Love Languages, but Make It Student-Friendly

Love languages are how people express and receive love. But when you're a student, romance takes a backseat to "How do I cover?" In this version, we’re translating love languages into student reality. Forget candlelit dinners; true love is someone saving you a seat in class or sharing their class notes and drafts.

1. Acts of Service

Forget grand gestures, real love in student life is helping out when it truly matters.

• That friend who photocopies notes for you when you miss class? Keeper.

• The one who explains a topic at midnight, even though they’re also stressed? Pure love.

• If they offer to buy you food because they know you’ve been too busy to cook? Proposal-worthy.

Reality Check: If you’re always the one doing acts of service and getting nothing in return, are you in a healthy academic relationship?

2. Words of Affirmation

When the stress is real, kind words go a long way. Some iconic student-friendly affirmations include: 

• "You’re going to smash this exam!" (Even if you both know you’re winging it.)

• "The lecturer is wicked, but we move." (Not sure if this is a compliment, but okay.)

• "I believe in you! The Holy Spirit will remind you of what you read." (A top-tier blessing.)

• "You didn’t come to this school to count buildings." (Tough love, but necessary.)

• "You can always rewrite the course next year." (Errr…absolutely not abeg).

 Reality Check: If your friend always hypes you up before exams but never shares their notes, are they really affirming you or just avoiding competition?

3. Quality Time

Spending time together as a student doesn’t mean fancy dates. It means: 

• Late-night study sessions that turn into deep life discussions.

•  Sitting together in the library in companionable silence.

• Watching online tutorials together because no one understands the lecturer’s notes.

• That one person who always waits for you before heading to class, even if it makes them late.

Reality Check: If all your ‘quality time’ is just someone borrowing your textbooks and running, are they really valuing your presence?

4. Receiving Gifts

Love isn’t measured in currencies, but in the small, thoughtful gifts that get you through school.

• Pens & Highlighters: The way a student treasures a good pen is deeper than romance.

• Photocopied Notes: If they go out of their way to get notes for you, that’s premium care.

• Energy Drinks/Snacks During an All-Nighter:  Nothing says ‘I love you’ like suya at 11 PM.

• Paying for Printouts: If someone offers to print your assignment for free, that’s next-level kindness.

• Sourcing for Exam Past Questions: A partner that helps you prep for success? Elite behavior.

Reality Check: If someone keeps borrowing your stuff and never returns the favour, are they showing love or just using you?

5. Physical Touch

Not everyone is touchy-mushy, but in student life, small physical gestures can be comforting:

• A "you got this" hug before an exam.

• A shoulder squeeze when someone is about to cry over an impossible test.

• High-fives when you finally finish an assignment at 3 AM.

• That one person who gently wakes you up in class so you don’t get caught sleeping.

Reality Check: If someone slaps your back too hard while laughing at your exam stress, are they showing love or low key enjoying your suffering?

At the end of the day, these small gestures are what keep students going. So, what’s your love language in school? Are you the type to help with notes, give pep talks, spend late nights studying with friends, surprise people with gifts, or offer physical encouragement?

And most importantly, who in your life deserves a thank you for making student life bearable?