Starting Now: College Is Hard. This Can Help.نموونە

Community

What are some things you can’t function without? Maybe the basics like food and water or even a pot of coffee to help wake you up in the morning? While your list may look different from your best friend’s, one thing none of us can live without is each other. From the beginning, God designed us to need other people. He designed us to live in community. And because He designed us to be in community, community is something God wants for you.

But knowing that isn’t the problem. The problem can be finding other people to be connected with, especially after high school. In college, where you’re likely in a different city, it can be hard to know who your people are going to be and where you are going to find them. It probably means you can’t stay in your dorm room bingeing Netflix whenever you’re not in class. It may take some intentionality on your part. It may take more time and effort than you expected. That’s okay. Good things usually do. 

So when it comes to finding your people, you may need a plan.

Use the questions below to help you think through how, when, and where you can start finding your people.

1. What kind of people do you enjoy hanging out with? What characteristics do you look for in a friend?
2. Where could you potentially meet some new people this week?
3. How will you know if a new person you meet is someone you should hang out with more? 

Community and friendships rarely happen the first time you meet. It can be helpful to commit to visiting each church, club, or campus organization at least three times before deciding it isn’t for you. 

Finding your people may not come as easily as it always has, but remember that those around you are in the same situation. They want to be in community with others as well, so get serious about getting connected, starting now.