Josh, a student from Derby shares some thoughts with us about his starting uni adventure.
How did you find a church at uni?
I used Student Linkup to look at the churches in Derby but I already had one in mind. They put me in contact with a student worker straight away from that church.
How did the first few weeks at uni look for you?
I found uni much harder than I thought to start with. Even having taken a gap year and going abroad by myself, nothing prepared me for living independently for the first time. It didn't necessarily make things easier, I had a very dysfunctional flat. We didn't get along, there was lots of shouting, gossiping, exclusion and disagreement all in the first few weeks but because I already had my crutch in the church and the people there to relieve the drain of my flat mates it meant I got through the first bit.
So how did church help you through?
By having a church straight away it gave me a great foundation and a friend in my student worker who I could build a friendship with and talk through the hard stuff. She taught me to find the good in the situation and carry on loving my mates.
What was life like after freshers?
Throughout the year I met other students through church which was brilliant. I’ve made loads of brilliant mates and living for Jesus as best I can.
Any top tips for freshers starting uni?
University is the first time it's all up to you. You shape your identity, and Jesus isn't always the easiest to follow, especially alone... But through Student Linkup; church, student workers and students are my community and my encouragement to follow Gods path for me.
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