Making the decision to attend college is a big choice, maybe the biggest one you’ve had to make up to this point. With the cost of higher education increasing every year, it’s smart to ask yourself if it’s worth it to go to college, especially if you don’t know what career you want to pursue after graduation. If you’re at the point where you are asking yourself “should I go to college,” keep reading!

Don’t know if college is right for you? Check out our post, â€ś5 Things You Need to Do If You’re On the Fence About Going to College.”

Why Should I Go to College?

One of the most important factors to consider in your college decision process is the  many benefits of earning a bachelor’s degree. Here are a few reasons why you should consider going to college even when you don’t know what you want to do with your life:

1. College will help you expand your worldview and network

In college, you’ll meet people you’d never bump into in your hometown, take courses that you wouldn’t think you’d be interested in, and read books you’d never choose to read yourself.

College is one of the few opportunities you will have in your life to live and learn with people who are very different from you, gain a breadth of knowledge in a variety of subjects, and be exposed to different perspectives and opinions.
Depending on your major, you may also have the opportunity to travel abroad where you’ll explore another country, meet people who don’t speak the same language as you, and discover how big this world really is.

2. College will let you pursue your interests and passions

Interested in literature and biology? Business and art history? Music and political science? In college, you can explore your diverse interests by choosing two majors, a major and a minor, or one major and two minors. Some schools even allow you to have two majors and two minors! 

If you’re worried about wasting time and money, fear not. You’ll have to take general education requirements, so you can work towards your English degree while taking a biology class to fulfill your science requirement and vice versa. Some majors are less flexible, so talk to your advisor before registering for that underwater basket weaving class.

At most four-year colleges, the professors will hold doctorate degrees and are experts in the field. If you think you may be interested in a topic, meet with a professor in that field to discuss your interests and future career goals. They may provide valuable insight and point you in the right direction.

3. College is a time to figure out what you believe

You will be challenged by the people you meet, the books you read, and the lectures you hear from your professors. In college, you’ll be in a place where people have different beliefs and values from you. By engaging in conversations, discussions, lectures, assignments, and personal reflection, you may find that your opinions start to change. Or you may find ways to defend your beliefs and grow more confident in what you believe. Either way, college is a great time to explore, shape, and affirm your core beliefs.

4. College comes with forming meaningful relationships

There is nothing quite like the relationships formed in college. You’ll become friends with like-minded individuals and people who share your passions. You’ll also become friends with people who have completely different interests and are from parts of the world you didn’t even know existed. Many people say that their college friendships are their strongest friendships. Considering the amount of time and growth you experience in college, this makes sense.

In college, you’ll also have the opportunity to network and form connections which will help you land a job or internship. There’s a saying in business: It’s all about who you know. There’s some truth to the saying. In college, there are job fairs, professional fraternities, associations, societies, and more to help you network and develop professional relationships.

Some of the relationships you have with your professors may turn into mentorships or friendships.

5. College helps you gain experience

While you don’t have to be a college student to apply for internships and jobs, some companies only hire college students for certain internships. For example, hires juniors and seniors in college as Associate Consultant Interns. Many of these hires go on to become full-time employees after their internship is over. In these cases, it’s a worthwhile investment to go to college and gain professional experience. After you graduate, you’ll have a degree and experience, which will make you more marketable when it’s time to look for a job.

6. College is a place to learn transferable skills

You’ll be required to take classes such as English composition, philosophy, speech, and American literature. Even if you don’t like the humanities, these classes will help you become a better critical thinker, writer, and public speaker. By taking general education requirements and core classes in your major and joining a club or organization, you’ll learn a number of transferable skills, such as how to…

• Adapt to situations
• Analyze and solve problems
• Cast your vision
• Communicate effectively with others
• Delegate tasks
• Make major decisions
• Manage your time
• Organize events
• Plan ahead
• Set goals
• Work with others

7. Your college degree may help you earn a higher salary

Last but certainly not least, research shows that college graduates earn more money than high school graduates.  states, “The median salary for workers with high school diplomas is $38,792 , and they have an average unemployment rate of 3.7% as of 2019…By contrast, the median salary for workers with bachelor’s degrees is $64,896, and their unemployment rate is just 2.2% on average. Over the course of their careers, college graduates can earn hundreds of thousands more than those who don’t attend college.

College is an investment, and while the initial costs can be expensive, your degree will provide you with the skills to be qualified for more jobs, job promotions, and higher salaries.

91łÔąĎ: A College Degree That Pays Off

With so many articles going around discussing the value of higher education vs. the cost, making the decision to attend college is not an easy one. Talk to your high school counselor, college admissions counselors, and your parents as you do your research and make your decision.

91łÔąĎ is a faith-based institution that exists to educate students to serve Christ in the church, society, and the world as biblically minded, well-educated, and professionally competent men and women of character. Our graduates go on to work in global ministry, local businesses, and everywhere in between. So if you’re talking about going to college, consider 91łÔąĎ.

