Secular university and culture shock

[LovelyLeah93b]

Hi! I'm Leah and I'm brand new.

I am kinda having a hard time here. I've been homeschooled my whole life and raised in a small town, and now I decided to go to a secular state university. And I have to say, every day is a new surprise and a new shock. I feel like I've landed on another planet! I'm really struggling to adjust, and it doesn't help that I don't really have any good Christian friends here. Has anybody else been in my shoes or in a similar situation? Did anything make it easier?

 

[blackribbon]

Check out the various activity clubs...include visiting several of the Christian ones because they are different and you need to find your best fit. Also look for the ones that offer things that you like or think you like. I know when I was in school the first time, I joined the Opera and Performing Arts Society...what it was is that we volunteered to usher at all the big performances that came through the campus. I got to see my first ballet, Vienna Choir Boys, some Russian orchestra ... all for free. I only did it one year but it was fun to get exposed to something that I'd never experienced before. Another year, I volunteered to work to organize a big gala...it was my first exposure to planning something that incredibly huge. I only played a small role but that experience has made planning smaller things in the rest of my life seem doable and not so overwhelming.

 

[wholigan11]

I've been in a somewhat situation.

I went to a public high school, but then went to a private Catholic college for two years before switching to a public secular university. It is a big shock. I called it "a pilgrim in a unholy land."

On campus is there some kind of building or gathering that involves Christians?

 

[LovelyLeah93b]

On campus is there some kind of building or gathering that involves Christians?

I'm pretty sure there are groups like that. I'm still trying to get my bearings. But thanks!

 

[Mr Dave]

Hope it all works out for you. Sorry I can't offer any personal advice, we pretty much only have secular universities, and I was state-schooled, so wasn't a shock. I'd imagine your uni will have a chaplaincy and various christian societies though, it's be worth checking them out to engage with others in a similar position.

 

[K9_Trainer]

There should be Christian groups/clubs on campus. I know mine has at least 2, Simple Truth and Campus Crusade for Christ (which I believe is a much larger, nationwide group).

 

[GrizzlyMonKeH]

Campus Crusade!

 

[Unix]

Don't give up what You believe in and Your values!

I've been holding to my values, such as to not watch TV, not go to cinema and not listen to a lot of music. I've never had a TV in my own home nor a real stereo
I don't use foul language
I don't eat pork

My values are not due to my upbringing

I've never used Facebook

There is a simple rule: don't get so focused on entertainment as others are!

And I have to say, every day is a new surprise and a new shock. I feel like I've landed on another planet! I'm really struggling to adjust,

Most parlour-games are OK. I've given up my focus on cars because the parking turned out to be a problem when I moved from a very rural town to the big university-city 5 years ago. Now I don't live in a uni-city anymore, but in the largest city of this country.

 

[icoo]

That's a tough situation to be in. Daily reading of the Bible and prayer (and podcasts of sermons is great too) are going to be needed to keep your mind on the right track in an environment where sin and anti-Christianity will be heavily promoted and sin is glorified.

 

[Jesse Marie]

See if there is a Campus Crusade or InterVarsity Christian Fellowship on your campus. I found IV on mine and it's been really great! It is a larger organization so there may be one where you are. It also helps to google and find out where the local churches are so that you can go to services if you choose to. I also go to a state university and there is a Center for Jewish Culture where they take car caravans to the local synagogue (sp?). If there is something like that on campus, there is a good chance that you will be able to find a group for christians too. Good luck!

 

[rmarvel]

Don't give up what You believe in and Your values!

I've been holding to my values, such as to not watch TV, not go to cinema and not listen to a lot of music. I've never had a TV in my own home nor a real stereo
I don't use foul language
I don't eat pork

My values are not due to my upbringing

I've never used Facebook

There is a simple rule: don't get so focused on entertainment as others are!Most parlour-games are OK. I've given up my focus on cars because the parking turned out to be a problem when I moved from a very rural town to the big university-city 5 years ago. Now I don't live in a uni-city anymore, but in the largest city of this country.

Wow i am doing my homework while watching TV and got done eating a Ham sandwich a bit ago
And just read this I feel like a pagan now

Sent from my Straight Talk Samsung Droid® using CF

 

[JumpIntoInfinity]

I know it must be hard, but try to find a Christian group and focus on your studies. The reason for being in college, after all, is to get a good degree.

 

[Hidden101]

That's a tough situation to be in. Daily reading of the Bible and prayer (and podcasts of sermons is great too) are going to be needed to keep your mind on the right track in an environment where sin and anti-Christianity will be heavily promoted and sin is glorified.

Hello there. I think Australia only has 2 religiously affiliated universities. Those being ACU and Notre Dame. Most secular universities have Christian clubs and the like. Join them.

 

[WisdomTree]

Go to Church, there are bound to be good people there!