As part of my work, I meet youth workers and talk about how they can prepare young people for University. Often youth workers and I talk about our ideas for what young people need, but one youth worker Mark Hand, from Northern Ireland, asked his young people what they want in preparation for uni. Here is what they said...
Michelle:
‘I think it's really important for the church to help the students have really clear boundaries in their head before they go to uni... and maybe offer mentoring'
Emma:
‘Something I found really useful was a thing I went to called uni boot camp where there was talks about budgeting, surviving uni and a how to look after your faith. I think something about evangelism would be useful before people go to uni. And when they're there just checking up on them to see how they're doing.’
Katelin:
'Of course people ask "how is uni going" but that's about as far as it goes. I would love it if there was a young adults style group in my church specifically for uni students etc. but unfortunately I am the only person in my church of uni age. Having one-on-one mentoring would make life SO much better and easier because uni is tough and sometimes it feels like you're completely on your own and just having someone there to talk to about the workload and how to fit Jesus into that would be amazing.'
Leah:
'For me, it would be a lovely start for my church to pray with me/for me... Like if they asked what anxiety's I had going/what they are now because that would even provide a safe place to share thoughts and feelings where I didn't feel comfortable anywhere else.'
Emma:
'Maybe for students going away to uni it would be helpful for home churches to provide contacts in churches wherever you are going to uni so that you can get settled in a church quickly when you move. Also little updates on how the church is getting on at home.'