If you are considering attending a Christian university located in Pennsylvania, contact 91łÔąĎ admissions counselors for any questions you may have at 877.786.2728 or admissions@cairn.edu.

There’s a stigma surrounding interdisciplinary studies degrees, with some wondering if it would be more beneficial to major in one specific field rather than pursue multiple subjects. However, an interdisciplinary studies degree equips graduates to hone their passions in dynamic and diverse careers. 

We’ve outlined some of the best benefits of this degree path and some possible job outcomes for those pursuing a unique and customized degree. 

What is an Interdisciplinary Studies Degree? 

An interdisciplinary studies degree is a major that allows students to pick and choose their courses and subjects of study. Instead of choosing just one major or field of information, students who choose an interdisciplinary approach can take classes from several different majors at their university. 

For example, students can study both English and History, splitting their course load amongst the two majors and picking parts of each that best align with their interests and their future career goals. Or, they could take courses in both business and psychology, learning more about what makes people and customers tick. The customizability of the degree is endless.

What Can You Do With an Interdisciplinary Studies Degree?

Having such a customizable degree as interdisciplinary studies opens up myriad career paths. Graduates of an interdisciplinary studies program can work in business spheres, educational settings, and in public service roles. Here are a few possible careers you can pursue with a bachelor’s in interdisciplinary studies. 

Admissions Counselor

As an admissions counselor, you’ll help other students find a degree they’re passionate about. Your encouragement and knowledge of your university’s offerings will help students see their potential. The types of courses you might take to become an admissions counselor could include classes on organizational planning, advanced composition, any number of courses on mentorship or psychology, and more. You could pull from many different majors to build your interest in being an admissions counselor, and the more classes you take, the better equipped you’ll be to help students know what college courses are like. 

Admissions counselors are always needed in the college admissions process, and .

Human Resources Coordinator 

Human resources coordinators help businesses run smoothly. They work in practical problem-solving to help people in organizations get along. They also often handle employees’ hiring and letting go, working closely with management to ensure an efficient and profitable corporation. 

To prepare to be a human resources coordinator, you should take some psychology courses and courses on data management since you’ll be dealing with people and their personal information. Another good course to pursue would be a business course so that you can understand the ins and outs of helping companies thrive. They can expect to .

Marketing Coordinator

Professionals that work in marketing help businesses and other organizations get the word out about their offerings. They work closely with the company’s managers to ensure their messaging is accurate and helpful, and they keep up-to-date on best practices in technical and business processes. 

Helpful courses for marketing coordinators include business courses like marketing, those that deal with data management, accounting, and more. Marketing coordinators .

Christian Counselor 

If you want to help families and individuals live their healthiest lives through compassionate Christian counsel and insight, consider a career in Christian counseling. To pursue a career in counseling, you’ll need to pursue a Master’s degree in counseling, but some courses you can take during your undergraduate years will help you obtain this career. Some examples include psychology courses, theology courses, youth and family ministry classes, and more. 

Christian counselors .

91łÔąĎ’s Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies

If you’re interested in a degree that prepares you to use your passions in any field, an interdisciplinary studies degree from 91łÔąĎ is the right choice. With this program, you can apply all your unique interests and God-given talents to your pursuit of a college degree and your life beyond graduation. 

Centered on Christ and His Word, the Interdisciplinary Studies program enables you to craft your education around your interests and passions. In this program, you create an individualized path to graduation aligned with your unique personal career goals. This program allows students to study two or more academic disciplines under one degree – taking the knowledge of one discipline and applying it to another for a broader perspective.

By choosing 91łÔąĎ, you’ll be investing in education with a firm Biblical foundation, equipping you to carry your faith into your profession after graduation.

Take charge of your learning and fulfill your future career plans with a Bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary studies from 91łÔąĎ. Request more information about our program today, or schedule a visit to see Cairn.

Amidst all the excitement, though, you’ve also got a lot to think about, and it can be overwhelming to make sure you have everything ready to tackle this new stage in your life. That’s why we’ve compiled for you this one-stop shop where you can learn all you need to do to prepare for your upcoming college career! Here are a few things to put on your pre-college checklist.

7 Things to Do Before College Starts 

1. Set Up Your College Email 

Remember to set up your college email a few weeks before the semester begins! Professors often contact you before the semester officially starts with important information about things like textbooks, assignments, and the first day of class. Setting up your student email account also allows you to check for updates from the university. Be sure to check your email regularly for announcements about things like campus jobs, athletics, and student life activities.

2. Connect With Your Roommate

Ask your admissions advisor to get you in contact with your roommate! Connecting with your roommate over the summer helps you avoid an awkward meeting during the already-busy process of moving into your dorm room. Try to call or text your roommate to see if you can meet for coffee or go dorm shopping together to get to know each other before you begin living college life together.

