For many students, the university is not just about books, classroom, exam, church and mosque. It is where friendships blossom and long-lasting relationships are formed. Nevertheless, while some believe dating and relationship relieve campus stress, others reckoned it often comes with one challenge: balancing it with academics. In this report, NWOBODO PRECIOUS (AUL) finds out if dating on campus is a distraction and what students do to cope amid the pressure of academics.
On every campus, love seems to find its way into lecture halls, hostels and even library corners. Some students believe that dating and romantic relationships are the comfort that ease them from academic stress while for others, it is the very distraction that pulls them away from their books.
For Joseph Evah Tare, a 300- level Mass Communication student at Anchor University Lagos, staying single is not a sacrifice but a deliberate choice.
Tare represents a group of students who intentionally avoid romantic relationships during their undergraduate years. For them, love is not only a potential distraction but also an unnecessary burden.
“When conflict or misunderstanding happens, it can affect concentration which makes it harder to stay fully focused on schoolwork .
Not all relationships are like this, but many students struggle to balance both,” he said.
Tare further stated that he has been able to properly manage time, late night sleep and academic stress but he is not ready to add emotional stress to the list.
“Staying single has allowed me to give more attention to my studies. I don’t have to worry about meeting someone’s expectations or managing relationship issues, so I can dedicate it more to reading, doing assignment and preparing for exams,” he said.
Just like Tare, another 300-Level student Crescent University, Abeokuta, James Akorede, shares an indifferent view
“Being in a relationship as a student is a balancing act. Sometimes it is great to have somebody to support you but other times it can be distracting,” he said.
James stated that being in a relationship as a student comes with a lot of emotional stress which may affect focusing on studies.
A student in the Department of International Relations, Redeemers University, Emmanuel Glory stated that people in a relationship have a high probability of not focusing fully on their academics and it would affect their grades in the long run.
“They will not focus well and their grades will be low if they cannot handle it,” she said.
“She said: “People in a relationship often spend more time with their partners which affects other relationships shared with friends and families.
“ Staying single has helped me invest more in other social circles and explore a wider range of activities and people.”
A student in the Department of Mass Communication, Fountain University Osogbo,Sarumi Adebimpe, disclosed a personal disinterest for relationship on campus as it serves as distraction for student.
Sarumi said: “Students in a relationship may not be able to concentrate on their goals. It is a two-way thing, it can distract some and motivate some.”
She shared some reasons she lacks interest in relationships and tries to avoid any romance on campus.
“I have not been emotionally abused or hurt by someone. I sleep early, no late night calls and I am not trying to impress anyone,” she said.
She further stated that being single is a personal choice which has helped her to place her academics as her highest priority.
“Last semester was on God, there were lots of distractions. That is why I feel it is best for me to stay off any relationship for now,” she said.
She criticised some immature relationships in higher institutions that are not necessary for students’ growth.
“My school is a small community. You will see a 17-year-old guy in 200–Level dating a 16-yea- old girl in 100level . They are immature and have no idea of what relationships are all about, moreover, it adds no value to their academics.
“Students in tertiary institutions are free to enter relationships because they are considered adults.
However, they should always remember that their academics should always be superior,”she added.
Similarly, Adekanmbi Oluwatobiloba, a 300-level Mass Communication student at Babcock University, Ogun State, said relationships are forms of distraction and can have a negative impact on students.
“ Personally, I am not in a relationship because I don’t think I can handle all the drama and stress that comes with it. I don’t believe I am emotionally mature to be in a relationship,” she said.
She emphasised on the emotional energy that students invest into their relationship while trying to joggle through academic struggle which may create problems for such an individual.
“Relationship is a big deal and it requires time and attention. A person who cannot balance his academic life and relationships will definitely have problems,” she said.
She further stated that being single on campus has relieved her of distractions that may affect her academics, one of which is trying to impress.
“I don’t have anytime to spare to one boyfriend. I am not always on phone calls or chatting for a very long period of time and I don’t cry or stress myself over one boy,” she said.
Oluwatobi highlighted some emotional damages that relationship can have on students when it eventually fails.
“ Heartbreak can cause a person to be hurt and uninterested in doing anything which may involve reading and paying attention to one’s studies,” she said.
To students thinking of entering relationships or already in one , Adekanmbi advises that one should be matured and ready to cope with the stress involved.
“If a person is mature enough to be in a relationship and can prevent it from messing with their academic life then there is no problem,” she said.
When love motivates, not distracts
Not every student in the university sees relationship as a distraction. For some, relationship provides encouragement they need to excel.
Akorede Mojisola, a student in the Department of Mass Communication, Bowen University, believes her boyfriend has been a positive impact in her academic journey.
“My partner is a great motivator and sometimes helps me with my assignment when it is too much,” she said.
For a student like Mojisola, love is not a distraction but a partnership. Her value shows that while relationships may require time and sacrifices, she doesn’t allow it compete with her academics.
“ I believe my education is more important than my relationship,” she said.
Across campuses, many students share the sentiment that having a partner brings emotional balance, which in turn supports academic focus. According to them, instead of being a distraction, these relationships act as a support system—providing motivation, accountability, and sometimes even financial or moral support.
Omasaku Oluwatosin, a student in the Department of English and Literary Studies at Lead City University, Ibadan, said that her relationship has helped her build herself and has greatly helped her academically.
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“My relationship motivates me to study harder so I don’t disappoint myself and my partner,” she said.
She said relationships can also be challenging when it clashes with academics.
“Being in a relationship on campus is honestly a mix of sweetness and stress. Sometimes it is good to have someone who cares about you but at the same time, it can be distracting if you are not careful.
“There were times I had assignment to finish but I ended up spending that time chatting or going out instead. Later I had to rush and it wasn’t always my best,” she said.
Oluwatosin stated that there will be times that it will clash with academics and if care is not taken, distraction comes.
“I have missed student sessions because of my partner. Not always intentionally, but sometimes emotions or spending too much time together made me forget plans.
“It is easy to get carried away with chats and emotions, and before you know it, your reading time has gone.
“I try to set boundaries. I fix specific times for reading and reduce chatting during those hours. I remind myself I came to school mainly to study and not just fall in love.
“My advice is simple: know why you came to school first. If you are in a relationship, do not let it take the place of your academics. Learn to balance both, and when you notice that love is making you lose focus, be bold enough to reset your priorities. Books first,love later,” she said.
Similarly, Odebo Ezekiel, a 300- Level Mass Communication student said relationships in school are sometimes seen as strength for some students.
“Some students use their relationship as strength. They set goals for each other as partners, go to classes and just build each other up,” he said.