New student-survey research links fragmented digital services to lost time, stress and weaker belonging—factors that correlate with lower persistence and graduation. Institutions with unified student platforms reported higher satisfaction, while many students said routine tasks like finding schedules or financial-aid deadlines take excessive time. Coupled with research showing measurable gains from improved belonging, the reporting urges campus IT and student‑affairs leaders to prioritize seamless digital pathways as part of retention strategy. Clarification: 'digital friction' refers to obstacles in online systems that slow or complicate routine student tasks.