It’s no surprise that first year students are given the affectionate nickname of ‘fresher’.
Unlike starting high school or sixth form, you start without the usual familiarities of friendships, places, and family. In this way- your first week really is a fresh week! But, thankfully, this is not to say that you can’t go prepared.
Just as an athlete cannot turn up to the starting line and run well without putting in the training (even Usain Bolt who eats McDonald’s chicken nuggets before a race), so we too should take training seriously if we want to run the race of university life well.
Running the race
But what does running well really mean? Thankfully, God’s definition of success isn’t centred on how fast we can run the 400 meters, but rather, God is more interested in the person we are becoming. If we are becoming more like Jesus, then we are running well!
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith […]” Hebrews 12:12 NIV.
How are you preparing?
So how can we do this? Here are some ideas to consider before embarking on your new challenge! This advice applies not just to running well at university, but every day of your life. Don’t start blindly. Train and prepare to succeed!
Coach
Make time for God. Allow yourself to be coached by God and his word. Just as Jesus took time out to hear and speak to God, so should we.
Teammates
Never underestimate the power of belonging to a team! God can speak to you through your church community, and use you to bless others too. Get rooted in a church family.
Attitude
Be honest with God and yourself about your weak areas. Work to understand and have a personal conviction for your beliefs before they are challenged. This way you are less likely to be brought off track!