This fall we challenge you to invest in a college student.

I love engaging with this age group. The college years are some of the most formative years in a person’s life. Students begin making decisions like finding a healthy local church on their own for the first time, navigating friendships, and time management. It is a time where young adults begin learning what it looks like to follow Jesus on their own. 

This might be a season where God wants to you YOU as an encouragement to young adults. You don’t need to lead a Bible study, become a mentor, or add another weekly commitment to your schedule initially. Begin with something as simple as opening your home as a place to study or hang out, offering your laundry room, or share small reminders that they are loved like stocking your pantry with a favorite snacks.

If you’ve thought about intentionally investing in a college student, here are five practical ways to get started.

1. Find One Student to Invest In

The first question most people ask is, Where do I find a college student?

Start with the relationships God has already placed around you. Ask your church if there are students attending school nearby or if they have a college ministry that could connect you with a student. Reach out to your local Young Life or Cru ministry. Many of their volunteer leaders are college students who spend hours each week discipling high school students while balancing classes, work, and ministry. They are faithfully investing in others and are often deeply encouraged when someone invests in them.

You may even know a student already. Perhaps it’s a neighbor, the child of a friend, or someone who recently graduated from your church.

Don’t feel like you need to take on several students. Start with one.

2. Offer a Place That Feels Like Home

One of the greatest gifts you can give a college student is a place to open the pantry for snacks or sofa to watch a movie.

Invite them over for Sunday lunch after church. Tell them they’re welcome to bring their laundry. Include them for watching a football game, celebrate a birthday, or enjoy a home cooked meal before heading back to campus.

For many students, these ordinary moments become some of their favorite memories. I have adults who are now married with children walk into my kitchen remembering exactly where things were during their college days. It doesn’t have to be an elaborate event. They’re simply grateful for a place where they’re known, welcomed, and reminded what home feels like.

Don’t overcomplicate it. Think of them as you would your own child and add a few favorite snacks to your pantry or drinks in the fridge. 

3. Meet Practical Needs

College students are often living on limited budgets and juggling busy schedules. 

Think about small ways you could lighten that load. Double a recipe you’re already making and send them home with a few single serving meals. Drop off soup when they’re sick. If your family is making a Costco run, ask if there’s anything they need.

If the student you’re investing in lives far away, don’t let distance stop you. Mail a birthday card, send a finals care package with their favorite snacks, or surprise them with a small gift card and a note of encouragement. Send them a package of Bible loving supplies linked here!

Here are college care notes you can print!

Here is something that I print out and have college kids fill out for me to help me remember their favorites!

4. Encourage Their Walk with Christ

While practical care is important, don’t miss the opportunity to encourage their faith.

Send a text letting them know you are on their mind and how you can pray for them. Encourage them through a DM or comment on a recent instagram post. Check in after the first few weeks of classes and ask if they’ve found a church. Send a text before an exam letting them know you’re praying. Share a passage of Scripture that encouraged you that week. Send them a Scripture rich book or devotional. Here are some favorites.

Here are prayers you can pray or use to shape your notes of encouragement.

p.s. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t get a response back or you simply receive a thumbs up :) Young adults need a lot of grace when it comes to communication. 

Your consistent encouragement may be one of the ways God strengthens their faith during a season filled with new challenges and new decisions.

5. Stay Connected Throughout the Semester

Set a reminder for their birthday. Text them before finals. Invite them over during fall break if they’re staying on campus. Check in after the semester ends. If they’re serving in ministry, ask how you can specifically pray for them.

Those ordinary moments of encouragement can become reminders of God’s faithful care through His people.

Investing in One Student Can Make a Difference

When I recently taught a Discipleship 101 course, it was amazing to hear the stories of from those in their 40s-70s reflect on their own discipleship and who invested in them. Many shared that it was in college and people investing in them during that season that truly changed the trajectory of their faith. 

As these students grow in maturity, responsibility, and pursuit of their passions, you could have an important role to play. What a great way to help them grow in the things of God, in biblical literacy, and as they discern the calling God has for them as he speaks through his Word!

Start with one of these simple ways to get started growing a relationship. Pray for opportunities for gospel conversations and ongoing opportunities to invest in deeper and creative ways with the Word.

We are excited for you to join us in making disciples of the next generation!