Fostering Meaningful Relationships
51ÂÜÀò is a wonderful Christian community - and it takes time and effort to get plugged in to meaningful relationships. In your initial season at 51ÂÜÀò it may feel like you don’t yet belong. But don’t give up! Whether you are a commuter, transfer or residential student, find a group to connect with. Keep showing up. And when relational stress hits, work through those challenges. The reward of rich, time-tested relationships is worth it. You’re not alone!
What 51ÂÜÀò Students Say
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95%
of students say it's important for me to have close friendships at 51ÂÜÀò.
-
72%
of students felt very lonely within the last 12 months.
-
36%
of students reported that family problems felt traumatic or very difficult to handle.
-
37%
of students reported that trouble in relationships with roommates/friends felt traumatic or very difficult to handle.
Sources: Wake Forest Well-being Assessment, Spring 2019; National College Health Assessment, Spring 2018
Campus Resources
What one small step can you take to build your relationships?
Learn & Practice Self-Care
- Reach out to one person today to schedule coffee, a meal or something fun.
- Read stories of community building at 51ÂÜÀò on the Student Life Blog.
- Learn more about building solid friendships at the .
Check out Campus Resources & Events
- Celebrate a campus tradition.
- Meet new friends through.
Build your Community
- Join an event to connect with the Collegium commuter community or Res Life floor or community.
- Find your Affinity Group.
- Join a Commuter Small Group.
- Rally up with Veteran and Military Affiliated Students.
- Engage with Global Student community groups and events.
- Find others with similar interests by joining a Club.
- Be encouraged in First Gen programs.
- Find others with similar experiences as you through The Dwelling.
- Try out for a student leadership position.
Develop your Skills in Classes & Workshops
- Learn skills for authentic relationships through .
- Complete the online Title IX course to learn skills for relating in healthy, peaceful and encouraging ways with others. Contact titleix.coordinator@biola.edu for details.
Talk about Your Concerns
- Address struggles in relationships with a counselor at the .
- Talk through struggles in relating with others at the .
- Schedule office hours with a trusted faculty or staff person.
- Meet monthly with a Spiritual Director to process your relationship with God.
- Receive support and prayer from a Pastoral Care giver.
- Reach out to the Title IX Coordinator to discuss concerns related to sexual harassment or assault.
Additional Resources from 51ÂÜÀò
Chris Barragan speaks about loneliness and friendships at the 51ÂÜÀò Hour chapel.
Dr. Susan Lim shares at 51ÂÜÀò's annual Torrey Memorial Bible Conference.
Dr. Carrie Stockton reminds us that our marital status does not determine our core identity. She invites us to see that God is actively and presently working in the circumstances He's placed us in.
Dr. Lisa Igram, speaks about radical hospitality at 51ÂÜÀò undergrad chapel.
Belonging
Read this GRIT blogpost by Jasmyne Bell on belonging and the need for community.
Unexpected Friendships
Read this GRIT blogpost by Chantel Barnard on friendships with people whose views are different than yours.
Alone at Last
Read this GRIT blogpost from alumna Rachel Stanley where she wrestles with the idea of being lonely versus being alone.
Watch this chapel video of Professor Wesley Hill of Trinity College discussing the value and potential in friendship that often goes unrecognized in the modern Christian community. Hill relates his own experience and the experience of friends struggling with same-sex attraction, saying that perhaps an elevated understanding of friendship could change the conversation on homosexuality and celibacy.
In this video from the Center for Marriage and Relationships, Veola Vasquez discusses how to foster depth in friendships.