Keeping Your Faith in College

College can be an excellent opportunity, not only for personal growth but for spiritual. Yet all of the exciting new things you would be learning can come with it’s own set of difficulties, especially if you’re Christian and have grown up in a tight knit, supportive community. Moving to a new location is never easy, especially not if you’re doing it alone, and college can quickly become overwhelming. But it can still be a very positive experience when approached correctly. Here are a few pointers on how to approach higher education while still respecting your higher power.

Take Small Steps

If you don’t want to start out immediately after high school, moving into the dorms and jumping headfirst into the college lifestyle, starting out with an online university could be the choice for you. Taking classes online can help you save a lot of money by not having to pay for housing costs, and since most credits will transfer you can take online classes for as long as you’d like before transferring to a more traditional college, should you so choose. With such a large variety, you should be able to find a school for your denomination. CBU Online is a good Baptist Christian University, but feel free to shop around to see what works best for you.

Make New Friends 

If and when you decide to take the plunge and move out, do your best to get involved with local churches and ministries. Not only is it a great way to build a resume and meet new people in a strange city, but having a support network that supports your beliefs is a great boost to your mental and emotional wellbeing. While it can be hard to find the time, especially in your first semester, it’s worth it.

Keep an Open Mind 

Be aware that you’ll probably meets lots and lots of people who don’t fit your specific belief systems, be them atheist, Muslim or agnostic. But you should also be aware that before you know where you differ, you might find them to be charming, friendly and sweet people. That can be a bit of a culture shock, but the important thing is to continue to show them God’s love where you can. If they invite you to participate in activities that make you uncomfortable, you should always decline, but sharing meals and classes with people who don’t believe in the same things you do can be okay. By demonstrating respect and tolerance, you are fulfilling the Lord’s commandments to love. 

In conclusion, college can be an excellent next step in your growth as a person, if it’s something you can afford and something you’d like to pursue. While society as a whole can feel very corrupt and distant from your own sense of morality, with the proper preparations you should be able to venture forth without fear. The world is still God’s creation, and it is worth seeing.