3. Make a College Dorm Room Checklist

Plan ahead for everything you need to make your dorm feel like a home away from home. Moving to a new place can be intimidating, so keeping track of each item you will need can help you feel more organized. Remember to pack necessities, like bedsheets, towels, and a desk lamp, as well as the personal touches that will make the room feel like your space, like pictures, posters, or plants. Coordinate with your roommate to figure out who will bring what for items like trash cans, carpets, or lamps!

4. Prepare for Academic Success

Remember what it was like to bring a list from your school to the store and go back to school shopping with your mom? Well, that’s still an important step for college prep. Check to make sure you have all the required textbooks for every class, and finish any summer reading. Make sure your laptop is ready for accessing course portals and writing lots of papers. Review your syllabi to prevent syllabus shock, and organize your assignments and activities into a journal, calendar, or some other way that will help you keep track of your schedule.

5. Invest in Your Extra-Curricular Life

While college is definitely a time to grow academically, it is also a time for you to grow as a person. Take time to think about finding a mentor to wisely and lovingly help you navigate your college years. Look up churches near your college and pick a few to visit so you can find a church to connect with and attend while you are away from your home church. Search through the student clubs and organizations at your college to find ways to get involved in campus life right away. Colleges exist for you to learn both inside the classroom and out!

6. Fill Out Important Forms

It is important to enter college knowing you have filled out all the necessary paperwork. Double-check that all your financial aid documents are filled out and accurate, that your health insurance is on the right plan, and that you have all the physical health requirements your college asks for. It will save you headaches later.

7. Spend Time with Friends and Family

Before you enter this exciting new stage in life, be sure to invest time where you still are now. Spend time in your community at home before embarking on your college journey. There’s a lot of change coming up, so give yourself grace and space to relax and spend time with loved ones.

Prepare for Success in College and Beyond: Choose 91łÔąĎ

With all the time and effort you put into choosing, getting ready for, and attending a college, it is important you choose a place dedicated to pouring time and effort right back into you. 

91łÔąĎ is committed to creating a strong community and fostering student success. At Cairn, we prioritize bringing students together to form lifelong friendships and serve Christ together and providing students with a biblically-focused education that prepares them to build careers across the globe.

Do you want to learn more about what it looks like to walk a different path? To find out more about Cairn, you can request more information, or connect with an admissions counselortoday. You can also experience what it is like to be a part of our community by attending an event! 

Between managing schoolwork, social lives, and personal obligations, lots of college students struggle to find time with God. The sad reality is that many 20-somethings stop going to church, no longer open their Bibles, and fall away from God.  reveals that around 64% of young Christians “disconnect either permanently or for an extended period of time from church life after age 18”. This means that 3 out of 5 Christian college-aged students are no longer attending church.

But there is some good news: many other new college students experience a tremendous amount of growth and thrive spiritually. New experiences, lots of studying, interactions with professors, and opportunities to learn don’t have to drive college students away from faith. Here’s some helpful advice on how to stay Christian in college:

Get involved in the local church

One of the most important things that a student can do to nurture his or her faith in college is to get plugged into the body of Christ by committing to a local church. In Scripture, it is evident that God interacts with His people through the proclamation of His Word. In order to hear God’s Word, it is crucial that students attend a local church to hear a pastor preach regularly and to be a part of the body of Christ.

Can I Be a Christian and Not Attend Church?

Some students who attend a Christian university may believe that they don’t need church given that they hear the Word in class and chapel. However, church is a place where we can experience spiritual regeneration alongside fellow believers. True community happens when members of the body join together to worship corporately. It is a wonderful feeling to connect with other believers and to be part of a family. (Plus, church can be a good way to get some homecooked food when you’re away at college.)

Be in the Word every day

Although it seems obvious, another important thing that a student can do is be in the Word daily. Reading the Bible should not be a passive activity—you must think critically about what you read. By reading God’s Word and meditating on it, you can apply it to your life and allow the Word to reshape your thoughts, actions, and behaviors.

Surround yourself with good people

A good community of friends will act as a support system through encouragement and discipleship. It is important to find like-minded individuals who are committed to God and His Word so that you can keep each other accountable. Similar to a gym buddy, a church buddy will make it much easier to wake up on Sunday mornings to go to church.

Find a mentor

Finding someone older than yourself to meet with regularly can be a game-changer. If you’re not sure how to do this, find someone with a life that models faith well and figure out a way to spend time with them. Meeting for coffee or grabbing lunch can be a great start to developing a mentor-mentee relationship. Don’t know where to find a mentor? Look for people in your church, Christian professors or school staff members, or even an older student and see if they are willing to spend time with you. You’ll find that learning from a mentor makes the task of getting through college–and life–a bit more bearable.

Immerse yourself in good literature

In addition to reading the Bible, it is important to fill your head with godly literature. Many world-renowned preachers and teachers will attest to having a library of books that changed and transformed their lives. It is never too early to start building your own personal library!

A few recommended works are  and J.I. Packer’s . Other works include C.S. Lewis’ , Rick Warren’s , Francis Chan’s , and Max Lucado’s .

