People have a variety of thoughts on “going away to college.” Some think of the academics, taking challenging classes and studying in the library all night. Others think of the athletics, all that school spirit concentrated in one place. Finally, some others think of “Animal House” – four years of parties and drinking. But what do you want out of your college experience? Will your faith-based school be any different?
Your school experience will be different, if you want it to be. Faith-based schools often have a few more rules on drinking that secular schools don’t. Does that mean no student at your college will ever drink? Does that mean you won’t ever be able to go to a college party? Probably not. But it does mean that there is a mindset that school comes first and fun doesn’t have to involve drunken parties. At faith-based schools and secular schools alike, students usually find friends that have a similar outlook on life, at least in terms of weekend activities. As you get involved in your college, you can find other students that have fun in different ways. As a group, take some time to get involved. Check out the theater department and other clubs. Get together in Bible study groups and get excited exploring your faith. Go on mission trips. Just have fun! Drive around town and see what there is, watch funny movies and eat junk food. Check out the events happening on campus.
Another great thing about a faith-based school is that the “party atmosphere” probably won’t be as prevalent. Discussion before class on Monday morning won’t focus on the drunken antics of the nights before. You’ll be comfortable saying, “No, I don’t drink,” without any judgment or pressure. Plus, it just might help you focus on school. When the people around you are ready to learn, you will be too.
At any school, your college experience is what you make of it. You’ll be free to spend your time how you want and make decisions that are best for you. You faith-based school just might make it a little easier to choose the path that is sometimes less traveled by college students.