How to Make a Difference as a Student

College is an amazing time of life filled with opportunities for students to learn more about themselves and the world around them. While they’re interacting with new communities in new environments, students may start to wonder how they can make a positive impact in this stage of life.

There are many ways you can make a difference as a college student. By being proactive in seeking out opportunities for personal growth as well as community engagement and involvement, you can be confident that you are creating positive change on your campus.

Here are five ways to make a difference as a college student.

1. Get involved on campus.

The first step you can take to make a positive impact in college is to get involved on campus and serve those around you.

Become a tutor to make a difference in the lives of your peers or work in the library to assist students with their homework needs. Help freshmen get adjusted to college life by helping them move into their dorms. Consider getting involved in student politics to advocate for change campus-wide. You can even advocate for your school by being a tour guide. This position gives you the unique opportunity to influence the next generation of students coming after you.

2. Participate in missions.

Missions is a unique way to make a difference in the lives of others around the world and on campus by bringing your experiences back with you.

Consider going on a short or long-term missions trip while you’re in college. Whether traveling domestically or internationally, you are learning more about yourself and the world around you by experiencing another culture. Your eyes are opened to new ways of thinking which will bring a fresh perspective to you as a student and greatly benefit your college journey. Serving strangers around the world will open your eyes to see people in need on your campus and help you love those around you.

3. Volunteer.

One of the best ways you can make a difference as a student is to volunteer. This is an amazing way for you to make an impact not just on your campus but in the local community as well.

Look around for local charities in need of volunteers, join a campus outreach program, or impact others by serving at your church or other churches in the area. Volunteer at a local soup kitchen, participate in a food drive or help at a local animal shelter. If your school doesn’t have many charities nearby to volunteer with on the weekends, consider getting your friends together to take a trip to the nearest charity or non-profit. Serving while you’re in college is also a great way to discover what you’re passionate about. With your experience, you can know where you’d like to serve after graduation. Volunteering won’t just bless those around you — it will also bless you!

4. Serve those around you.

While serving your community is an admirable and important thing, remember to stop and see the needs of those around you.

Start by being kind to your immediate circles on campus. Be intentional about connecting with the staff and your professors, as well as your roommates and friends. Make a point to get to know campus staff and show kindness to those who are serving you every day. Go out of your way to show kindness to younger or newer students, and reach out to those who may be isolated. Consider inviting your classmates to work on homework together or getting your roommates together for a hang out. People will gravitate toward you when you are kind and inclusive, and you’ll be able to make a difference in the lives of those around you.

5. Join a ministry team.

If you attend a faith-based university, there are most likely multiple ways you can make a difference by getting involved in campus ministry.

Even if you’ve never done it before, you can develop your leadership skills by hosting a small group, joining a prayer team, or getting involved with a campus outreach ministry. Doing so will allow you to foster God-honoring and life-changing conversations with people in the same season of life as you. Consider joining ministry teams at chapel on campus to meet and encourage other students. You can even use your volunteer experience to create a new campus outreach ministry.

Having the desire to make a difference as a student is a great start to generating change. Start by taking small steps each day to show kindness to those around you and make a positive impact in this season of life. By making a positive impact in the lives of others, you will grow as an individual and create a lasting impact on your campus and in your college town for those coming after you.