Choosing a Christian College Helps Deepen Your Faith: Explore 91łÔąĎ

Without a doubt, college is full of ups and downs: academic, emotional, and spiritual. However, by committing to these habits and trusting in God’s promises and His faithfulness, the next four years may prove to be truly life-changing in the development of your faith.

One of the best ways to invest in your spiritual life is to attend a Christian University. For all the best benefits of attending a Christian University, check out our resource, .

Service hours help college students discover and strengthen their skills in serving others. As you figure out where you will be and what you will do with your future, getting involved in ministry opportunities can open new doors and lead you down paths you might never have found otherwise.

Why Should You Serve in Christian Ministry During College? 

Your college years are a prime time for you to grow academically, emotionally, and spiritually. Being intentional about serving Christ in your college years grows you in all areas. Learning how to balance serving Him with a rigorous academic schedule now sets you up to know how to serve Him later in life as you take on a full career and get even busier. There are innumerable benefits of serving God in college. Learn about five of these benefits below.

1. Serving Helps You Grow in Spiritual Maturity

Serving in a church or local ministry during your college years can help you solidify your own faith. When you spend time focusing on how to serve Christ, you learn how to view every aspect of your life as a service to Christ, transforming you to become more like Him. College is a time when many students examine how to make their faith their own. Serving in ministry is a great way to help in this process.

2. Ministry Helps You Stay Connected in Community Involvement

During your time in ministry, you will meet and build relationships with fellow Christians across a variety of backgrounds. Your community for Christian fellowship will expand, and your community at college will likely be different from your community back home, so you’ll get to be around different perspectives and be enriched through listening to different life experiences. Serving in your community also opens you up to multi-generational settings, so you’ll be poured into by people of all ages. 

3. Serving Helps You Find Christian Mentors

College is a transitional time full of big questions and decisions with lifelong impacts that can be difficult to navigate on your own. Throughout this transitional period in life, it is especially important to have people that will lovingly speak truth and wise encouragement into your life. Getting involved in ministry in the community or at your local church is a great way to find Christian mentors who can come alongside you and help you grow in your faith.

4. Ministry Exposes You to the World Beyond Your Campus

With all the change entering college brings it can be tempting to remain in the comfortable, stable bubble that college campuses provide. However, branching into the community surrounding your college will grow you in ways remaining stagnant never can. Getting involved in a ministry off-campus is a great way to interact with and serve the members of the community God has called you to. You might even find some new favorite places to do homework, invite your friends to hang out at, or show your parents when they come to visit. 

5. Participating in Ministry Can Help You Put Your Faith Into Action 

When you invest time in serving and ministry, you are investing time in sharing and growing your faith. Serving gives you the opportunity to show the love of Christ to others, reach people with the Gospel through word and deed, and obey Christ’s commands to love our neighbors and serve in imitation of Him. You’ll get tangible practice of living out your faith as you serve in college.

What Are Some Ministries I Can Participate in During College? 

You might be ready to dedicate yourself to serving in a ministry, but with so many ways to serve, it can be hard to determine where you can be of most help to others. To figure out what ministry you’d be best suited for, start by thinking about your gifts and interests. Perhaps you have a knack for teaching or music. Maybe you have a heart for children or people in need. Here are some ways different skills and gifts can serve a community.

Teaching + Culture = A Community Language Program 

If you like teaching and learning about different cultures, see if you can join any ministries at your university, church, or community program that help teach non-native English speakers. Through this ministry, you’ll be building bridges of love with your community and experiencing new perspectives, all while providing for a practical need. 

Working With Kids + Music = Helping with Children’s Ministry at Your Local Church 

The church is one body with many parts, meaning any local church has plenty of needs across various skills. Whether you are narrating Bible stories to kids as a Sunday School teacher, supporting teens as a youth group leader, or leading the congregation in song on the worship team, by getting involved in ministry at your local church, you will help deepen unity in the church body, help others in their walks with Christ, and be strengthened in your own faith through community with other Christians.

Organization + Nonprofit Work = Working at a Local Shelter or Community Center 

There are people in need in every community. If you have a passion for helping those struggling to get by in life, search for volunteer opportunities at nonprofit community organizations. You could help feed the hungry in soup kitchens, support expecting mothers at pregnancy resource centers, or get winter jackets for kids through clothing drives. Ministries like these will let you serve and love those often ignored elsewhere, just as Christ served and loved outcasts in His ministry.

Put Your Faith Into Action at 91łÔąĎ 

Serving in ministry is a vital part of every Christian’s growth as a person and as a servant of the Lord. Serving during your college years fosters your compassion for others, reveals and refines your unique passions and skills, and nourishes your desire to serve Christ with your entire life. 

At 91łÔąĎ, we encourage all our students to walk a different path, one centered on Jesus Christ. We provide our students with a well-rounded, biblically-focused education that prepares them to engage with the world around them in an educated, competent, and biblically-minded way. 

