For many students, stress does not end when final exams end. The transition from being at school to returning home or starting a new job can cause some students to feel anxious or even depressed, experts say.

"One of the main stressors [for college students] is what to do next," said Sandy Newes, a pre-doctoral intern at the Center for Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS).

She said seniors who are graduating next month might have anxiety if they are unsure about their post-graduation plans.

"It can be really stressful for people who haven't immediately found a job," she said. "If all their friends have jobs, they might feel inadequate."

She said it is important for graduating students to realize that coming up with a career plan after college can take time, and they must accept this idea.

"Just because you don't have a plan immediately, doesn't mean you never will," she said. "It's fine to take a break. Take some time and allow things to fall into place."

Nathaniel Porter (senior-mineral economics) said he tries to think positively, but he does worry that his life will not progress the way he wants it to.

"I think it would be disappointing to come here for four years, then leave and be in the same place as before," he said.

Students who are not graduating can also feel stressed about life after classes end.

"There is a lack of structure that is familiar to them," Newes said. "They are used to having a schedule, and now that structure is no longer in place."

Some students are stressed from financial concerns.

"I have less than three weeks to find a summer job so I can pay tuition to come back here next fall," said Megan Keen (freshman-engineering).

Additionally, freshmen who are returning for their first summer back home might be worried that their relationships with family and friends have changed.

"People subconsciously expect things to be the same, but you can't expect that," Newes said. "Recognize that things will have changed with your friends and family."

She said it is best for students not to expect to pick up exactly where they left off with their friends.

"Take an honest look at yourself and how you have changed since you've been at school, and recognize that others have gone through the same process," she said. Sometimes this process results in friends going in different directions and drifting apart, she added.

However, some students say they do not think it will be difficult to maintain friendships.

"I feel like when I go home for the summer, I'm going to be doing the same things with the same people that I was when I left," said Erin Carter (freshman-chemistry). "These are two distinct, separate parts of my life."

First-year students returning home must also learn to live with their parents again, which can be difficult because students often have different expectations than their parents, Newes said.

"Your parents might think you'll be living by the same rules as in high school, but you're used to living by your own rules," she said. "Avoid a misunderstanding before it happens and talk to your parents at the beginning of the summer about what their expectations are."

Some students even become depressed when they leave school because they are parting with good friends and, in some cases, relationships. Newes said it is important for couples to be clear about their expectations.

"Take a look at yourself and your needs, as far as dating, monogamy and contact are concerned," she said. Many couples experience problems while apart over the summer because one person wants to stay in touch more often than the other, she said.

For these reasons, it is common for many college students to feel stressed around this time of year, especially because classes and final exams add to that burden, she said. There are many physical and emotional signs that indicate a person is stressed.

"They can be agitated signs, such as constantly tucking your hair behind your ears, being fidgety, or talking and moving fast," she said. "On the other hand, some people show their stress by sleeping all the time or [experiencing] social withdrawal as they prepare to put certain relationships on hold."