Brydon Sundgren studied Engineering and Commerce conjoint at the University of Auckland. He now works as a Civil Engineer and Project Manager.
Life is often a series of gradual changes, but there are some milestones where the change is rapid and suddenly life is completely different to how it was before: moving cities, getting married, or losing a loved one, for example. Starting tertiary studies is one of those milestones that presents many challenges and opportunities. I recall being both excited and somewhat petrified. There were so many possibilities, but also so many changes and decisions I would have to navigate myself. The time and freedom a tertiary student has is somewhat unique. How should a student make the most of it and, at the same time, set habits that serve them well in the future?
Spending time
“Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom” (Psalm 90:12).
The phrase, ’spending time’ is helpful as we think about how to use our days. Like money, if we are wise and want to use it well, we need to know God’s priorities, to make prayerful decisions, and to make some deliberate choices.
For the tertiary student, the expectations to be attending school every weekday, wearing a school uniform and having scheduled morning tea and lunchtimes, have gone. It’s up to you to decide when to go to campus (or attend class online), what you’re going to wear, and when you’re going to eat, to name just a few decisions you’ll need to make each day.
Yet the increased freedom is contrasted with the fact that we still only have 24 hours in a day. Moses recognises this in Psalm 90. He desires to make the most of each day, knowing that time is limited, and wanting to seek God’s wisdom for how best to spend his time. Similarly, our time as students is limited. Yes, we have more freedom to decide how we spend our time, but at the end of the day, we should be aspiring to use our time well.
As Christians, our primary purpose is to glorify God in all that we do. 1 Corinthians 10:31 states, “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God”. This means that our studies, relationships, and even leisure activities should reflect our commitment to honouring Him. There will be many competing calls on your time. How will you choose what to prioritise? What could this look like in your day-to-day life? This will be different for each individual, but take some time to pray and to chat with a trusted friend about what you really want to prioritise in the next few years. You might find it helpful to make some notes (you’ll find a space on pages 8-9). These are some areas that you might like to consider.
Set aside time for spiritual growth
One of the richest parts of my life today is the daily devotional time with my wife. During this time, we also spend some time discussing the highs and lows of our day. We commit those things and anything else that is on our minds to prayer. This was a habit that we committed to forming at the start of our marriage, as we wanted to spend quality time together, dwelling on God’s Word and in prayer.
Similarly, as a student, you can set aside time for your daily devotions and prayer. Some apps or resources that can help you do this are: Rhema’s “Word For You Today”, the YouVersion Bible app’s reading plans and the Lectio 365 app.
You could prioritise being a part of a Bible study group to help you grow in knowledge and understanding of your faith. This could be with your local TSCF group or through your local church. I’ve found that it is important that I make my spiritual growth a priority. Doing so allows me to stay connected to God, grounds me in my faith, and my life is richer having spent the time pursuing Him.
Be diligent in your studies
I recall someone older and wiser reminding me that the main purpose of tertiary study is “to achieve your qualification.” It is easy to become distracted by everything else you could get involved with, but remember to be diligent in your studies, too. Seeking to do our best in our coursework is an act of worship as we seek to fulfil the potential God has given us. And to grow in our understanding, insight, and wisdom gained through our studies.
Try new things
At the same time, I really enjoyed the opportunity to try new things at university. Whether it be picking up a new sport or trying out new hobbies and interests, there are lots of opportunities for you to get involved and broaden your horizons. As Christians, we believe that God is our creator and that what He has created is inherently good. I challenge you to venture out of your comfort zone and try something new. With all the clubs and societies available to you, it’ll likely be the easiest (with the amount of free time you have) and cheapest (with the student discounts) time for you to give something new a go!
Use your time to invest in relationships and community
Reflecting on my time at high school and university, I wish I had spent more time investing in building deeper relationships with others. As someone with an action-oriented personality, I did (and still do) get caught up doing a lot of things and getting ‘busy’. This meant that I did not spend a lot of time growing friendships and relationships with others. I neglected this to pursue my own selfish desires and ambitions.
As Christians, we are taught that we are all part of the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12), with each of us playing our unique roles and yet living in community and relationship with one another. I’d strongly encourage you to connect with your local church, particularly if you have moved out of your home, and to consider joining a TSCF group as well. Aim to grow deep relationships with classmates, friends and those in the groups you are part of. How could you get to know people better and grow your relationships?
As a student, you could also consider giving up some of your time to serve in your local church, TSCF group, or community. You are likely to be quite flexible with your time, so you could give away some of it to help serve others. This embodies loving your neighbour.
Prioritise rest
During my time as a student, I struggled with making rest a priority. There were always so many different activities I could do, people to hang out with, and even TV shows to binge-watch. One thing I’ve come to learn, particularly as I’ve grown older, is the importance of rest. As Creator, God modelled the importance of rest from the outset. In Genesis 2, God rests on the seventh day from all his work: “Then God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it he rested from all the work of creating that he had done”. Later as one of the Ten Commandments, the command to “Remember the Sabbath day and keep it holy” is given (Exodus 20:8).
Today, I observe that our society is living with an expectation of immediacy. This has led to us living ‘busy’ and fast-paced lives, seeking instant gratification and being alert. It’s very easy to feel pressured to always be ‘on’, ready to react immediately to the next thing or urge. God not only invites but commands us to rest from our work as he recognises the importance of slowing down. “Be still and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10). How can we do this if we’re constantly busy and not taking time to slow down, rest, and be still? I’d encourage you to make sure you prioritise resting. Could you make sure that you put aside time once a week to not be completing assignments or studying? Could you prioritise giving God some time by committing to regularly attending a church every Sunday? How about committing to being present and slowing down by being technology-free for all or part of a day?
Though some of us may need to hear the call to greater discipline or diligence with our time, others of us may worry too much about making choices, have the fear of regret looming over us, or joy-sapping FOMO. You may need to hear the call to rest in God, to trust that God is with you, guiding and empowering you every step of the way. Avoid comparisons, and the temptation to try and do everything. Trust in His wisdom, seek His guidance, and commit your time to bringing Him glory. I pray that you remember that you are not alone.