RELATIONSHIPS: HOW FRIENDS SHAPE YOUR ACADEMIC AND EMOTIONAL WELL-BEING

Life can get very exhausting, and as a student, you would agree with me that one of the things that keeps you going isn’t just determination or discipline, it’s the people around you. Friends influence how we think, study, and cope with pressure. Your friends while you’re in school are one of the determinants of how your entire experience plays out.

That being said, here are some of the benefits of having good friends at your disposal:

• Friends offer academic support and positive pressure:

Being surrounded by focused friends can improve your academic life without force. Study groups, accountability partners, or friends who remind you of deadlines help make exam season less overwhelming.

• They offer emotional fuel during stressful seasons:

Friends are also emotional support systems. When stress builds up, having someone who understands academic pressure, financial struggles, or family expectations can be comforting. Sometimes, what you need is not advice; you just need someone to listen to you. Matter of fact, the knowledge that you have friends can sometimes be enough to dispel your worries.

• Increased Motivation and Discipline:

Friends influence habits. When you surround yourself with focused and goal-driven people, you’re more likely to adopt similar attitudes. Seeing your friends study hard, attend classes regularly, or chase opportunities can inspire you to stay disciplined and committed to your own goals.

• Improved Mental Health:

Loneliness is common among students, especially when adjusting to a new environment. Good friendships create a sense of belonging, which boosts confidence and overall happiness.

• Building a Support Network for the Future:

Many lifelong connections are formed during school. Today’s classmates and friends may become future colleagues, business partners, or professional collaborators. Strong friendships built in school often evolve into valuable networks later in life.

The following are things that should guide you in your current friendships:

• Know when a circle drains you:

Not every friendship fuels growth. Some relationships encourage procrastination or unnecessary stress. Learning to assess whether your circle supports your goals is an important part of personal growth.

• Choosing Quality Over Quantity:

One supportive friend is better than many draining ones. Once you have this in mind, it would change your orientation concerning friendships for good.

• Mutual Respect:

Respect is the foundation of any healthy friendship. This includes respecting each other’s time, boundaries, beliefs, and ambitions. Friends who truly value you will not belittle your dreams or pressure you into things that make you uncomfortable.

• Balanced Effort:

Healthy friendships are reciprocal. One-sided relationships, where only one person constantly reaches out, supports, or sacrifices, can become emotionally draining. Effort, communication, and care should flow both ways.

• Boundaries and Independence:

Even in close friendships, boundaries matter. You should still have your personal time, individual goals, and space to grow. A good friendship allows independence without guilt or pressure.

Your circle can either fuel your progress or slow it down. Surrounding yourself with people who support your goals, respect your boundaries, and uplift your spirit can make student life healthier and more fulfilling.