As a Pagan attending university, I have been pretty lucky. I'm a representative for our Pagan student organization, I live with three of my amazing friends and have generally felt accepted on campus. I have run into minor forms of prejudice here and there, but, overall, I feel that my campus community is open and understanding. It is more accepting than I had anticipated.
While I was in high school, I was, for the most part, still in "the broom closet". My family knew and was very supportive of my spiritual beliefs, but I could never just go out and say it in school. I did not know of any other Pagans in my school, so I thought that it would give kids one more thing to tease me about. So when I came to the University of New Haven, I thought it would be the same way. I left all my tools and alter things at home. But I learned that there were people like me and that I could be open about my beliefs. I feel lucky because, in a country where people are misunderstood and ridiculed every day for having an "unusual" religion, I can say that the positives have greatly outweighed the negatives on my campus.
Due to the more open environment, I have gotten guidance from some of my upperclassmen friends and was able to openly live a Pagan lifestyle while living on campus. It is something that I am grateful for and something that I know is deprived of others who may go to other colleges and universities. It is important that young Pagans (especially those heading off to college) know that their lifestyle is important and that they can live a Pagan lifestyle. There are many obstacles that do come with "on-campus Paganism", but they can inspire creativity and learning.
Dorming It:
Living in a dorm away from home is one of the biggest challenges for all new college students. You have less room, crappy furniture, and you are usually sharing said room and furniture with another person. It can be a tricky living arrangement, especially if you keep your magick to yourself.
If you can (and feel comfortable enough), be open to the people you are living with. This will help especially if you do plan on continuing with your craft. It will also help build a layer of trust. If anyone in your living situation does give you a problem about your spirituality, do not hesitate to talk to your RA. Everyone deserves to be treated with respect.
On-campus housing usually has a lot of rules and many prohibit commonly used ritual tools like candles. They have rules for reasons, but they can be frustrating. Luckily, candles can be easily substituted with battery operated, flameless candles. If you still want a more natural energy, though, water and different kinds of stones are very effective.
Student Clubs and Organizations:
Look at the clubs offered at your school. If they have a Pagan organization, give it a try! A great majority of the friends I've met have come from the clubs I've joined. It is an excellent way to meet interesting, like-minded people. Different organizations at different colleges may do a variety of things. At the University of New Haven, our club S.P.E.L.L. (Student Pagans Educating Leading and Learning) hosts discussions on a weekly topics, plans on and off campus events, and holds rituals for the Sabbaths. It is also a way to get involved with you community.
Ritual, Spell-work, and Craft
Rituals, Spells and just doing your craft... It's tricky in college because it comes down to space and time. Those are things many students do not have a lot of. I found mine through my involvement and prioritizing. You can prioritize your time, but space (when you're not given much) is harder to compromise. When you do not have much space or resources to work with, you have to get creative. Creativity can become the most useful tool in the craft.
Desk-top alters and portable alters will take up little to no room. An alter is a personal aspect of the craft, so it can be as simple or elaborate as you want to depend on your intentions and needs. This could also be a good opportunity to add some DIY creativity to your practice. Learn how to carve, wire-wrap, crochet, or whatever else to make your own, campus friendly tools.
No matter how you plan to practice your craft in college or in the big bad world, it's important to do it in your own way and stay true to your beliefs.
