If you’re a Christian trying to pick a college, you might be wondering what you should be looking out for on your campus visits. How can you figure out which Christian college will suit you best? Here are a few things you should look out for:
Do the students interact well with each other?
Whatever college you choose, you’re going to want to pick a place where it’s easy to get to know others and build good relationships. So when you’re visiting the campus, observe the ways that students speak with each other. Are they kind, respectful and genuinely interested in each other’s lives.
What Christian gatherings are taking place?
At Christian colleges, you’ll want to find out what formal chapel services and Bible classes are offered. But when you’re visiting, also keep an eye out for informal Bible studies or prayer groups happening on the lawns or in the dining hall – this is a great sign of a supportive, friendly community.
What are the accommodation options like?
If you attend this Christian college, what will your room be like? Is there space to move around and hang out or is the space strictly for sleeping?
At Christian colleges, you’ll also want to check out what the rules around rooms are and make sure you’re ready to keep the rules. What are their rules around guys and girls in rooms? How about hosting an overnight visitor from home?
Where is the college located?
If you’re attending a Christian college, you might want to make sure you’re in easy reach of other parts of the town that can get you out of the Christian bubble every so often. Christian colleges are amazing places to grow and learn, but taking some time to interact with non-Christians is really important so that you have opportunities to contextualise your learning, meet new friends and share Jesus!
How big are the classes?
At most Christian colleges, you’ll find that class sizes are much smaller and more intimate than at other schools. Poke your head in a classroom and check out the staff to student ratio of a class you might be interested in taking. Will you be able to get a word in, or is the class too big?
What support services are offered?
You should be able to find a list of support services – like Christian counsellors or study support – on a bulletin board inside the dorms or in a common area. Take a look at how the Christian college likes to support students in need, and ponder whether this would be helpful to you.
What’s the dining hall like?
Yes you should definitely be sampling the campus food, but more importantly, check out how people treat each other in the dining hall. Are the queues orderly? Do people clean up after themselves? Does someone thank God before the meal begins? Meal times should be a reflection of the character of a Christian college.
Keep all these tips in mind, and you should be able to gain a great picture of the Christian college you are considering attending. Remember, if you have any more questions, Christian college admissions staff are known for being really friendly and helpful!