Preparing for Studentscape
Life with God is an adventure.
Adventures are journeys of discovery: we can discover more about God, more about ourselves and more about the world around us. For many the university years are a defining part of that adventure and this resource is designed to prepare you for the full experience of studentscape. The new landscape of university awaits and it is best to start the adventure prepared.
Over the last 12 years I’ve advised over 200 churches on student ministry and been part of a local church community that has welcomed over 700 students from every church background and none. We have actively sought to serve and encourage students to live for God, love their friends and get the most out of their time at university. This resource distils some of that experience and knowledge so that you can be fully prepared for studentscape.
Go for it!
Who is studentscape for?
Studentscape has been written with the 18-25 age group in mind and is a values-based approach to discipleship. It has been specifically written for those in or going into higher and further education and is an essential resource for every young person who intends on going to college or university.
How to use studentscape
Studentscape looks at a different topic for each month. The resource can be studied each month in the year leading up to university, as a crash course over the summer or during university.
It can be worked through with a friend, with a youth leader/mentor, in a small group or even on your own. Each month’s content is written in such a way as to allow students to talk through the challenges together and also reflect personally on what they mean for them. The principles and values that are looked at over these months are mirrored at university and in life.
It is recommended that everyone has their own copy for completing the exercises and for future reference once at university. Here’s how we recommend you use this resource in different settings.
With a friend
Not only will this prepare you for university it will deepen your friendships. Be as honest and as vulnerable as you dare and you will get loads out of it.
With a youth leader/mentor
If you don’t have one, try asking someone whom you respect who can walk this journey of preparation with you.
In a small group
This could be a cell group or a specific group that comes together to get to grips with preparing for university.
On your own
Going through this resource on your own is better than not going through it at all. God will speak to you and prepare you and bring people into your life to work through the things you can’t do on your own.
Themes and Tools
Each month there is a different travelling companion (a character from the Bible) to learn from and explore the landscape with, and some common themes and tools to aid your journey of discovery.
Themes
Themes are metaphors for the everyday things that make up your journey through studentscape.
Landscape
The landscape represents the topic to be discussed that month. It gives an overview and backdrop to the subject to be explored in that particular chapter.
Travelling Companion
This is a biblical buddy, a person from the Bible, whom we can learn from and who will help apply God’s truth into our everyday lives.
Mountains
Mountains represent the challenges and obstacles we face. They can be in our past, present or future. We must find ways of overcoming them.
Lakes
These are the deep waters of truth. As we turn to scripture for help and inspiration they can also become internal reservoirs to draw on as we understand and apply the different biblical passages.
Streams
Streams represent the continual flow of water necessary for sustaining life. The apostle Paul urges us to pray continually and be spiritually sustained by bringing things to God in prayer.
Tools
Tools are metaphors for the everyday resources that can help you on your journey through studentscape.
Campfire
Around the campfire is our community, our friendship group. It is a place of fellowship and fun and where we plan and talk through what it is we need to do together.
Tent
A one man tent creates an environment for making decisions to take personal responsibility. Godly habits and disciplines that need to be cultivated and things that must be done alone can be considered in the tent.
Compass
A regular glance at the compass will ensure we travel in the right direction. We need to be looking to God regularly to affirm our chosen path and stay close to his ways.
Rope
Rope enables us to overcome difficult terrain and tackle the ups and downs in life. It represents the resources, relationships and wisdom that can help us conquer the mountains and other challenges.