You’re going to university! You’ve checked out which halls you’ll be in, bought all that you think you might need (plus a few extras). For many, university is one of the biggest transitions of your life. It’s a huge investment of time and money, so it makes sense to take time to prepare before you go.
But it is not just a geographical move to a new city or a social shift to a new community of fellow students. If you have grown up attending church with your parents, this may be the first time you have had to make the decision for yourself. Have you done as much preparation for this as for other areas of university life?
When you start university, you’ll be confronted with lots of opportunities and choices. Now is the time to anticipate these and think about what choices you’ll make. Nights out, friendships, relationships (and not to forget studying!) offer many attractive opportunities for interest and fun but they are also an opportunity to show your friends who Jesus is and live differently from the student norm. However, these opportunities also represent a spiritual battleground which will test and tempt you. This is the time to embrace opportunities with the strong foundations that underpin your faith, and discover what it looks like to walk with God as you prepare for University and navigate those first few days and weeks.
Remember you are already a member of God’s people and so you need to prioritise finding a church where you can become part of a worshipping community and be provided with godly friendship.
And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”
Hebrews 10v24-25
Over the next few weeks there will be a series of articles addressing some of the questions you may have or issues you might face as you head off to university.
