According to a 2008 mental health study conducted by the Associated Press and mtvU, eight out of ten college students say they have occasionally or frequently experienced stress in the past three months. This is a 20% increase compared to a survey conducted in 2003 (Wu). College students, especially freshmen, are not used to the pressures that college brings. Students have to work three times harder to maintain high grades in college. Many students also face the financial anxiety that college brings. Every year the taxes are increased; however, parents do not earn more money to offset the increases. Additionally, the tension of being away from home for the first time causes students to feel depressed, worried, sad, or overwhelmed. All of this can lead to students' inability to function. In a recent national college health survey, 10% of college students were diagnosed with depression (University of Chicago). Stress is a serious problem that many college students ignore, but something needs to be done. Trine University offers some opportunities for stress relief, but these are not enough. There are many options that can be implemented in Trine but massages, a puppy/kitten room, more family days, and procrastination prevention groups are the options that will have the most impact in solving this infamous problem. There are many symptoms of stress, including muscle stress. tension, hypertension, fatigue, difficulty concentrating and forgetfulness. These can cause a weakening of the immune system, which in turn leads viruses to attack the system more easily (“UF Counseling”). All college students need to be able to stay healthy so they don't miss important classes. Furthermore, they must be able to concentrate... in the middle of the paper... take interest in these applied programs. Additionally, parents will be amazed at the low statistics Trine would report to students without stress. Ultimately, these solutions will help improve Trine as a university, as well as help students reach their full potential. "Bodyworks Massage Therapy". Prices of massage therapy sessions. 2005. Network. November 06, 2013. "Puppy Room in Dalhousie: University Brings Dogs in for Stress Therapy." The Huffington Post. November 28, 2012. Web. November 5, 2013. Seliger, Susan. "Massage therapy for stress relief and much more." WebMD. 2005: Web. Nov. 05, 2013."UF Counseling and Wellness Center." Stress and university students. Network. November 05, 2013. University of Chicago. Stress and the university student. 07. 2004. Rev 2. 2006. PDF file.Wu, Joanne. "College students." The American Institute of Stress, 29 February 2000. Web. 05 November.2013.