Stress is a part of everyday living and it is the result of individuals’ interpretations and reactions to life events. College students experience stress for a variety of reasons. They may find that adjusting to a new living situation or more difficult academic demands is stressful. Stress can help people prepare for upcoming events and energize them. Stress becomes harmful, however, when it impairs individuals from carrying out their routine responsibilities. Large amounts of stress can cause medical and social problems. Different people may experience different stress levels for the same event. Major changes are the largest contributors to stress. Some life events that can involve stress include:

• Moving to a new location

• Preparing for an exam

• Giving a presentation

• Beginning college

• Leaving home for the first time

• Relationship problems

• Relationship breakups

• Changing colleges

• Getting married

• Health problems

• Sexuality issues

• Having children

• Starting a new job

• Changing lifestyles

• Roommate conflicts

• Death of a family member or friend

• Competitive events

• Financial difficulties

• Returning home during breaks

• Noisy residence halls