7 things to do when you start college

Life on the Hill: Bison Blog

Mid-terms are upon us and it has me reflecting on these past weeks. It is crazy how time has flown by. I have realized that no matter how prepared you thought you were, college will surprise you in some way, shape, or form. Therefore, here are a few things to do when you start college.

1. Try new things. You probably had a routine of some kind in high school. You woke up, got ready, went to school, did some extra-curricular things, homework, slept, and did it all over again the next day. College is probably the best place to mix it up and try something new. There are so many things at OBU you probably don’t realize you are paying for and/or know are happening. Be on the lookout for something you might never have tried but seems like you might enjoy. And if you don’t, no big deal. You stepped out of your comfort zone, and maybe learned something new.
2. Go to chapel. Yes, it’s required, but it is also a way to set aside time throughout the week to hear the word of God, outside of church and bible studies. Most of them are very intriguing, I’ve already learned so much. However, you won’t know unless you go. (And is there really any good excuse not to take an opportunity to worship the Lord?- nope)
3. Keep your door open. Some of the best advice I got was to keep my dorm door open so people could stop by and say hey. I met some pretty awesome girls in my hall this way and other people in WMU as well. If I am in my dorm, 99% of the time the door is open. Its a simple and easy way to meet as well as stay connected with your dorm mates.
4. Eat in the Caf. Another piece of advice I received was that I have more caf swipes than I realize. Therefore eat in the CAF!! Don’t go out to eat 5 times a week. You won’t get tired of it if you don’t eat the same thing every single time, so get creative! Try new things!
5. Go to campus activities. There are SO many things going on at OBU every single day, especially on the weekends. For example: Biggie, Freshman Follies, Canterbury, CHAPEL, Leadership groups, Improv shows, Music recitals, Apologetic studies, workout classes, intramurals, and SO much more! Find something you like, get a group of your friends together and have a good time!
6. Do some things on your own. In contrary to making friends, going to activities and doing new things, we all need alone time as well. Make a cup of coffee or tea and watch some Netflix, go on a run, read a book, do some laundry, or something that doesn’t require being with a group of people. This is my one of my struggles. We are constantly changing, growing and maturing. If we don’t take the time to focus on our independence every now and then, we get caught up in finding our value in the company of others. I myself have to make sure I’m taking care of myself so that in turn I can help others. It’s important, but also hard to follow through with.
7. Trust God. Last but certainly not least, trust in God’s plan. He is guiding you every step of the way whether you feel it or not. He is there. He is present. He celebrates with you in good times, He cries with you in the bad. He understands pain, confusion, hurt, and loneliness. He is so powerful, sovereign and trustworthy. In all the devastation our world is going through, we HAVE to remember that God will carry us through it. Our world is imperfect, and imperfect things will happen. We will fail a test, sleep through class, lose a friend, or hear heart crushing news. In all this, I can’t stress enough how important it is not to doubt that God is sovereign through it all. When we believe in Him, He sees us through the perfect sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Therefore, in all my struggles I look to Him. In all my victories I praise Him. In all my sins I thank Jesus. In the brokenness of the world, I trust God.

Life on the Hill: Bison Blog