that learning how to reduce stress as a student is as important a lesson as any you'll learn in the classroom.

For more mental wellbeing resources, check out our Mental Wellbeing hub.

It's the Year of Health at UEL in 2025. Find out more about our health and wellbeing initiatives.