If you want to learn more about Cairn’s mission, you can request more information here or immerse yourself in our community by scheduling a visit today. 

Whether you have had a dream college your entire life or you have no idea where to go or what to do, you are bound to have questions about how to navigate this next stage in your life. To make sure you get the answers you need as you explore different college options, we’ve created this guide for you on what to ask during your next college visit.

College Questions? Get Connected with the Experts!

One of the best ways to learn more about a particular college is to ask questions, and who better to ask than current college students? These are the students who have struggled through the same questions you have been asking. Think of them as seasoned veterans or wise gurus who have already been through the challenges of the college selection process.

There are a number of ways to get connected with current students. Talk to students you already know at the college, or ask an admission officer to connect you with some students. But the most authentic way to converse with current students may be to talk to someone hanging out in the student center or catch some students on their way to their dorm. In this case, it’s OK to talk to strangers.

Want to know more about how an in-person visit can help you in your decision process? Check out our blog post, 5 Reasons to Schedule a Personal Visit!

15 Questions to Ask When Visiting Colleges

It can be tricky to know what questions to ask a college student that will be most practically helpful for you. To get you started, here are some questions to ask college students about their experience in all different areas of their college journey!

Ask About Their College Experience

1. Why did you decide to attend this college?

There are lots of reasons to choose a college, so hearing what sold a student on a college can help you determine what reasons matter most to you.

2. Is the college what you thought it would be? Why or why not?

Get an insider’s perspective on what life is really like at this college to understand what to expect.

3. What do you like best about this college? What do you like the least?

This will help you know some pros and cons of the college, some of which you might not have considered before.

4. If you could go back in time, would you choose this college again? If not, why?

You can evaluate whether or not this college will have a lasting impact on you and what kind of impact that will be.

Ask About College 91łÔąĎ

5. How would you describe the people here?

When you get an answer, ask yourself, “Is this a community you’ll want to live in?” “Does this feel like a place that fosters growth?”

6. What kind of student would fit in at this college?

Find out if you’re the ideal student for this school and get an idea of your ability to make connections there. 

7. What do the majority of students complain about? (What are the pluses and minuses of living here? What is an authentic take on campus life?

It can be helpful to get an honest look at what students think about attending a college holistically, from meal plans to course offerings. Psst: get a student’s perspective on  living at Cairn

8. Are there lots of ways to get involved?

Learn about student clubs and organizations that will help you get involved with the community at school.

9. What do students do on the weekends?

Find out what to do with your free time and the coolest places to get homework done! Check out some of Cairn’s favorite spots to hang out.

Ask About the Academic Experience

10. What are the most popular majors?

This helps you know if this college is a good fit for your preferred major and alerts you to college’s academic strengths.

11. How do you like the professors here?

Professors can make or break your college experience and academic achievement. Read about how this Cairn student’s college experience was shaped by one of their professors. 

12. How well does this college prepare you for finding a job?

Choosing a career path is a big stressor for college students, so ask about what the process of getting a job after college has been like.

Ask About the Faith-Based Education

13. What is it like to attend a Christian University?

Learn about Bible classes, chapel, and why Christian higher education will prepare you for growth in all areas for your future. 

14. How is the spiritual life on campus?

Find out about student-led Bible studies and ministry outreach that goes on around campus.

15. Are there ministry opportunities?

Serving in ministry is a huge part of a Christian education, so make sure to find out about Christian ministry opportunities at your college. 

Read about Cairn’s recent missions trip to Spain or check out the ministry center!

With all the different colleges you are visiting, it’s important to take some time to learn what makes each college distinct listen to the voices that make up each student body, and take the time to figure out what makes each college—and its students—unique! Knowing what questions to ask at a college visit will help you know exactly what is the right fit for you.

The Value of a Christian Education

Christian colleges provide unique opportunities that help grow your academics, your character, and your spiritual walk throughout your education. By immersing yourself in a community of fellow believers and a faith-based education, you will be prepared to serve Christ wherever you go.

91łÔąĎ’s mission is to equip men and women with a biblically-based education that will prepare them to put their faith into action in any career.

We’ve collected some of the most common challenges you might face in adjusting to college life as a Christian, as well as our thoughts on the importance of finding a solid Christian community as soon as you can when you start college. 

Challenges to Christianity in College

When entering your college years, it’s essential to understand that it’s a transition period. Leaving your high school community can feel daunting, and there are certainly challenges to keeping your Christian walk when you’re away at university. 

Here are a few of the challenges to your Christian faith that you may face while in college:

Culture Shock

As you start college, there’s a potential clash of values and worldviews that you might experience. This culture shock is especially relevant if you decide to attend a secular university after growing up in a Christian education environment. However, Christian university students may also wrestle with different cultures and worldviews they encounter in college. 

