By Natasha Patterson

Parties, alcohol and no curfew! These are some of the things that many students look forward to as they prepare to live on campus. Fortunately, this is not the only way to enjoy life as a college student. You can still hold on to your salvation while enjoying being a student. Developing time management and maintaining a balanced lifestyle are essential to making the most out of your college experience.

Your first priority should always be your academics, however involvement in activities outside of the classroom help to increase your social development and networking abilities. For many Christians, trying to maintain a spiritual lifestyle becomes more difficult because of temptations and peer pressures found on campus. Students are introduced to more negative influences and are given more freedom than they typically may be used to.

To avoid these temptations, it is beneficial to become involved in campus activities. Colleges and universities have many organizations, clubs and societies that are always looking to increase their membership. Find the ones that interest you most and start participating! These organizations also hold events that you can attend even if you aren’t a member. This will allow you to meet and network with other students that share a common interest.

It is also is important to surround yourself with likeminded individuals that are committed to living a holy and separated life. This helps reduce the chances of you being put into tempting situations, and can provide a support system to encourage you to keep walking into your destiny. When you have others around you that are striving to live for God, it motivates you to keep holding on to your faith when you encounter trying times.

While you may love the home church where you grew up, it is vital to find a local church to attend while away at school and to consistently stay in your Word. Ephesians tells us that the sword of the Spirit is the Word of God. It also reminds us that we wrestle not against flesh and blood. In order to be effective in battle, we have to be familiar with the Word so that we can handle the sword as God has instructed us to.  

If you maintain balance between your academic, social and spiritual life, you can thoroughly enjoy the college experience without compromise. Make the most out of your college experience and allow God to use you during this time of growth and exploration!