For some the thought of moving away from home to start college can be frightening. Others can’t wait to break free and spread their newly grown wings. No matter how you might feel about leaving home, you must try even harder than before to hold strong to everything you’ve been taught, especially those things on a spiritual level.
For the first time ever there is no one looking over your shoulder constantly reminding you to do your homework, say your prayers, read your Bible, and go to church. For the first time ever you must rely entirely on yourself to make sure everything gets done (and I’m not just talking about your laundry).
I moved away for my first year of college. Okay so it was only a two hour-drive, but it was still the furthest away from home I’d ever been. The distance didn’t seem quite so vast as I had three friends from high school going there with me. In fact, we roomed together with two other girls, all of us Mormons.
The wonderful thing about having all these remarkable girls to room with turned out to be our moral support system. We cheered one another on to make good and right choices, prayed together at night, got each other up for church every Sunday, and supported one another in any church callings (positions given within the church).
That’s not to say dorm life was perfect. Think about it: six girls in one living area. It’s bound to have a few explosions every now and again.
Not everyone who moves away to college has the benefit of keeping their best friends nearby. In fact, many end up moving out of state, especially as they go on to graduate school. Different cultures, races, and religions will abound.
At times like these it is even more vital to hold strong to all you’ve been taught. Your entire church-going experiences have led you up to this point. The question now becomes, how will you represent your church?
Intolerance is a hateful word. Yet most experiences I’ve had when it comes to other religious views of Mormons has included some degree of intolerance. I’ve seen it happen the other way as well, in colleges like the one I attended which are predominately Mormon.
It could be you might meet your first Mormon, or member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It could be you have your own ideas of what Mormons are all about. Don’t let that stop you from being open to learning more.
Listen. Ask questions. Treat their beliefs in the same manner you’d want your own treated. Don’t be afraid to share your own beliefs as well.
Take advantage of the experiences and learning of others. Make it a valuable addition to your new college life.
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Mormons have three universities which are funded entirely by tuition, donations and church funds:
Brigham Young University
Brigham Young University – Idaho
Brigham Young University – Hawaii
College is definitely an interesting time. I just started my freshman year at BYU-I in Fall semester of 2011. I’m originally from California, so Idaho is a bit far away. Where I live now isn’t like Laurie’s two hour drive from home; it’s about a sixteen hour drive. Originally, I wasn’t sure if I wanted to go to an out of state school. It would be more expensive, and I’ve never been much of a traveler. However, I decided to make a leap of faith and try something new. On the drive up, I expected my first few weeks to be frightening and I expected to be incredibly homesick, but my experiences here have been far from depressing. My roommates have been loving, my classes have been uplifting, and the atmosphere is invigorating. It’s a wonderful experience to finally be on your own and to be independent in your decision making. If you’re of the Latter-day Saint faith, I would highly recommend going to an LDS college. The secular classes are challenging enough to make you think on your own and reason for yourself. The religion classes are remarkable for spiritual development. The people here are amazing! Finally, everyone at your school has the same religious standards (most of them, at least), and will respect you for the decisions and promises you’ve made. I didn’t go on many dates in high school and didn’t expect to have that change as dramatically as it has. There really is a match for everyone. I’ve also become healthier because I’ve been able to choose the food I buy and workout at the gym that’s so close to my apartment. It’s amazing that all the things I was worried about missing from home have all been found at this school.
If you’re a Latter-day Saint who wants to go to a non-LDS college, I wouldn’t doubt it too would be an incredible experience. I’ve lived in places where I was the only Mormon at my school. It can be hard, but it’s always worthwhile to practice your standards and be unique. Like Laurie said, you have to remember to be open-minded to others and their beliefs. There’s no harm in listening to others opinions. You can listen and not be defensive. You can hear someone’s opinion without having to agree with it. The same applies for students going to an LDS college as well. You will meet people who have higher or lower standards than you. It’s best to listen to their opinion, but follow what your own conscience tells you.
Going to college (literally moving out of your parents house and going to school) is an experience every young adult deserves. It’s not as scary, or as hard, as it seems. When you’re open-minded, it’s actually better than you can imagine. What’s most important is to have a good attitude. Be optimistic that you will achieve in your classes, love your roommates, and date all the guys (or girls!) around.
My best tip would be to buy a planner! Time management is the best skill you can acquire. Don’t forget to do your homework, exercise, and have fun!