Students at universities are becoming more and more concerned about mental stress, which is sometimes intensified by lifestyle constraints. Even while physical activity is becoming more widely recognized as a useful stress-reduction strategy, little is known about the relationship between specific exercise patterns and mental stress levels in the context of Malaysian private university students. This study investigates at the relationship between 390 university students' patterns of exercise and mental stress at private universities in Petaling Jaya, Malaysia. By analysing the effects of exercise type, frequency, and duration on mental stress levels, the study contributes to the broader discussion on students’ physical activity and mental health. Students from UNITAR, MSU, and UNISEL were selected, convenience sampling was employed. Data was gathered using an online survey using Likert scale questions that assessed exercise routines and stress levels. Analytical techniques like regression analysis, correlation coefficients, and descriptive statistics were employed to identify significant trends and relationships. The findings are meant to inform individuals working in the academic and medical sectors about the potential of personalized exercise programs as a stress-reduction strategy. This study emphasizes how important it is to include physical activity in daily routines and how educational institutions can help students' mental health.