The Role of Relationships: How Social Connections Impact Post-Secondary Students Well- Being
Have you ever walked across campus, surrounded by lots of people and still felt completely alone? If so, you’re not alone. Many students experience this, especially at the start of a new semester or when adjusting to a new school. While grades and academic performance often take the center stage, the relationships you build during college or university can have huge impact on your overall well-being.
Why Connections Matter
Establishing strong relationships during college or university can help to make the academic experience more positive and help students navigate the inevitable challenges of student life. Connections can provide students with a sense of belonging, support and even health benefits (Pittman & Richmond, 2007; Ruihua et al., 2025; Holt-Lunstad et al., 2010). For instance, research highlights the importance of these connections for young adults, showing that social connections are linked to better well-being (Psychology Today, 2025).
Feeling a Sense of belonging
Feeling included in a community is important for student well-being and academic adjustment (Gopalan &; Brady, 2020; Pittman &; Richmond, 2007). Research shows that students who feel a strong sense of belonging tend to stay engaged with their studies, remain enrolled and report better mental health (Gopalan & Brady, 2020). Moreover, other research has shown that students with higher belonging reported greater self-worth, better academic and emotional adjustment (Pittman & Richmond,2007). Overall, feeling a sense of belonging can help students to feel included which can make the post-secondary school experience more positive and meaningful.
Feeling Supported
Having people, you can rely on can make it easier to navigate the challenges of college life. A systematic review of fifty-one studies found that having social support can help students to feel less stressed, improve their emotional well-being and support healthier habits (Ruihua et al., 2025). Receiving support from others can also help to increase resilience and self-esteem (Ruihua et al., 2025). These benefits highlight why building and maintaining supportive relationships is an important part of positive college experience for students.
Health Benefits
Beyond feeling supported, social connections can also impact students’ health (Psychology Today, 2025). Research indicates that students who build connections early in their college experience tend to have higher levels of well-being and a lower chance of depression as they progress through their academic journey (Psychology Today, 2025). Moreover, research in broader populations suggests that stronger social connections are linked to long term health benefits including a lower risk of mortality (Holt-Lunstad et al., 2010). These findings highlight that investing in relationships is an important aspect of supporting student well-being throughout heir academic experience. By fostering a sense of belonging and maintaining supportive connections, students can create a foundation for sustained mental health and adjustment to the college environment.
How to Build Meaningful Connections
Creating meaningful connections can often start with small intentional steps. By being open to new experiences, observing opportunities to interact and staying consistent in efforts, students can gradually build relationships that contribute to a more engaging campus experience. Understanding the benefits of relationships is one thing but actively cultivating them is what can help students to experience these positive outcomes. Here are some practical ways students can create opportunities to connect with others:
Join clubs or interest groups: Shared interests naturally bring students together. Clubs focused on hobbies, academics, or social causes create opportunities to meet peers with similar passions.
Participate in campus events: Attending workshops, social gatherings, or networking events helps students engage repeatedly with the same groups, gradually forming deeper connections.
Study with classmates: Group projects, study sessions, and informal discussions provide both academic and social interaction, fostering peer support.
Seek mentorship or guidance: Connecting with faculty, advisors, or experienced students can provide guidance and a sense of inclusion in the academic environment.
Start small: Even small gestures, like saying hello in class, asking a classmate a question, or sharing notes, can spark meaningful interactions.
Be consistent: Relationships grow over time. Regularly checking in with classmates or attending events helps build trust and familiarity.
Offer support: Helping peers when they need assistance whether with academics or personal encouragement can strengthen bonds and create reciprocity.
Be open and approachable: Showing genuine interest in others’ perspectives and experiences encourages meaningful dialogue and connections.
By taking even small steps, students can gradually develop a supportive network that can make the college experience less isolating and more enjoyable.
Key Takeaways
Student life can be demanding and it’s easy to become absorbed in assignments, exams and deadlines. However, relationships are a cornerstone of student well-being. Building social connections provides a sense of belonging, support, and tangible health benefits. Whether through joining a club, attending events, studying with classmates, or seeking mentorship, taking steps to connect with others can make a significant difference. Prioritizing relationships doesn’t just make college life more enjoyable, it also supports mental health, resilience and overall adjustment to the academic environment. Nurturing friendships and engaging with the campus community can help students feel balanced and supported as they navigate college life. Therapists at Vaughan Counselling and Psychotherapy like Myla, Danielle, Rasha are able to help you if you are looking for support navigating your post-secondary journey.
References:
Gopalan, M., & Brady, S. T. (2020). College students’ sense of belonging: A national perspective. Educational researcher, 49(2), 134-137.
Holt-Lunstad, J., Smith, T. B., & Layton, J. B. (2010). Social relationships and mortality risk: a meta-analytic review. PLoS medicine, 7(7), e1000316.
Pittman, L. D., & Richmond, A. (2007). Academic and psychological functioning in late adolescence: The importance of school belonging. The Journal of Experimental Education, 75(4), 270-290.
Ruihua, L., Hassan, N. C., Qiuxia, Z., Sha, O., & Jingyi, D. (2025). A systematic review on the impact of social support on college students’ wellbeing and mental health. PLoS One, 20(7), e0325212.
Psychology Today. (2025, March 24). The power of social connections. https://www.psychologytoday.com/ca/blog/happy-together/202503/the-power-of-strong-social-connections