University builds petting zoo to help stressed students

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An Australian university has set up a petting zoo to help students cope with the stress of exam period.

As part of the University of Canberra's Stress Less Week initiative in the lead-up to end-of-year exams, students have had access to an on-campus petting zoo.

Thomas Nielsen, the university's well-being expert, said connecting with animals and fellow students can be a big factor in reducing stress.

"We know a lot of our well-being comes from that, and being able to contribute to the well-being of others is just as important, too," Nielsen told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) on Friday.

Students petting a Golden Retriever /University of Canberra Photo

"Something as simple as patting an animal is an example of this."

He said learning to enjoy periods of relaxation was the key to managing stress.

"It's better to do some intense work and then get up and move," Nielsen said. "We all feel stress and that's not necessarily a bad thing."

"If you can turn your stress into creative tension that will help us study for the exam."

Students petting mini pigs /University of Canberra Photo

Ayden Poynter, a second-year communications student at the university, said short breaks offered by the university as part of the initiative were helping him stay focused to study.

"I've got two exams coming up, one sit-down and one take-home, neither of which I'm looking forward to," Poynter said. "With all that stress around the corner, this is a nice small distraction. I've enjoyed playing with the dog especially."

Students petting an Old English Sheepdog /University of Canberra Photo

A 2017 survey of students in 72 countries by the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) found that Australian students suffered more exam anxiety than any other students in the world.

Of those surveyed, 50 percent of male and 75 percent of female Australian students reported regularly stressing over school work.

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Source(s): Xinhua News Agency