So you're heading off to Uni? You've worked out which halls you are in or where you are going to live and you've started what feels like the mammoth task of deciding what to take with you. Maybe you're already in halls and your really overwhelmed by the challenges and changes which are ahead of you. It's probably a mixture of excitement and nerves, how are you going to survive university?
The transition to university life is one of the biggest challenges you've probably faced in your life so far. Not only is it a huge financial investment, but you are also committing time and much effort to the endeavour of learning.
It makes sense to be as prepared as you can before you go and to think about the decisions you are likely to face and how you want to make the most of those choices and opportunities ahead of you. We believe that God will speak to you as you prepare and plan ahead.
You may have already had to make all sorts of choices about what you will do when you arrive and the sort of environment you want to live in whilst you are at university. Many of the biggest challenges that University creates can also become the biggest opportunities for your to have fun, build friendships and grow in your faith in God in a natural and down to earth way.
As a Christian being an active part of a church family is a lifelong challenge and commitment. Finding somewhere you can grow, be discipled, share, serve and contribute is something you begin to work out during your years as a student. You'll have the opportunity to ask yourself what sort of church are you looking for and to think about the gifts and talents God has given you and what sort of church they would be a blessing in and which will help you to grow. Don't forget that one of the amazing things about church life is that you don't just get to hang out with people your own age but are able to embrace different generations and work out your faith together.
So how can you thrive as a Christian while you are at University?
1. Be present in a church community
It can be really easy to rule out church by making decisions that in turn make it hard for you to contribute and be part of a church community. Think about what your weekly schedule looks like and make a priority of being present and involved in a local church. There are likely to be many different church options in the city where you are studying. You may be able to find a church which meets at a time which suits your schedule, or you may have to make sacrifices in order to be present and involved.
2. Don't compartmentalise
If you hadn't realised already as a student you don't spend your whole year at University, there will be study breaks, holidays and times back at home. It's easy to begin to compartmentalise your life and make space for church & discipleship in the 'home' part of your life whilst not doing that at University, find a church which helps you be a disciple while you are there studying...
3. Find and make new friends
It seems obvious but it's vital to make new friends! This can be one of the scariest parts about going to University, the fear that you won't make new friends or that there will just be so many people you don't know... You are likely to get to know those in your accomodation pretty quickly and it's ok to be different from your flat mates. They may be extroverts or introverts but they'll all want to make new friends and get to know people, to help settle in. If you are a naturally quiet person why not think of ways you can connect with those around you? May be a little gift or cards or notes to people. Try and be the first to say hello and begin making connections. Proverbs 16:9 says that a person plans their way but the Lord directs their steps and establishes them. Trust God, he has placed you where you are for a reason, even if you don't always understand it at first. He has placed you with those around you for a reason, make the most of the opportunity to befriend those who he has placed in your 'sphere of influence'. Look out for those who seem lost or fearful and take them under your wing if you can and reach out to Christians in your area and get to know them.
4. Deal with homesickness
Your new found independence can be exciting especially as the restrictions of family life and expectations of time keeping are gone. Pretty soon though most students find that they begin to miss aspects of being at home, partiuclar friends or not just being able to chat to family like you used to. Be kind to yourself, some days will be better than others as you settle into Uni life and that is ok.
You are never alone during your university experience, on the days you feel low in energy, or like your social battery has worn out, the days when you just want to go home where people get you and understand how you tick. Remember God knows you best of all and He is with you day and night. Reach out to friends from home, or those who have been to Uni before and tell them you are struggling. It may feel like the hardest thing in the world but it is normal to feel homesick and people will want to support you. Homesickness is another good reason to get stuck into a local church community mid-week and on Sundays, because they can look out for you and you will be able to share how you are feeling and can work through it together.
If you need more support then access local GP will also be able to help, don't ignore your mental health while you are at University, it's really important!
5. Grow your faith
Starting Uni can be intimidating as you enter a whole new arena of worldviews, beliefs and opinions. Some of these beliefs will be more hostile than others and may challenge your understanding of life, faith and Christianity. It can be scary standing firm in your faith during these times but there are others around you who understand. Again being part of a local community of Christians can really help with this and be a real encouragement to you. Being surrounded by people who are your own age and who are passionate about following Jesus will give you confidence and help you grow during your time at University.
6. Share your faith with others
Many of those around you will be searching for meaning, hope, joy and purpose. They'll also be considering what sort of life they want to lead and what their future will look like. It's easy to think that people will be dismissive of what you believe and the priorities that you place on discipleship and being part of community. Actually many of your peers will be searching and will want to hear your story. The testimony of a living faith will be really attractive to them, so be open in sharing your life. The joys, fears, struggles and hopes that you have. Living your life for Jesus means doing that in the context of the situations that God has placed you in with the people who are around you. So don't cut yourself off from 'normal' university life but be salt and light in the very places your peers are spending time. Make the most of the late night conversations, take time to care for and demonstrate love to those around you in your flat and on your course. Let those around you see Jesus in you through the way you live your life.
University is often the easiest place to share about your faith, you'll see friends come to faith, deepen in their love for Jesus and many will have the opportunity to meet the Holy Spirit for the first time or recommit their lives. As you pray for your friends you'll be amazed at those who will end up coming to faith, sometimes those who are the most antagonistic will have their lives completely turned upside down when they meet Jesus and those whose experience of church has been largely cessationist will meet the person of the Holy Spirit and have their whole lives shaken up for good!
University is one of the best opportunities you will ever have to live in close community with Christian and non-Christians people. You'll share meals, workspaces and leisure time with all sorts of different people from different backgrounds. This can be an unmissable opportunity to share who Jesus is and what He means to you, a time to build loving communities where the biggest questions we all face in life are given compelling and real answers.
Disclaimer: All talks and articles on this website are the speakers own opinions and do not necessarily reflect the position of Jubilee Church, ChristCentral or Newfrontiers.