If you could write a letter to yourself as you started uni, what would you say?
Dear Emily,
So here you are. About to move out of home and start this new chapter of growing up as you move to the land of the Angel of the North for university. Let me tell you from the start that it takes time to settle in anywhere new, but you are going to absolutely fall in love with the north east. You won't want to leave! You'll go from being apprehensive about coming back after the holidays to really looking forward to it. You're going to learn so much about who you are and you're going to grow massively in confidence and independence.
Get stuck into a Church early. Try a few and then when you find one you like, commit and get involved. Ask the Lord where he wants you to be and what you can serve on. Community takes time to build but as you invest in it it becomes one of life's precious gifts. Join CU too. It's so great to be able to meet other Christians at university and to know that you’re not on your own. You’ll make some life long friends and they'll be a great support for you during your time at university. What a huge mission field you’ll have access to too, and being part of CU gives you so many opportunities to share Gods love with people who are searching.
Most of all always hold on to the fact that God is for you! He has brought you to this city and this university for a reason, and if he is for you then no one can stand against you. He has amazing plans for you and whenever you feel a bit sad then remind yourself of this truth. He has gone before you and prepared a way for you. He loves you so very much and is going to put great friends around you. He is going to help you to thrive at university.
Just be yourself. God has made you uniquely and wonderfully and you will be a blessing to people by being secure in your identity in him. Never feel pressured to be something that your not. God has made you you for a reason. You'll definitely make friends, you'll always find people with things in common with you at university. The Lord will put the right people in your life.
Have fun. Try some new things. Don't feel you have to say yes to everything. Rest is important too! Enjoy these few years as they go fast. Learn how to appreciate the journey and not just be focused on the end result. It's something I'm still learning but it's so important – God teaches us so much in the process and it all helps to shape us and prepare us for things further down the line.
Have an amazing time on this new adventure!
Love (future!) Emily
