He is suffering because of his Muslim colleagues’ laziness in studying; should he work with non-Muslims?
Question

                I am a student in a school in the west. Praise be to Allaah I spend most of my time with Muslims, but I am suffering because of my own laziness and the laziness of the Muslims here. Hence I have started to prefer working with non-Muslims here in the field of study only. Is that regarded as taking the kuffaar as close friends? What are the conditions of working with them in this case?.
Praise be to Allah.
    Among the most important influences on a person’s attitude 
    and nature, and also on his religious commitment, is the atmosphere 
    surrounding him, including the people with whom he interacts, the place 
    where he lives and the places he frequents. These all affect a person’s 
    feelings and form the values in which he believes; his attitude will be 
    coloured by the various influences around him. The most dangerous situation 
    is when this process happens without his realizing it, or paying attention 
    to it. Hence they say that (human) nature is a thief, it takes from what is 
    around it by stealth, without a person realizing. 

    Because of what we have mentioned above, Islam has defined 
    the atmosphere in which a person should strive to live, by choosing good 
    friends and living in a Muslim environment. It also warns against settling 
    among the mushrikeen or taking them as friends. [See the questions on 
    al-Wala’ wa’l-Bara’ (Loyalty and friendship vs. disavowal and enmity) in the 
    section on ‘Aqeedah (basic tenets of faith)]. See also questions no.
    38284,
    26118 and
    23325. 

    This applies when a person is able to do that and has some 
    control over the situation at times of ease. But in cases of necessity when 
    a person has no other choice and has no control over the matter, then we 
    should speak about doing whatever he can in his best interests, and warding 
    off whatever he can of harm. See question no.
    13363. 

    With regard to your question: before you think about working 
    with non-Muslims, why don’t you think about how to ward off laziness from 
    yourself and your Muslim brothers? 

    Why don’t you try – with your brothers – to give a good 
    impression of what a Muslim should be – serious and hardworking? 

    What I fear is that this conduct will reinforce the image of 
    laziness, neglect and weakness that is often presented of Muslims. By 
    Allaah, this is an old problem of which ‘Umar (may Allaah be pleased with 
    him) complained when he said: “O Allaah, to You do I complain of the 
    strength of the evildoer and the incapability of the trustworthy one.” See 
    question no. 43270. 

    But if it is the matter of choosing between working hard with 
    the kuffaar or sleeping among the Muslims, then you should work and strive 
    hard, and strive hard to adhere to your religion and morals which you have 
    learned from your religion; be more keen in protecting your religious 
    commitment than you would be in protecting your wealth and your life. And 
    pay attention to the following: 

    1-    
    Do not take women as study 
    companions, because you know about their attitudes and you know what will 
    result from keeping company with them and mixing with them. Moreover you 
    know that such relationships are forbidden in Islam.

    2-    
    Try to spend as little time as 
    possible among them.

    3-    
    Limit these relationships to 
    that which is required for work and study.

    4-    
    Try to give a good impression 
    of Muslims and their religion and attitude. Link everything good in you to 
    what your religion enjoins upon you.

    5-    
    Remember that your adherence to your religion is something that will make others respect you. Who knows?  Perhaps some of them will be influenced by you and if Allaah guides a single man by means of you, that will be better for you than this world and everything in it. 

    And Allaah is the Source of strength.