When do college semesters typically have the highest stress levels?

Hey everyone, I'm just wondering when in the semester do college students typically feel the most stressed? Is it around midterms, or near the end of the semester when final projects and exams are due?

From my understanding, stress levels in college can vary significantly depending on a host of factors such as the individual course load, work or family obligations, and one's personal tendencies towards stress. However, there are commonly two high-stress periods during the semester, namely the mid-term period and finals week.

Midterms typically occur a few weeks into the semester, just when classes begin to dig into more complex material. Students often have multiple exams, essays, or projects due within a short span of time, and balancing those tasks while maintaining regular class attendance and day-to-day study can be challenging.

Finals week tends to be another high-stress period towards the end of the semester. Much like midterms, students often have multiple exams and projects within a short span of time. But, there's an additional layer of stress, as finals often carry large weight towards the final grade and, in some cases, are comprehensive, meaning they cover material from the entire semester rather than just a portion.

To manage stress during these periods, I've seen many students create study schedules, partner up with classmates for study groups, make use of office hours, and ensure they are caring for their health, like getting sufficient sleep and nutrition.

One final note is that all colleges have resources to help manage and reduce stress, such as counseling services and stress management workshops, so it's beneficial to be aware of and utilize these resources.