Whether you attend a faith-based university or not, the college environment is diverse. That diversity can help you understand the world from someone else’s perspective, and it can grow your empathy and compassion towards others. Remember that everyone is entering a new environment, not just you. 

Loneliness and Isolation

It can be challenging to make friends right away in college, and you may feel like you’re floundering in unfamiliar social waters for the first time. The search for friends and like-minded individuals can feel even more complex for a Christian student at a secular university, but it’s not impossible! Remind yourself in the waiting period that isolation doesn’t last forever. 

Finding friends who think like you and stand for the same things you do can be difficult, but it’s worth it to look for those relationships and spend intentional time investing in them. 

Faith Exploration and Identity

As you face a new learning environment, you might question your faith. This is expected and okay! You’re in a new situation with more freedom and different perspectives than you’re used to. Your college years are an excellent opportunity to make your faith your own and establish healthy spiritual habits. 

The foundation you build in college can set you up for a lifetime of commitment to God and His word. However, it can be challenging to make time for spiritual things with the workload that college brings, not to mention all the new social opportunities you’ll find yourself with. Taking the time to question your beliefs and invest in your spiritual growth will help you in college and whatever vocation you choose later. 

Moral and Ethical Dilemmas

As you make new friends in college and encounter new situations, you may find yourself in positions that challenge your convictions and require some extra discernment. It can be easier to decide what you would do or say in a hypothetical situation, but it’s much harder to make a godly choice in the moment. Taking time to start your day in prayer and ask God for wisdom for anything you’ll face throughout your day can help you approach your tasks and social situations with more presence of mind. 

The Importance of Christian Community in College 

Finding a Christian community in college is vital since college comes with so many new challenges and potential pitfalls. Here are some ways the Christian community can help you thrive in college. 

Emotional and Spiritual Belonging

Being part of a Christian college community gives you a sense of belonging. You’ll feel part of something bigger than yourself and be able to rely on your brothers and sisters in Christ when you need prayer or help with anything. You’ll find a shared understanding with those in your Christian community since you’ll approach situations with a shared worldview and biblical foundation. The emotional support from this Christian community is also essential, as they can remind you of Biblical truth when you’re experiencing trials and temptations.

Spiritual Growth and Nurturing Faith

Engaging with other Christians in fellowship, worship, Bible studies, and discipleship opportunities all help you deepen your faith and grow spiritually. When you invest in your spiritual life through community, you begin to see God’s love through different perspectives, and you can understand facets of His character through the testimonies of your community. 

Nurturing your faith through communing with others also helps you grow in how you interact with believers and nonbelievers. 

Accountability and Encouragement

Engaging in Christian community offers accountability and encouragement. By letting others into your life, you’ll have people spurring you on to live out your faith in word and deed, and you’ll have friends to cover you in prayer when faced with ethical decisions. 

We aren’t meant to live in isolation or to try to live out our Christian walk alone. A dedicated community that helps you stay on track with your spiritual goals and victory over sin can help you grow in your faith tremendously.

Guidance and Mentorship

It’s essential to have mentors and role models in your life. Seeking out those further along in their spiritual walk and asking them to mentor you gives you access to a wealth of wisdom and spiritual direction. Mentors and role models can help you have more guidance in your academic life and life outside of school. They can pray for you, give you godly counsel, and help you get involved in ministry. 

Fellowship and Friendship

Making college friends who share your values and beliefs is a blessing. In your college years, you can foster companionship, mutual encouragement, and shared experiences with people who understand your faith and support you in your pursuit of Christ. It’s important to have friends who will lift you up when you fall and help you grow in your faith. 

How to Find a Christian Community in College

Finding a Christian community in college takes time and dedication. Whether you’re on a secular campus or a faith-based one, investing in a Christian community will help you make the most of your time in college. Here’s how to find and foster Christian community during this pivotal time in your life: 

Seek Out Campus Ministries and Christian Organizations

Most college campuses have their own chapters of faith-based student organizations. Whether it’s a student club at a Christian university or a branch of a larger campus ministry like , research what your school has to offer. You can usually find this information on your university’s student life page. 

At 91łÔąĎ, several student organizations are dedicated to fostering faith and ministry. 

Attend Church and Faith-Based Events

Attending church is a significant part of spiritual growth. Take some time near the beginning of your college years to find a local church that you enjoy going to, that challenges you, and that you can see yourself getting involved with. Investing in a spiritual body while being poured into it is crucial to your development and faith journey in college. 

It’s a good idea to attend faith-based events on and off campus to better understand the local body of Christ where you’re studying and how you can get involved in ministry. Cairn has many local churches near campus. 

Engage in Small Groups and Bible Studies 

Go beyond the growth from Bible classes and church on Sundays. Joining a small group or Bible study can help you foster deeper relationships and spiritual growth than you would find alone. Here, you’ll get to know your peers and mentors on a deeper level and dive deeper into the Word together. You’ll be able to ask questions about different Bible passages and your walk, and you’ll be encouraged to continue in your faith. 

