As students move to college, they will encounter stress from tests, deadlines and a new lifestyle.

“We all respond to stressful situations in different ways. Some ways are healthy and lead to stress resolution, while other ways of dealing with stress are harmful and lead to stress overload,” said University of South Carolina professor Susan Wood. “This overload is what harms our body and our mind.”

Students say stress is more likely to affect their grades than drinking, physical sickness, homesickness or loss of sleep, according to a 2017 American College Health Association study.

Researchers believe stress prevents the brain from accessing stored memories, Wood said.

Annie Hildrup, a graduate student at USC, cautions against “overcommitting” and advises students to take exercise classes. USC also offers one-on-one counseling and guided meditation.