How to thrive at a Christian college

I am quickly approaching my senior year at Seattle Pacific University. This is difficult for me to realize, as it seems I like only yesterday I was an awkward, socially unaware freshman. I’m still pretty awkward, and slightly socially inept, but that’s beside the point. What I do have is three years of college experience under my belt. I have taken some great classes, met some incredible people, have been involved in several leadership roles, and have made enough mistakes that I have a pretty good feel for our school and what it takes to thrive here.

My hope is that through my experience I can offer a little advice about how to get the most out your college life. Maybe you’re just starting as a freshman in college and you have no idea what’s going on (trust me I can relate). Maybe you’re a current student at a Christian college and these tips will be some good reminders of what you have already learned. Or maybe your college days are long past and this list will bring back some fond memories. Enjoy!

8 tips to help you thrive at a Christian college

1. Socialize!

Your dorm, your cafeteria and your classes will be full of amazing people. Get to know them! Unless you’re going to a tiny school you will always be able to find people with similar interests, no matter what they are. If you’re a gamer, find other people to game with. If you like sports, play intramurals or throw together a basketball game. If you like to read talk with other people about what you’re reading. In a scary new place with unknown people it can be easy to withdraw. But even shy people need friends, and the college experience is much more fulfilling with them. And if you’re more outgoing, maybe you can make an effort to reach out to those that are more quiet and draw them in.

2. Get off campus

This is huge, especially as a freshman. At SPU the “bubble” is infamous. Our campus is it’s own world, and it’s easy stay in it and never venture out into the real world. All your classes, friends, meals, and social activity can easily exist within a half mile radius. While this is convenient it makes staying in touch with the outside world more difficult. Make an effort to get out and explore the city or town you’re in. It will broaden your experience plus it’s a lot of fun.

3. Volunteer

One great way to get out into the world is to volunteer. Your school probably has some club or department that will help you get involved. During my time in college I have volunteered at a school for kids that recently moved to the US, tutored at youth program in a rough neighborhood and am currently helping at a non-profit medical clinic. All of these have been great experiences. I have learned about poverty, community development, health care, immigration and the importance of service just to mention a few. Don’t miss this opportunity to help other people and gain valuable life experience!

4. Don’t fret about your major

Ahh, your major. You’ve probably already thought about it quite a bit. You may already feel stress about it. In fact, maybe just the fact that I brought it up freaks you out a little. Calm down. Now is not the time to stress about it. Take classes you are interested in, figure out which one’s you like most, and your major will take care of itself. Ok, that’s a little oversimplification, but stressing yourself out over your major is not very useful. When the time comes to make decisions talk with people you trust about it. Your major is important, but it is far from a lifelong contract to a certain profession. Many people end up working in fields completely unrelated to their major, and that is just fine.

5. Spend time with professors

I’ve had the privilege of having some great professors during college. I’ve had some not so great one’s as well. With the professors that I really enjoy, I’ve made a point to spend some time with them. Most professors have office hours that you can meet with them. If you have a meal plan out our school you can get free meals for your professors if you want to meet with them over breakfast or lunch. The purpose of getting to know your professors is not to suck up, or at least it shouldn’t be. I meet with professors because they are not only experts in their field, but are often just great people to talk with. Don’t miss an opportunity to gain a little wisdom.

6. Challenge your faith

This is less an action, and more of a statement of what will happen. Your faith will be challenged while at school. This is a good thing. Professors will challenge long-held beliefs. You may not have a church to attend. You’ll meet people that believe crazy things. You may have more freedom to make choices that may be detrimental to your faith. This is another opportunity to withdraw. The alternative is to engage and ask those tough questions about your faith. Examine your beliefs. Take advantage of your school’s chapel program to grow. It’s important to remember that this is not something that you have to do alone. Discuss your questions with other people, and you’ll probably find that they going through the same thing. If you stick with it and stay engaged your faith will only grow deeper.

7. Study

I’ve known a couple people who forgot this and ended up on academic probation. You will have to do some work. You’ll need a little discipline. However, I’ve found that even when taking difficult courses I found plenty of time to study and to follow the next tip.

8. Have fun!!!

You’re in college! Carpe diem! Don’t make stupid decisions, but don’t be afraid to take risks either. Make that slurpee run at 2 in the morning. Play that game of bucketball with reckless abandon. Take that road trip that your friends have had planned for 15 minutes . This is your time, make the most of it.

It’s impossible to cover everything, but I hope this was helpful. I’ve had a great time in college and you can too. If you want to add something please leave a comment.

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