College life comes with a constant balancing act—deadlines, group work, jobs, and everything else you’re trying to do. If you’re feeling overloaded, you’re not alone. Virginia Tech offers plenty of simple, low-stress ways to get back on track, no appointment required.
Try Quick Stress Relief
If you’ve got five minutes between classes or before a team meeting, you can still reset. The Cook Counseling Center’s Relieve Stress Now page has quick strategies that actually work, from breathing exercises to muscle relaxation techniques. You don’t need gear, apps, or a quiet room. Just pick one and try it out.
Hang Out with Therapy Dogs
Sometimes, the best relief is a tail wag and a nuzzle. The Virginia Tech Therapy Dogs program brings trained dogs (and their friendly handlers) to campus spaces for drop-in comfort. If you haven’t met them yet, it’s worth stopping by.
Meet Growley III, the Corps of Cadets’ Comfort Dog
Growley III is not just a beloved member of the Corps. He’s also a campus ambassador. You’ll often see him around campus events and outreach efforts. Follow him on Instagram (@vtgrowley). Maybe you can invite him to a campus event you’re attending.
Tap into Campus Well-Being Resources
For deeper support or longer-term wellness strategies, the Virginia Tech Well-Being Hub has what you need. You can find everything from mental health tools to counseling options and workshops on managing stress and building resilience. All tailored to student life, and many services are free.
One Last Thought: Stress is normal. What matters is building small, repeatable ways to handle it. Use the resources that work for you, and share them with friends who might need them too.