Utilize Online Platforms and Social Media

Social media can help you find a community beyond yourself, especially a Christian community. Don’t be afraid to seek out Christian circles and meet up with your peers who you meet online. Utilizing your platform and social circles online can help you find people you have faith in common with. 

You’re Not Alone in Seeking Out Christian Community: 91łÔąĎ

While finding a Christian community at college can be difficult, whether you’re on a Christian campus or not, it isn’t impossible. It’s worth the effort to find a like-minded community to help you adjust to college life and help you overcome any culture shock or ethical dilemmas you have. 

Make the time to look for Christian friends and mentors actively, and you’ll be on your way to experiencing vibrant student life throughout college. Your Christian community will help you with emotional support, spiritual growth, and meaningful friendships during your college years. 

At 91łÔąĎ, Christian community is at the heart of all we do. Having mentors and friends who speak truth into your life is crucial to your spiritual development and success as a student. That’s why we encourage local church attendance, service opportunities, chapel attendance, Bible and theology courses, and more. Our student life is rooted in the importance of Christian community and living out our walks towards one another and the world beyond campus. 

But don’t just take our word for it. Schedule a visit to Cairn and experience what the community on our campus feels like for yourself. Or, you can  on the importance of choosing a Christian education. 

Knowing how to make the best use of your first year can be challenging with all of these changes. What should you avoid? What should you strive to accomplish? Read on to see our best tips and tricks for first-year college students and how you can use this time to set yourself up for success for the rest of your life. 

20 Tips for Incoming College Freshmen:

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1. Get Involved On Campus 

Getting involved on campus is a great way to connect with fellow students and make friends. Beyond just exploring your interests and trying new things, you’ll connect with people outside your major and your year of school. Taking the time to get into campus life is a great way to find mentors and understand what your future in college can look like. 

Explore 91łÔąĎ’s student clubs and organizations

2. Go to Class

It can be tempting to skip class, but it’s essential to go. You’re paying for your classes, so you should make the most of them and attend as many as possible. Not to mention, some professors start taking away points from your grade if you miss too many classes. Professors also often drop hints about things that will be on tests or important notes for projects during class time. 

3. Meet Your Professors 

Having a relationship with your professors can make it less awkward if you need to ask for help or extensions later. Plus, professors have an abundance of wisdom in the course material they teach and beyond, so you should take advantage of their knowledge! 

4. Manage Your Time 

College is a time when you have more freedom over your schedule than before. It’s important to find an organizational system that works for you early on. Coming up with a way to make time for your homework, sports, social commitments, and sleep is important. 

5. Explore Your Interests

Whether it’s through your major or your minor, take time in your college years to learn more about your interests. You can even take classes that interest you but are unrelated to your major. Ask your academic advisor about what electives you can take. You’ll probably even make some new friends through those interests. 

6. Make New Friends

College brings people from all over the world together. Through your classes, your dorm, and social events, you’ll get to know people you may have never met otherwise. Take this opportunity to branch out and make new friends. 

7. Ask for Help 

If you find yourself in a tough spot, either academically or personally, it’s better to get help sooner rather than later. It can be scary to ask for help, but your professors, advisors, mentors, and RAs want to see you succeed in this season. They won’t know how to help you if you don’t speak up, so try to advocate for yourself. 

8. Use the School’s Resources 

Lots of colleges have free or discounted services for students’ mental and physical health. If you find yourself needing to talk to someone, be sure to reach out to your school’s counselors. Lots of schools also have tutoring services for students. 

9. Make Peace With Your Roommate

You might get along great with your roommate, or you might find that you don’t vibe with them as well as you hoped. Whatever the case, do your best to live with them well. You’re both in a new circumstance and trying to adjust to the demands of college life, so try to show each other grace. A great way to avoid arguments is to talk early on in the semester about things like cleaning schedules, how you both work best, and what each of you should do if you want to bring friends to your room. 

10. Take Care of Yourself 

Taking care of your physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health is crucial during your first year of college. You’ll be experiencing a lot of changes to your routine and your responsibilities, so it’s important to check in with yourself and see how you’re doing. 

Taking care of yourself can look like getting enough sleep, eating healthy, and keeping in touch with your spiritual health. 

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1. Miss Class Too Much 

It can be a slippery slope once you start skipping. Make sure to take time away from class if you’re sick or really need a break, but do your best to get there otherwise. Even if you’re unprepared or tired, it’s better to go to class than to miss it. 

2. Isolate Yourself

Try to make an effort to be social, even if you’re shy or introverted. Loneliness can easily set in, and it can become harder to put yourself out there the longer you wait. 

3. Overcommit Yourself 

You’ll be adjusting to a new environment and a new amount of school work, but all the new social opportunities can be too exciting to pass up in college. However, it’s easy to burn out or have important things slip through the cracks if you overcommit yourself in college. 

Learning to say “no” is an important skill to develop in college, and it’s one that will be valuable to your life after college too. 

