The semester, just like the calendar year is drawing to a close. This time of year is steeped in tradition. One of these traditions is the end of semester exam period. Another tradition is meeting up with family to celebrate the holidays. A third tradition is the end of year review and the look ahead to the new year. Besides their synchrony, these three traditions share similarities on an emotional level: they can all be stressful. Will I pass my exams? Must I really learn so much? Will there be arguments with my siblings again this Christmas? What will the new year bring for me?

A new study by the Federal Statistical Office entitled 'Health of students at Swiss higher education institutions' reveals some interesting figures. First of all, on average, students feel less healthy than their peers. Secondly, students of the humanities and social sciences and law, feel less healthy than students of other disciplines. In contrast, students of economical sciences tend to declare themselves as being healthy. The causes and correlations are manifold. The study shows, for example, the following: the higher the total number of hours spent on study, work, voluntary activities as well as domestic and family tasks, the worse the students seem to rate their state of health.

The university offers a diverse range of advisory services, from financial issues to exam stress. Take advantage of these offerings, that can be accessed on the website, via Advice.

I would like to wish you all a stress free time navigating the three traditions listed above: successful exams, a joyful holiday season and a great start to the new year.

Dr. Wolfgang Schatz, Secretary General