SYRACUSE, N.Y. (NCC News) – It’s the middle of the semester for Syracuse University students. And that means it’s time for midterm exams.
Midterms can be stressful, but that is not the only reason why SU students are upset right now – the university does not give students a fall break.
“It’s a little bit strenuous on our schedules to have this much time on end, consistently having five days a week back to back to back to back for the entire semester,” said sophomore Jonah Weintraub. “Having no intermission in the middle of the semester makes it difficult when we get to the end of the semester.”
But Weintraub isn’t the only student that believes the university should be giving students a break.
“I would love it if we had a fall break,” said freshman Griffin Marcy. “We don’t even need a full week. Just a couple of extra days off that could be used to de-stress would be so beneficial to students.”
Other students said that going straight to Thanksgiving without any break in-between is harmful to their mental health. Many students said they are experiencing “burnout” – feeling tired, overwhelmed and unmotivated.
“I am still being crushed with homework, assignments, and classes and studying and projects and it’s all been a lot,” said freshman Katherine Waters. “It’s definitely been a huge change from high school. Going into college and working for two months straight without seeing my family and friends from home has been really hard.”
But Waters – along with other students – have been trying to find solutions to maintain a healthy mind. Getting on a consistent sleep schedule, finding time to exercise every day and eating healthier are only just a few ways that can help reduce feelings of stress and anxiety.
“I’m staying in-tune with my mental health and listening to my body and making sure that I’m putting myself first,” said Waters. “And I think that’s more important than any midterm or any assignment.”
