Your college years can be the best or worst time of your life depending on the choices you make for fun. This culture glorifies the party scene of drunkenness and sexual immorality for young people in this age group. However for believers in their late teen and early twenties, the Lord encourages them to enjoy their youth by using this time wisely in the freedom of Christ. Below are 10 fun things to do while you are college:
#1) Gather Friends together for study nights with food
“I applied my mind to study and to explore by wisdom all that is done under the heavens. What a heavy burden God has laid on mankind” (Ecclesiastes 1:13).
Just as it helps to have a work out buddy, it also is great encouragement to have study buddies as well. This isn’t the time for too much social interaction as it is a time to push each other to go the extra mile. God is glorified when you succeed in your college work.
#2) Participate in a missions trip over spring or summer breaks
“He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation” (Mark 16:15).
Resist the cultural mantra of “it’s all about me”. Instead recognize the memorable and fun times of your life are when you’re a blessing to someone else. The most opportune time to volunteer on mission trips is before you are committed to family or work responsibilities.
#3) Take advantage of discounted Movie Days or Nights
“Truly my soul finds rest in God; my salvation comes from him” (Psalm 62:1).
In these times there are a lot of good movies to watch that aren’t filled with vulgarity or sexuality. As a student, it’s nice to take a break from your studies and see a great movie. Many campuses offer discounted movie nights in auditoriums for their students.
#4) Visit the unique local shops around campus
“And all the world came to Egypt to buy grain from Joseph, because the famine was severe everywhere” (Genesis 41:57).
Many campus towns are nestled in great communities with a lot of local shops from antiques to other specialty areas. Students typically have free bus passes allowing the opportunity to visit off campus. These communities appreciate the extra funds pouring in that helps keep the economy steady.
#5) Enjoy times of meditation/relaxation on the quad
“Teach me, and I will be quiet; show me where I have been wrong” (Job 24:4).
Particularly around mid-terms and finals—students need to break away from the urgency of studies to meditate and reflect. Allowing yourself a short time for quietness refreshes the mind and soul for the next challenge. It also gives you a chance to stop and listen to what the Holy Spirit is speaking to your heart.
#6) Start a Bible Study Group
“How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!” (Psalm 133:1).
It’s essential for young believers to have a small group to meet with on a regular basis. Studying the Bible together encourages accountability and support throughout the year. Keep the bond of personal relationships strong in peace, forgiveness, and love—allowing each other to grow spiritually at their own pace.
#7) Host a sleepover in dorm or apartment
“If we claim to have fellowship with him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live out the truth” (1 John 1:6).
A sleepover with good friends and food can be a fun distraction from the busyness of college work. Have several good movies, popcorn, drinks, and board games to add to this evening. Fellowship among friends can include unbelievers who need to see the body in Christ having a good time together without the worldly influence.
#8) Plan to take a semester to study abroad
“From all nations people came to listen to Solomon’s wisdom, sent by all the kings of the world, who had heard of his wisdom” (1 Kings 4:34).
Jesus had His church spread throughout the world. Wouldn’t it be an exciting experience to worship with other believers in another country? As the Lord opens this opportunity, be ready to sample the culture in all aspects of study, food, and fellowship.
#9) Join a campus ministry
“Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken” (Ecclesiastes 4:12).
Many campuses have ministries that focus entirely on students growing in their faith. There usually is a full-time staff of mature believers to assist students in being Jesus’ ambassadors on campus. These ministries have been tested over time and have the resources to host large events.
#10) Mentor a middle school student as a big brother or sister
“Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity” (1 Timothy 4:12).
Mentoring a middle school student as you go through your college experience can be rewarding and fulfilling. You will have the opportunity to influence a younger person to walk out their faith in a critical part of their lives. Having them come to campus for fun events, leading them in prayer and/or Bible study, or just being a listening ear over their lunch can be a life-changing encounter for them.
Fun in Christ
There is joy in being young and free to follow wherever the Lord leads you. As you enjoy the life God has given you—stay connected to Him in prayer. Your Father in heaven wants you to know the goodness life has to offer at any age.
Article by Crystal McDowell
Crystal McDowell is a writer, speaker, and teacher with a passion to encourage believers to know and grow in their relationship with Jesus Christ through practical application of God’s word.
Crystal and her husband, Marshall, raise their five children in the Bloomington, IL. As a freelance writer and editor for over 13 years, Crystal has published numerous Christian curriculums for Sunday School and VBS as well as many articles dealing with marriage, motherhood, and relationships. She’s a weekly staff writer for www.whatchristianswanttoknow.com as well as writing her own blog at http://crystalmcdowellspeaks.blogspot.com.
