Stress Levels among Civil Engineering Students: Practical Strategies for Stress-Related Issues

This study investigates the prevalence, intensity, and sources of stress among 889 civil engineering students at the Nueva Ecija University of Science and Technology. Using a quantitative descriptive design, stratified random sampling, and a Likert-scale survey, the research identifies six major stress dimensions: academic performance and workload, academic struggles and study habits, teaching styles, work-life balance, financial concerns, and environmental conditions. Results show that 90.7% of students experience moderate stress, 5.5% high stress, and only 3.8% low stress. Key stressors include tight schedules, poor time management, fast-paced lesson delivery, pressure to maintain grades, financial burdens, and uncomfortable learning environments such as hot classrooms. Correlation analysis indicates that academic, financial, and environmental factors are strongly associated with higher stress levels, with environmental conditions also affecting even low-stress students. The study aligns with SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and SDG 4 (Quality Education) by underscoring the need for enhanced mental health support and better learning conditions. It recommends interventions such as time management training, improved coordination of academic workloads, and increased mental health awareness to help reduce stress and promote student well-being and academic success.