101 (24 actually) things we wish we'd known when we started.

The long-term benefits of this advice have been proven by scientists. It's a long and rambling list so you might not want to read it all, but have a scan through. I will dispense this advice, now:

"Do not be scared of 'this world'. Sure, things get messed up without God, but if you go around trying to preserve your precious little light from others, you will not serve God's purpose. What you have is precious, but there's no need to hide it under a bowl, as someone once said."

When you get to Uni you have the chance to decide whether you're gonna go the 'Christian' route, or the equally possible 'secret ex-Christian' route, letting it all slip away now you're out of sight of your home church and mates. Well, choose the first! Get stuck into a cell quickly, so you have a new set of people to get behind you and encourage you in it.

Don't be afraid of asking questions about your faith at university. God can stand up to your questions, and you'll come across a lot of people who, if you listen to them, can challenge your faith in really positive ways. If you ever get into a 2am debate on it all with your mates, listening is the best way to go. You can learn so much about why people aren't interested in Jesus, and you might find yourself challenged. Then you can respond to people individually, not parrot fashion with tired old clichés.

"Keep the kettle full at all times, and the door open except when you're naked. Early on, buy yourself a doorstop - be the one who builds community on your stairwell."

Get stuck into a church as quickly as you can. Be the one who proactively gathers freshers together from your college to visit some. You can read more about choosing a church here.

Ask God to give you vision for your student years that will drive you on. He will not disappoint!

"The temptation in a new setting is to head back home quite a bit in your first few months. Try not to go home much, if at all, in the first term. God wants to bless you in this new city, so give him a chance, and make a commitment to 'BE HERE NOW!'"

People who get stuck into all Jesus has for them at university, are people who make Jesus a priority and then get out there into the big non-Christian world. 'Set yourself on fire and others will come to watch you burn.'

Take time to decide how important your academic work should be to you. It shouldn’t be the highest priority in your life - Jesus should - but do yourself a favour and don’t completely ignore it.

Don't waste time arguing about which churches are good and which are bad. Cambridge has a history of it, and it's still a feature of life today, but it’s more important to get on with loving people.

It is sadly true that a lot of Christians backslide while at university. But it’s also true that many Christian students thrive like never before. Seek out and spend time with the people who are thriving because it will make a difference for the rest of your life.

"Bring LOADS of jumpers, Cambridge gets so much colder than most other poncey Southern places, and even some Northern ones. I found earmuffs not only kept me toasty, but gained me the respect of my peers."

You don't have to do every Christian thing going to show God you love Him. Don't do something Christian every night, have confidence in being Christian.

Rich people are human, and some of them are nice. Poor people are human, and some of them are nice. In fact, the proportions are pretty much the same. Get to know people who aren't from your background. Innit. Our kid.

You don't have to spend forever with the people you meet in Freshers week, so don't worry if they seem boring or weird. They will seem this way because all anyone talks about is what A-levels they did and what subject they're doing now. Deep and meaningful will soon kick in though.

Go Punting.

You'll make friends all over the shop eventually, at societies, in your lectures, in the bar, at church, and just randomly. You will never quite know how you met some of your bestest friends, but it happens, so don't worry if a few weeks into term you still feel like you haven't found your niche.

"Resist the temptation to eat the in canteen every night, and learn to cook, although for the first few weeks the college canteen can be a good place to meet people."

Don't expect any decent clubs.... cheese galore is all the East of England will provide.

There are loads of different groups and societies, many of which sound great. It is well worth waiting for a cooling-off period after freshers fair, as you won't have time for everything, and that loan can vanish pretty quickly in subscription fees.

"Bring a bike, at least for the sake of your new friends who will have to leave everywhere early because of you, the stubborn walker!"

Bring loads of cushions and throws cos everyone forgets to, but they make your room a bit nicer than the average college one, a place people want to hang out in. [Editor’s note: boys should not bring loads of cushions and throws (but maybe a Playstation…)]

"Finally, remember that God did not bring you here
for survival - but for REVIVAL! Keep this in mind and
you will see God's faithfulness in all that you do."

Bex Bowtell, 29/06/2009

101 (24 actually) things we wish we'd known when we started.

The long-term benefits of this advice have been proven by scientists. It's a long and rambling list so you might not want to read it all, but have a scan through. I will dispense this advice, now:

"Do not be scared of 'this world'. Sure, things get messed up without God, but if you go around trying to preserve your precious little light from others, you will not serve God's purpose. What you have is precious, but there's no need to hide it under a bowl, as someone once said."

"Do not be scared of 'this world'. Sure, things get messed up without God, but if you go around trying to preserve your precious little light from others, you will not serve God's purpose. What you have is precious, but there's no need to hide it under a bowl, as someone once said."

"Keep the kettle full at all times, and the door open except when you're naked. Early on, buy yourself a doorstop - be the one who builds community on your stairwell."

"The temptation in a new setting is to head back home quite a bit in your first few months. Try not to go home much, if at all, in the first term. God wants to bless you in this new city, so give him a chance, and make a commitment to 'BE HERE NOW!'"

"Bring LOADS of jumpers, Cambridge gets so much colder than most other poncey Southern places, and even some Northern ones. I found earmuffs not only kept me toasty, but gained me the respect of my peers."

"Resist the temptation to eat the in canteen every night, and learn to cook, although for the first few weeks the college canteen can be a good place to meet people."

"Bring a bike, at least for the sake of your new friends who will have to leave everywhere early because of you, the stubborn walker!"

"Finally, remember that God did not bring you herefor survival - but for REVIVAL! Keep this in mind andyou will see God's faithfulness in all that you do."

"Finally, remember that God did not bring you here
for survival - but for REVIVAL! Keep this in mind and
you will see God's faithfulness in all that you do."