As you head back to campus, you can almost feel the buzz in the air. There’s the thrill of meeting new friends, reuniting with old ones, and settling into the rhythm of college life. But let’s be real—alongside that excitement, there’s a little voice whispering, “Can I keep up with the courseload? What if I don’t make any friends?” We’ve all been there, and while the nerves are totally normal, they don’t have to run the show.
Whether you’re a freshman stepping onto campus for the first time or a seasoned upperclassman, here are five things to keep in mind as you kick off another school year.
1. Be the One Who Makes Friends
It’s easy to assume everyone around you has it all figured out—they look so confident, so at ease. But here’s the truth: everybody wants friends, and everybody is open to making new connections, especially at the start of the school year. So why not be the one who initiates?
I remember my sophomore year when I went to a concert with my friend Eric. We had just met a few weeks earlier, but we clicked because we both decided to step out and say, “Hey, want to hang out?” That concert became one of the highlights of my college experience, not just because of the music, but because of the friendship that blossomed from that simple invitation.
So, take a chance. Go to the events you see posted around campus, and bring someone along. Grab a Frisbee and start a game of Ultimate—trust me, you’ll find enough people to play in no time. These aren’t just college skills; these are life skills. Putting yourself out there might feel a little awkward at first, but people will appreciate your effort, and you’ll build connections that could last a lifetime.
2. Have a Plan
Before the semester kicks into high gear, take a moment to grab your favorite beverage and spend an hour or two alone, thinking about what you want out of this year. I know, I know—“Failing to plan is planning to fail” sounds like something your parents might say, but there’s truth to it. Without at least a hazy idea of your destination, how can you possibly map out your journey?
During my college years, I made all sorts of plans. Some were big, like changing my major to avoid getting bogged down in a subject I wasn’t passionate about, or planning a visit to my friend Shane in Uppsala, Sweden. Others were more everyday, like leading a Bible study with some guys from my floor. Now, my plans are more along the lines of “buy life insurance,” but the energy I put into them still matters.
So, figure out what you want. Do you want to ace your classes, join a club, or maybe even start a new one? Whatever it is, having a plan gives you direction, even if you end up taking a few detours along the way.
3. Go See Tigers
This one might sound a little out there, but hear me out. My first semester, I had a biology class with this incredible professor named Tim Allen (no, not that Tim Allen). He told us to forget about backpacking in Europe—it’ll still be there when you’re retired. Instead, he urged us to “go see tigers in the wilds of India before they’re extinct.”
That advice stuck with me. Sure, I didn’t end up in India, but I did spend a couple of years living on a volcanic mountaintop in Nicaragua with no running water, electricity, or transportation. Later, I lived in China, then South Africa. Each of these experiences taught me more about the world and myself than any classroom ever could.
So, while you’re in college, don’t just stick to the beaten path. Take risks, explore, and seek out experiences that will challenge you and expand your worldview. You won’t regret it.
4. Get Redefined
College is a time of reinvention. You get to decide who you want to be—at least to some extent. But it’s not just about trying to be less selfish or more outgoing. It’s about something deeper. One of the most important questions you can ask yourself is, “Who will you be?” It’s a reminder that we get to define ourselves, but more importantly, we get to ask God to redefine us.
You can try all you want to change on your own, but true transformation comes from asking God to shape you into who He wants you to be. So, take this time to pray, reflect, and seek out ways to grow in your faith. Let God’s love and grace be the foundation of your identity.
5. Be the Most Fun
Now, by “most fun,” I don’t mean “most drunk.” There’s a stereotype that Christians are all goody-goodies, but here’s the thing: the Bible tells us to celebrate and rejoice. That’s more than enough reason to embrace fun.
Throw parties, be silly, stay up too late watching movies, or skip class on a sunny day to roll in the fall leaves. These moments of joy and spontaneity are the ones you’ll look back on with a smile. Life is a gift, and every good and perfect gift is from the Father. So, rip open the gift that is college life with reckless abandon.
As you step into this new school year, remember these five things. Embrace the adventure, make connections, and let God redefine you along the way. College is a wild ride—don’t miss a moment of it.
