After high school, big things begin to change. It is time to move away from mom and dad and become independent....sort of. By independent, I mean we now have to wake ourselves up on our own, make our own breakfast, and do our own laundry...BUT we still need mom and dad for support, advice, and the occasional twenty dollar bill. College visits from parents are also highly recommended with a trip to the grocery store, and with the hope of buying something other than Ramen noodles. College is all about new experiences and becoming the person you want to be. Before leaving for college, everyone told me that it goes by really fast and to enjoy it because it is the best time of your life. Is this true? I'm not sure yet, but I do know that it goes by really fast and really slow all at the same time.

In high school, some people judged me for being a Christian and my beliefs. Coming to college made me nervous because I had no idea what I was getting myself into. I was worried about my future roommates if they would party a lot, if I would find a good church to attend, and if I would find other Christian friends. I was also hoping I wouldn't change, and give in to the temptations of college or lose my faith. Many kids who grow up in Christian homes tend to lose their faith after going to college. But for me, coming to college strengthened my faith more than anything. Most people think that it is impossible, but I want to give some tips on how it is possible to stay a Christian in college.

1. Know your campus.

The first thing to do before coming to college, is to research what the university has to offer for Christians. Look for bible studies, campus ministry, and churches in the area. When looking for a college it is important to find a community that fits your needs specifically and the churches that would make you feel like home. Ask the campus tour guide what the university has to offer, and how many churches are in the area.

2. Go church shopping.

Once you have done your research, go church shopping. I call it church shopping because it is important to try out many churches to decide which one fits you best, just like you would when shopping for a homecoming dress. There will be some churches you may absolutely love and some churches you will absolutely hate, and that's okay. It is important to find a church that best fits you where you can grow in your faith and find your new church family. Also, don't give up after trying a church once. Sometimes churches have off days and second chances always help form a great opinion if a church is really meant for you.

3. Find a Bible study or start one.

Bible studies are extremely important for a college student. College can be so stressful balancing school, work, friendships, family, work, clubs, and so much more. It is important to find a group of people who have the same love for Christ as you do that you can trust to grow with. They can be your biggest support system and be your prayer warriors in time of need. Going to a bible study on campus helped me confirm my faith in Christ. It motivated me to read my bible more and helped me understand why I believe what I do, and not just believing in God because that is what I have been told my whole life. I now was able to form my own opinion and actually read and study the bible for myself, instead of simply knowing things because it is what I have been taught for years. Also, find your connections! If a campus doesn't have a bible study, that's okay you can start your own! It can have two people or twenty, you have to start somewhere. There is no harm in trying, and universities usually fund it too!

4. Read your Bible.

Reading my bible is what keeps me sane on the busiest of days. As a college student, we read so much information on a daily basis but nothing is as important as finding time to read the bible. Even if it is just a chapter a day, it can help you in your walk with God and give you peace. If you don't have time because of homework or a big study load, put it in your calendar or planner. Set aside a specific time for bible time, plus it can be a good break from a World History class for example (It was the worst). I also recommend downloading the bible app. It has hundreds of plans to choose from if you don't know where to start reading, and it’s free (a college student’s favorite word!)

5. Pray.

Being a college student is a great blessing but it can also be extremely stressful. Prayer is so important for having a relationship with Christ. Worrying and anxiety is a HUGE problem for college students. Express those worries and anxieties to Him. Having a prayer journal is what helps me. I write down everyone I need to pray for and all of my personal prayers, and then sometimes I go and look back to see all of the answered prayers that I don't notice and it shows me how amazing God truly is and how he works in my life.

6. Have an accountability partner.

Find someone who you can trust and be transparent with. Someone to talk to, share Bible verses with, cry with, and have someone keep you accountable to not give in to the peer pressures of a college student. I know I love having friends to talk to on things I am struggling with and getting advice, I also love when people come to me and ask for prayer. Having accountability helps keep yourself in check and gains a close friendship as well.

Don't worry about coming to college and losing your faith, it is possible to stay a Christian through college! Coming to college is the most stressful and exciting time of your life. There will be times of happiness and times of suffering, but building a relationship with God is the most important aspect of shaping who you are supposed to be. Shawnee State is the perfect college for me, and I could not be more thankful for the opportunities I have received while being here.