The 'aaah' factor: University staff hope cuddling the pups will elevate seratonin and dopamine levels, helping students to relax.

Hundreds to hang out with guide dogs to ease exam stress

Guide dogs and their pups will come to the aid of stressed students next Monday (18 May) as the University of Bristol tries out a scheme to relieve exam pressure.

Looming exams and dissertation deadlines make this a stressful time of year for students. For those studying at Bristol, however, help is at hand, as the university will open a 'puppy room' where students can cuddle guide dogs and their puppies to aid relaxation.

Safe to say the scheme has proved popular, with more than 600 students signing up.

After hearing about a similar event last year, Gordon Trevett from the university's Centre for Sport, Exercise and Health wanted to bring the puppy love to Bristol.

"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," he explained.

"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."

The scheme is being run with help from Guide Dogs and students are asked to make a suggested donation of £2 to the charity.

Around 20 dogs and puppies will be rotated throughout the day and a limited number of people will be allowed in the room for 15 minute slots, to ensure the puppies do not become agitated.