As my family and I drove to Andrews University in August 2021, reality started to sink in. After passing by miles of farmland, I realized that this was completely different from what I was used to. Growing up near Washington, D.C., with activities, restaurants and many cities to explore all within a 15-minute drive, I felt very uneasy when I realized that my home for the next four years was a quiet, rural and small town. Would I miss out on the exciting experiences that students at other universities seemed to enjoy?
After I waved goodbye to my family and headed to my small dorm room in Lamson Hall, I had no idea what the next couple of years at Andrews would actually look like. Little did I know that the next four years would shape me in ways I could have never imagined. Now, as a senior graduating in May, I can confidently say that I’ve had an amazing college experience.
The fact is, some students love Andrews, while others can’t wait to leave. The key to making new experiences worthwhile is to embrace the change and make the most of where you are. So, how can you make the most out of your Andrews experience? Here are some suggestions to ensure your time here is as fulfilling as possible.
Build connections
The friendships you build will shape your entire college experience academically, socially and emotionally. It is important to be friendly and step out of your comfort zone, as Andrews has people you would never meet anywhere else. However, it is also very important to be aware of who you are surrounded by. Surround yourself with people who challenge you—like friends who will wake up at 6 a.m. to hit the gym with you. Find friends who align with your goals, the type of friends who will study with you. Look for those who are willing to make the most of their college experience with you. These four years fly by; don’t waste them with the wrong crowd. Instead, experience every day with good friends by your side.
Get involved
While friendships are key, getting involved on campus is just as important in shaping your college experience. Andrews has a large variety of ways for students to get involved. The university prides itself on being one of the most diverse campuses in the U.S., offering a wide range of cultural clubs, churches and activities. Join one, find community, learn something new, and connect with people from different backgrounds. As a Seventh-day Adventist institution, there are also many opportunities to be involved in spiritual endeavors, such as church, vesper programs and outreach.
Another incredible spiritual opportunity at Andrews is student missions. Student missions allows you to take a summer, semester or whole year and use it to volunteer domestically or abroad. Positions include anything from teacher to Bible worker to medical assistant, and it is oftentimes a life-changing experience.
Students can also sign up for study abroad programs and spend time studying in Italy, Spain, Argentina and many more countries! Summer study tours offer opportunities to explore Europe, South America, the Middle East, and beyond. Adventist Colleges Abroad extends traveling to different host countries worldwide, and students can take a semester or year to live somewhere else while taking classes that apply to their degree.
To save for these future endeavors, you can pick up a campus job. Andrews offers many positions where students can earn money while in school, either within their own department or others such as food services, the library or housekeeping. Last but not least, getting involved can simply mean using the amenities your tuition covers, including the Andreasen Center for Wellness. Take advantage of these opportunities, meet new people and create lasting memories.
Explore off-campus experiences
Campus life is great, but some of your best college memories will be made off-campus. Summer and fall are some of the best times to be in Berrien Springs. Visiting St. Joseph to swim in the lake, watching breathtaking sunsets, canoeing or jumping off the pylons in the St. Joseph River are experiences you won’t want to miss. You should also pop into local cafés and restaurants like brunch at Mason Jar Café in Benton Harbor, yummy noodles at Tim’s Too in St. Joseph, and of course, a sandwich from Baguette de France just down the street from the campus’s main entrance! Andrews is also only a train or car ride away from the city of Chicago, where you can roam the streets with no plan. Grand Rapids is just under two hours away, too, and it’s a great place to visit during the winter. Your college experience is not limited to the Andrews campus, so go explore!
So far, all I have mentioned are ways to have fun, and while that is important, let’s not forget why we are all here: to learn and graduate. While it is very important to make friends and memories, it is equally important to take your studies seriously. Utilize the study rooms, libraries and tutoring at your disposal. Plan your time wisely and prioritize your studies. One of the best decisions I made at Andrews, considering its small student body size, was getting to know my professors. Andrews professors aren’t just there to give you tests and grade your papers—they can mentor, guide and support you in ways you might not expect.
Last but not least, make sure to enjoy every day. College can be stressful, but don’t get so caught up in studying that you forget to live. It’s likely you will never again live just down the hall from your friends. You may never again have the freedom to take a spontaneous trip to the lake after class. Never again will you be this young, with so much opportunity ahead of you.
I once feared that I’d miss out by coming to Andrews. Now, as I leave, I realize I never missed out; I made the most of every moment, and so can you.
The Student Movement is the official student newspaper of Andrews University. Opinions expressed in the Student Movement are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors, Andrews University or the Seventh-day Adventist church.