This uni is funding dog walking sessions for stressed students

Brilliant.

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Brilliant.

There's nothing quite like coming home after a stressful day and relaxing with lots of dog cuddles. Whether you've had a nightmare commute, eight hours of passive aggressive emails or never-ending deadlines, there's always one member of the family that's so pleased to see you when you walk in the door that it makes your heart burst. Is it surprising that people admitted they prefer dogs over their human peers? Nope.

But when you go to uni, you'll be waving goodbye to your family and your pet. Not only does it limit the amount of cute delfies you can take, but interaction with an animal can actually be really good for your health, so there's proof that you need a dog in your life.

So one university has funded a dog walking initiative for stressed out students, and we're 100% here for it.

The University of East Anglia has a dog walking programme for anyone who is feeling stressed out about their studies during exam periods. They received £12,000 to fund a student wellbeing initiative, and even science thinks it's a brilliant idea.

Phil Steele, director of sport and commercial services at the university, said: 'Many students live far away from their family homes and pets, so having contact with animals can be stress-relieving for them. We also hope to reduce some of the stigma which still surrounds mental health and raise awareness of the benefits of physical activity for mental wellbeing.'

Professor Andy Jones from Norwich Medical School told The Telegraph: 'Our studies have shown that dog walking helps people to maintain their physical activity levels. In addition it is known that there is wide range of social and mental health benefits.'

The dog walks will take place on Cromer Beach and in Thetford Forest, with students encouraged to bring their own pets or hang out with pooches that are being lent to the university by staff and locals.

What a fantastic idea!

Jadie Troy-Pryde
News Editor

Jadie Troy-Pryde is News Editor, covering celebrity and entertainment, royal, lifestyle and viral news. Before joining the team in 2018 as the Lifestyle and Social Media Editor, she worked at a number of women’s fashion and lifestyle titles including Grazia, Women’s Health and Stylist, and now heads the Marie Claire UK news desk.