One of the most exciting times in a young person’s life can also be one of the most daunting.
The process of moving from life as a high school senior to life as a college freshman can be thrilling, yet campus ministers and other Baptists across the state caution that students need to keep their head on straight and their priorities in order.
“Virtually every aspect of a student’s life in college is completely different from his or her life in high school,” said Lori Barstow, an academic adviser at the University of Alabama and author of “Precious Stones & Alabaster: Gifts of Advice for Christian Women Starting College.”
New college students are adjusting to challenges like living away from their families, making new friends, managing their own money, having roommates they don’t know, finding their way around campus and developing new study skills. Then there is the possibility of having to deal with more difficult challenges like substance use, Barstow said.
According to her, one of the best ways to handle such difficult adjustments is for freshmen to “find their place” on campus — specifically a local church, campus Bible study or religious organization — as soon as possible. “Other believers are great sources of encouragement and advice while you’re making the transition to college,” said Barstow, a member of First Baptist Church, Tuscaloosa, in Tuscaloosa Baptist Association.
And students may find that they need that encouragement, as their spiritual life will be challenged, said J.D. Thorne, associate pastor/student minister at Calvary Baptist Church, Dothan, in Columbia Baptist Association.
“Your relationship with God is going to change, but it’s up to you to decide what happens to it,” he said.
Willie Alexander, Baptist campus minister at Alabama A&M University in Normal, said that finding a church home is a good first step in continuing that relationship.
“[W]hile many students look for a church like their home church, that church won’t exist in their new town,” he said. “You should be open to a church that may do things differently from your home church.”
Barstow also encourages students to be careful in choosing their new friends at their new home. “Be selective with whom you spend your time, and find friends who share your beliefs and values,” she said.
Most Baptist churches in college towns make a concerted effort to reach out to college students and help them adjust to their new lives and form these new relationships.
And like the churches, Baptist Campus Ministries offers students the opportunity to get involved in Bible studies, discipleship studies and missions projects.
At Alabama A&M, Alexander said an important event for freshmen is the annual Church Festival, offered during orientation, to introduce students to local churches.
With around 30 students who travel off to school and around 30 more who attend colleges in the Dothan area, Thorne said Calvary Baptist tries to “provide a catalyst of growth for students.” He utilizes weekly events, Bible study, worship and fellowship opportunities.
But spiritual issues are not the only challenges for freshmen.
Barstow said that social and academic issues are two of the primary challenges they deal with as they move on campus.
She noted that many campuses have a student organization fair early in the fall semester. “Go and spend some time there and pick one or two to invest time in,” Barstow said. “This is a great way to make friends and get involved.”
Alexander added that both Christian and secular campus organizations can help develop social, academic and spiritual skills. “Organizations offer opportunities to travel and explore other areas of your talents, so you should search out organizations that share your values and interests,” he said.
As for academics, Barstow said most freshmen are woefully unprepared with regard to studying and often have to make major adjustments from what worked for them in high school.
She advises her students to plan to study two hours for every hour in class, get a tutor if needed, learn to take effective notes and follow the directions specified by professors.
Barstow also encourages Christian students to be open to God’s leading and presence while learning more about various subjects.
Find time for Bible study
“If you are studying premed, take the time to know more about the Great Physician. If you are taking art classes, realize that nothing can rival the beauty of creation or the Creator. And while you might think calculus comes from the devil, all calculations in fact lead back to God,” she said.
And, of course, Barstow said to find time in the midst of the excitement that is college life for spiritual pursuits. “Plan time in your schedule to read your Bible and meditate on God’s Word.”
To purchase Barstow’s book, visit www.PreciousStonesBook.com.
Share with others: