Movies and books portray college life as constant excitement. At Marquette University, however, the words “late nights” and “sweat pants” seem to better define our experience.

Everyone knows that as the amount of work increases, students’ stress level also increases. Unlike sophomores, juniors and seniors (who have already experienced collegiate stress), freshmen are still adjusting.

Priscilla John, a freshman in the College of Arts & Sciences explained how high school was different from college.

“I didn’t have to put much effort on papers and I did homework at the last minute. When I got to college, I realized that I literally needed to study until 2 a.m. every night and it was because I wasn’t used to it,” John said.

John personally experiences weight fluctuation because of stress. Some weeks, stress causes her to lose her appetite, other nights, it increases.

Of course, John is still searching for a way to cope with her stress. As of now, she is handling stress with prioritizing and balance.

“Do what is important first and do the less important things later on,” she said.

Stress is something everyone is must live with. My best advice is for you to find your own coping strategy like prioritizing or exercising. Find hobbies to make sure you keep your mental health well. All this, and eating healthily, will make your definition of college life more enjoyable