College can change a person for the better, or it can change you negatively. It makes you reconsider everything in your life (which is important), but it commonly makes us turn away from our faith. These are some of the things I did that helped me to take on the college lifestyle while maintaining my Christianity.
Of course, everyone goes through periods of doubt, and this is totally normal. In fact, if you have never doubted, then I would probably say you have never actually consciously gone through and decided on your religion for yourself. Complacency is not belief, and I think that is what most of us have before we start thinking on our own in adulthood. We take what our parents believe in and simply allow it to be our own.
Turning from our childhood causes such great shifts in our worlds that it is important to have something to believe in. Everyone needs someone to lean on, and no one is perfect, so we need a God that is benevolent and omniscient. This is especially important when literally everything in your life is changing. Hanging on to your faith can help you to have that one stable leg to stand on when nothing else is there.
As you meet new people, it is important to choose your friends wisely. Just like in grade school when your mom told you that you would take on the behaviors of your friends, you will take on the behavior of your college friends too. Of course, we are called to live among sinners (everyone). As Christians, we are supposed to take on the attributes of Jesus who said in Mark 2:17; "It is not those who are healthy who need a physician, but those who are sick; I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners." None the less, it is important to maintain a solid base of friendships that encourage you in your faith, because we are not Jesus, and we need accountability.
While choosing a good base of friends is good, nothing compares to making sure that you yourself are making an effort. It is essential to find your routine in your new life. This can look different from person to person, but making sure you do your devotions and leave time for prayer is truly the most important thing you can do. We are called to make disciples, but if we are not feeding ourselves, then how are we supposed to teach others? This always makes me think of when you are on an airplane, and the safety instructions say to always put on your own oxygen mask before assisting others. If you are the person who can give that breath of fresh air to someone, what does it help anyone if you yourself pass out?
The transition into adulthood that you jump into during your college years can bombard you with serious questions. Always ask them and always remain true to yourself no matter what that looks like.
