College decisions are more complicated than you think.

It’s not just choosing where to go to school; it’s choosing where to live. Maybe you want to stay close to home, or maybe you can’t wait to start off on your own. The choice is up to you.

Whatever the case, even if you’re commuting, you still need to set up a community of your own, and there’s no better place to do that than on a Christian campus. Here are ten experiences you’ll only have at a Christian college.

1. CHURCH VISITING

If it’s Sunday morning, then there’s someone trying a new church. It’s nice to settle down with a church family of your own, but if you haven’t found one yet, there’s always room left to discover and explore. Grab a friend and start looking.

2. IMPROMPTU WORSHIP SESSIONS

Sometimes people play their guitars and start singing in the middle of the student union. What’s wrong with joining in?

3. SERVICE PROJECTS

Prayer walks. Feeding the homeless. And, whatever cause you want to support, whoever you want to help, there’s a service project for that.

4. LIMITED OPEN DORM NIGHTS

Enjoy the company of the opposite sex for a few hours without having to live in the same space. And, if you don’t want to mingle, you don’t have to; most halls close before midnight, so you can still finish studying before you go to bed.

5. PRAYER PARTNERS

Need prayer? Reach out to a friend, a roommate or even a professor. They care about you and the things you’re struggling with, so don’t be afraid to turn to them. Together you can lift your burdens up to God and leave them in His hands.

6. THIRD CULTURE KIDS

You’ll meet international students no matter where you go to school, but Christian colleges offer a different type of diversity: third culture kids. These students, most of whom grew up in missionary families overseas, are adapting to the college lifestyle just as much as you are.

7. CHAPELS

Whether or not chapels are required, campus life wouldn’t be the same without them. Join in community with your fellow students for a unique experience of worship and reflection. Guests speakers, worship bands and special concerts and more can be found at a college dedicated to spiritual growth in Christ.

8. STAFF AND FACULTY MENTORS

On a campus filled with peers, it can sometimes feel difficult to get the guidance you need, especially on a spiritual. At a Christian college, faculty and staff are ready to walk alongside you in your relationship with Christ. Many of them even have mentoring programs to match you with a mentor that’s perfect for you.

9. MISSIONS OPPORTUNITIES

People will tell you that college is the best time in your life to see the world. Why not make a difference at the same time? A spring break trip to Chicago can reach out to the homeless; two weeks in Zambia could save someone’s life. Above all, you get to do these things in the name of Jesus Christ.

10. THE BODY OF CHRIST

The words, “Christian campus,” should only lead to one conclusion: students who belong to Jesus Christ. That’s something that you can’t get anywhere else. Christian colleges live to serve God through the way they educate their students, and that includes you.

THE TAKEAWAY

There are so many amazing opportunities to experience at a Christian college. Don’t let the fear of leaving home hold you back: take the chance to go and grow in the love of Jesus Christ.