4. Procrastinate Endlessly 

It’s important to stay on top of your readings and assignments while in college. This might look like doing some homework on the weekends, staying up later, or getting up earlier. Whatever it takes, try to make sure you keep track of what’s due and when so you can keep your grades up. 

5. Eat Junk Food Constantly 

Having a balanced diet is important when you’re in college. Be sure to treat yourself from time to time, but make sure you’re fueling your body well too. If the food in the dining hall gets too repetitive for you, check out some local restaurants or foods that are unique to your college town! 

6. Feel Pressure to Decide on a Major 

It might feel like you need to know what your major is right away and stick to it all four years. However, it’s really common to start college without knowing what you want to major in, and it’s even more common for students to change their major some time in their college years. 

You usually have a year or two to explore programs and decide on a major, so don’t feel like you have to have it all figured out right away. 

7. Neglect Your Spiritual Life 

. A great way to stay consistent in your walk with the Lord is to get involved in a local church. From here, you can join Bible studies and small groups to have people who push you toward Christ. 

8. Lose Touch With Your Friends Back Home 

Even as you make new friends at college, make sure you take time to connect with your friends from back home. They’re probably going through their own changes too, and it’s important that you stay there for each other. 

9. Spend Frivolously 

The freedom that college brings can make it tempting to spend your money on a lot of things. Now is a great time to get really good at building a budget that works for you and sticking to it.

10. Forget to Take It All In

Your freshman year is a special time, and one that you only get once. Make sure you do everything you can to enjoy it to its fullest and make lots of memories. Don’t spend all your time studying, but also don’t spend all your time socializing and missing out on the cool things you can learn as you go deeper into your coursework. 

91łÔąĎ: Helping Freshmen Thrive 

At 91łÔąĎ, we believe Christian community can transform your college experience. That’s why we put Christ and His Word at the center of everything we do, including the freshmen college experience. 

All freshmen participate in our First Year Experience Seminar. Through this course, you’ll get practical tips on how to adjust to college life and how to keep Christ as the foundation of your life through your college years. 

Want to learn more about what life at Cairn is like? Request more information today!

Challenging and changing this dynamic was the goal of faculty and students of both 91łÔąĎ and the University of Pennsylvania at the two-part event, , held first at Cairn, then at Penn’s Graduate School of Education, on February 7 and 21 respectively. The event was initiated by Paul Neal, Senior Vice President of Marketing and Enrollment, who partnered with UPenn to set up the event. As Neal and Provost Brian Toews led the students in discussion and other Cairn faculty and staff attended the event, Cairn’s administration and leadership were committed to creating a space for students of both schools to come together and openly discuss the political landscape in the wake of the presidential election, 
The value of the event came from the diverse political views represented among attendees. Seated at the same table were conservative Republicans and liberal Democrats, engaging in thoughtful dialogue and seeking to understand one another beyond the labels of partisanship.
On both dates, attendees first listened as a panel of six students from both universities answered questions from moderators Dr.  and , such as “What is one question you would ask to someone who voted for the other candidate?” After a model discussion of civil discourse, the question was then turned to over the individual roundtables for continued discussion. As students dove into issues surrounding the election and the new president’s administration, groups openly discussed who they voted for and the factors influencing that choice.
Overall, students responded very well to the event, praising the civility and maturity of the dialogue, both on the panel and within the tables. “I think it functioned very well,” said Sawyer Whitted, a sophomore at Cairn. “I found the dialogue very engaging. I think it was really cool that we had an even split between liberal Democrats and conservative Republicans. There was lots of honesty and transparency… some very direct questions.”
“We touched on a lot of deeper issues without getting in each other’s faces, which I think is very constructive,” said Zhenya Nalywayko, a City and Regional Planning graduate student at Penn.

In fact, many students left the event satisfied with the discussion yet hungry for more. The two-hour event fostered connections among attendees, allowing for deeper and more open discussion as the night progressed. Jose Carreras, an Arts and Sciences student at Penn, expressed: “I wish it would have actually gone on for a little bit longer when the conversation was getting very interesting and we were opening up a bit more.” Still, he admits, “Even if it would have been three hours, I would probably still feel the same way.”
Although the duration of these events was limited, students and faculty of both universities expressed a clear desire for further conversation on their individual campuses and across the United States. Rooted in the goal of seeking first to understand rather than to convince, learning to dialogue properly is a valuable skill for students, especially as Americans—for this freedom of ideology is at the root of our identities as Americans. Instead of demanding unity of thought among the American people, the continued strength of our nation can be found in our ability and willingness to thoughtfully engage with opposing views to reach a compromise and move forward.
Special thanks to Dr. , professor of history of education at Penn, for helping plan the event. Dr. Zimmerman is widely published in the areas of campus politics and dialogue.
Author Andrew Hageman ’20 is a sophomore English major at Cairn. This article was originally written as an assignment for ENG421 – Freelance Writing.