Exams getting you down? Fear not, for there will be puppies on campus next Monday 18 May!
A ‘puppy room’ is coming to aid relaxation and calmness amongst all you stressed out students. Guide dogs and puppies will be on hand for cuddles, with the organisers hoping that ‘the cute pups can provide some respite to the stresses and strains of revision’.
The idea comes from Gordon Trevett, of the gym and Hiatt Baker’s very own Warden, who read about an event last year and wanted to support the charity Guide Dogs (I think we would all like to take a moment here to thank Gordon for his stroke of genius…
He said: “Every year I see students fretting about their exams and I thought this would be a great way to ease the stress and take their minds off it. People with dogs have lower blood pressure in stressful situations than those without a dog and we know that playing with a dog can elevate levels of serotonin and dopamine, which calm and relax. It’s proved really popular and over 600 students have signed-up.”Look out for around 20 dogs and puppies rotated throughout the day courtesy of local owners and trainers.To ensure the puppies aren’t agitated, there will be 15 minute slots for small groups to get some puppy love. Students will be asked to make a suggested donation of £2 to Guide Dogs.
Sarah Knox, Community Fundraiser for Guide Dogs, said: “Guide dogs are most pleased to be able to work with the University of Bristol and allow students the chance to de-stress at this busy exam time. We are sure we will meet lots of students who miss their own pet dogs whilst away at University. “I would like to say a big thank you to the University or their interest in our charity and also our volunteers who I am sure will create a wonderful experience for the students.” A quote from Jo Woods, Union Affairs Officer at Bristol SU: “While I’m more of a cat person myself, I’m really excited that the University is providing this for students. It’s really important to do fun and different things to de-stress during exams and cuddling a puppy is a perfect way to release some endorphins.”
Photo credit: Guide Dogs