If you’re a high school senior, you’ve probably been asking yourself: “What’s college really going to be like?” You might even be searching Google for things like day in the life of a college student or what is campus life like, or even more specific, what is campus life like at a Christian university? Great questions—because campus life is about much more than just classes. It’s about where you’ll live, who you’ll meet and what kind of memories you’ll make over the next four years.
Community Comes First
If you choose a Christian school, one of the biggest differences you’ll notice from a secular university is the sense of community. Professors will know your name (and yes, they’ll notice if you’re absent). You’re not just a face in a classroom—you’re part of a close-knit community of people who genuinely care about you. And at a place like NNU, faith and learning are woven together. The conversations you’ll have with classmates often go deeper than just, “What’s on the test?” They will likely focus on, “Who are you … really?”
A Typical Day
So, what does a typical day look like for a college student? Picture this: you roll out of bed in your dorm, grab a latte at the campus coffee shop and head to your morning class. Between classes, you might attend chapel, meet friends for lunch, head to the gym or sneak in some study time at the library. Afternoons are usually a mix of more classes, gathering for group projects, maybe a rehearsal if you’re involved in music or theatre or a practice if you’re a student athlete. Evenings? They could be filled with intramural sports, a worship night, small group Bible study or just hanging out in the dorm watching movies. Oh, and maybe a late-night pizza run.
Your days will be busy, but in a good way. You’ll never run out of things to do—and you’ll also learn how to balance work, fun and rest.
Learning Inside and Outside the Classroom
One of the best parts of the college experience is that learning doesn’t stop once you leave the classroom. Discussions often spill over into lunch or late-night conversations. At NNU and schools like it, your education connects with real-world questions: Who do you want to be? How does your career path line up with your values? How can your faith guide your decisions?
College isn’t just about getting a degree—it’s about discovering who you are spiritually, intellectually and personally. This is what people mean when they talk about the transformation of the whole person. And at NNU, those are more than words—it’s who we are!
Friendships That Feel Like Family
Let’s be honest: college friends become your people. Whether it’s late-night taco runs, cramming for finals or spontaneous road trips, these are the folks who’ll be in your corner for years to come. Some of them for the rest of your life. At smaller Christian universities, friendships often feel even stronger because you’re doing all of life together—in the classroom, in chapel and during the weekends.
Campus Activities Keep Life Interesting
Worried you’ll get bored? Not likely. Campus life is packed with options: student clubs, service projects, concerts, sports, worship nights and leadership retreats. At NNU, for example, students get involved in everything from mission trips to music ensembles to outdoor adventures in our home state of Idaho. College is a time to try new things, discover what you love and meet people while you’re doing it.
The Big Picture
So, what is campus life like at a Christian university? It’s a mix of faith, friendship, late-night study sessions and plenty of opportunities to grow. You’ll be stretched, encouraged and supported in ways that shape you long after graduation.
If you’re looking for a school where your college experience is about more than just earning a degree—where the focus is on the transformation of the whole person through Christ-centered community and learning—a university like NNU should definitely be on your list.
Want to Know More?
Part of your decision-making process should include a campus visit. There’s no better way to get a feel for the vibe, and some schools, including NNU, offer a visit scholarship. While you’re on campus, notice how students interact, check out the dorms, visit a class, meet a professor and ask yourself, “Can I see myself here?” Pro tip: talk with students you bump into on your visit. They’ll give you the honest version of what campus life is really like. And if you’re considering NNU, you’ll quickly see how community-focused the place is.
