Three Important Rules for College Students

It’s that time of the year again. Many 18 years old will embark on the pursuit of knowledge on the grounds of academia. Whether it’s Harvard, UCLA, Notre Dame, and every campus in between, students will have decisions to make on their future.

Whether one is attending a Catholic or secular campus, Catholics must live by three important rules.

Surround Yourself with People Who Will Build You Up

The land of academia provides one of the biggest challenges that hasn’t been seen in so many decades. My mom has often talked about the crowd you’re a part of can either build you up or tear you down. She was right. College is really a big challenge. For many who are out of their parent’s house, it is an even bigger challenge. Some ways to find the right people are to get involved at the Newman Center, take part in clubs and activities that do not compromise your Catholic beliefs, and most importantly avoid people that engage in negative behaviors.

Don’t Be Lazy/Work Hard

The pitfall for many college students is the cultivation of the sin of sloth. Many who get some sort of scholastic aid would wind up losing it after a year due to a lack of effort in their studies. Many parents have made sacrifices for their children to go to college for a better outcome. Yet, some have not honored everything they did to help them.

Another way for students to not engage in sloth is by getting involved with activities on campus. Consider taking part in a club pertaining to one’s major or minor. Meet up with classmates for group study. Explore the town with others. Stop trapping yourself in the dorm playing video games. Yes, homework and studying are important. Thankfully, there's a library that can be a great escape. 

Pray/Attend Mass

Believe it or not, some of the powerful reversion and conversion stories come from those who take part in the Eucharist. Many Catholics on the secular campuses have created as Pope Francis has called for time and time again a “culture of encounter”. Through my support, the missionaries from FOCUS would share with me through a newsletter how they’ve changed the culture of the campus, help those understand what Catholicism really is, and in time walk them through their journey and establish a lifelong connection.

Take time to establish a prayer routine with others. Pray the rosary. Journal. Take part in ministry at Catholic Center. Join the Knights of Columbus. Do whatever it takes to keep the faith while attending college. Most importantly, get to Mass.

Now, let us pray for all college students from a prayer written by St. Thomas Aquinas

Come, Holy Spirit, Divine Creator, true source of light and fountain of wisdom! Pour forth your brilliance upon my dense intellect, dissipate the darkness which covers me, that of sin and of ignorance. Grant me a penetrating mind to understand, a retentive memory, method and ease in learning, the lucidity to comprehend, and abundant grace in expressing myself. Guide the beginning of my work, direct its progress, and bring it to successful completion. This I ask through Jesus Christ, true God and true man, living and reigning with You and the Father, forever and ever.

To all who will be attending college, my prayers are with you.