��Vlog: Catholic Colleges & Universities Blog

How College Expanded My Perspective on Religion and Faith

2026-04-25T03:43:38.615756-04:00

For some high school and college students who are fairly religious, religion can be a big part of the college search. What a school’s religious affiliation is, if any; what churches are in the area; what other religions are represented on campus; and countless other factors might come into play in their college decision. As someone who held on to the Roman Catholic faith my parents gave me pretty tightly as I moved away from home, being exposed to the different religious makeup at my college was a new and sometimes intriguing experience, an experience that has changed the way I see the world and my faith. Because of this, I wanted to talk about my experience and try to help those who might have a few questions of their own.

Religious backgrounds

Before I get into all of the religion-related things that changed when I moved out of my parents’ house, I should start with explaining what my religious background is like. As I said before, I grew up Roman Catholic, and the majority of my friends and family were of the same faith. There are at least half a dozen Catholic churches in my hometown. The exposure I had to other religions growing up was minimal: I knew a Mormon woman, and I had a Muslim classmate, but that was about it. I went to Sunday school when I was very young and started going to a private Catholic school when I was in sixth grade, and I stayed with Catholic education until I graduated high school. Needless to say, I was essentially surrounded by Catholics for most of my childhood.

Accept the change college brings

However, when I started at Morehead State University, everything changed. My school is about two hours from my hometown, a reasonable distance that allowed many things to stay the same—but some things to be drastically different. I always knew the area I grew up in was unique in its high population of Catholics, but I never realized how unique it was until I moved away. My University is fairly small and situated in an equally small town, not much different in size from my hometown, in fact. But compared to the half-dozen or so Catholic churches in my hometown, my college town boasts one in the whole county.

Your place on campus and your faith

So what’s the big deal? When I moved away from home, I knew I was moving to an area where a lot of people would have different beliefs from myself, but I didn’t realize what that would mean until I got there. Catholicism is unique among Christian religions in that sometimes we’re the “outliers,” with unique traditions and beliefs. So when I started college, I encountered a lot of questions about my faith, and I felt compelled to answer them. Often, this was difficult, because I had to answer for things I had considered commonplace and without need of explanation my entire life. But it also helped me because I was compelled to look at things from a new perspective.

Join on-campus religious organizations

I recently joined the Newman Center, the student center for Catholics, on campus, and that helped me realize there are others who deal with some of the things I’ve found myself dealing with, though I’ll admit there still aren’t a ton of us. But I’ve also joined a group on campus by way of my friends that works to support and educate people interested in or practicing alternative religions. I am still very much an outlier there as a member of an old, well-known religion, but this organization has educated me on many religions I had no idea existed. At the same time, it has actually helped me grow in my own faith, as I get a chance to share and reflect on what it means to be Catholic.

New perspectives and new religions

What does all of this mean if you’re moving someplace with a religious demographic you’re not used to? It means be open. And I don’t mean you should change your beliefs just to fit in, even if you feel pressured to. As many Catholics can relate, I got a lot of weird looks on Ash Wednesday the day that marks the beginning of Lent, the period leading up to Easter. For Ash Wednesday, Catholics go to church and get ashes placed on our foreheads and must wear it as a symbol for the remainder of the day. But even though I had been nervous about going to Mass and then walking around all day with ashes on my forehead, I wasn’t discouraged. In fact, it was a fairly convenient way to tell how many other Catholics were on campus, and we all knew we had something in common, even if we were strangers before. I even had friends who weren’t Catholic who thought it was interesting and even kind of cool. They were nothing but supportive and not judgmental at all.

Share your faith with others

Don’t be afraid to talk about your beliefs. It’s true that in many situations you’re still better off following the cardinal rule of not talking about religion and politics, but you might be surprised by how many of your new college peers will be willing to talk about their beliefs as well as yours. For most people, college is a time of change and discovery, and religion can be part of that, so don’t feel like you have to hide your faith to fit in. I know from feeling self-conscious when I prayed before meals in the dining hall when I first started school that being outwardly religious in college might feel a little weird, but everyone else is self-conscious about their own habits enough that no one will judge you for doing what you want to.

Overall, starting college brings a lot of changes, including your relationship with your faith. For me, my faith only got stronger, but I know a lot of people for whom that’s not the case. I have an even deeper appreciation than I did before for my home parish, but I also have a wider, fuller view of the religions and practices of others. And as someone who’s always been active in their faith, that’s important to me. So whatever religion means to you—even if it means nothing at all—know that if you choose to, there’s a lot out there to learn. And college is a great time and place to start!

Check out more advice on exploring and fostering your faith in college in our Catholic Colleges and Universities section.

5 Common Myths About Catholic College Life, Busted!

2026-04-25T03:43:38.612859-04:00

Found the perfect college for you but nervous because it is a Catholic institution? Don’t sweat it—there’s a great misconception that to be part of a Catholic college, you must be Catholic as well. This is simply not true. In fact, the majority of Catholic colleges seek out, welcome, support, and appreciate students of various religious and non-religious backgrounds. While attending a Catholic college in Boston, I've come across a few myths that students believe to be true but need to be debunked. Here's what to know before attending a Catholic college.

Myth #1: You have to attend church services at a Catholic college

Although church services are talked about and promoted often in a Catholic environment, most colleges don't require you to attend any regular church services on campus. It's expected for a school’s Mission and Ministry Office to promote their services, but they do this because they're open and accepting of all students attending Catholic mass, regardless of faith. However, if you choose not to attend, you definitely won’t be left out or ostracized for it. There will be other students who aren’t Catholic and won’t attend church on campus either, plus many other opportunities to get involved in other ways.

Myth #2: You'll have to read the whole Bible for class

As a Catholic college values religion, you may be at least required to take a general religious education course. However, by no means will you have to read the Bible within one semester—or at all. Typically courses about worldwide religions such as Buddhism, Judaism, and Islam are offered in addition to classes on Christianity and Catholicism. Many universities (especially liberal arts institutions) believe having a religion requirement opens up the fields of study to more students and expands their minds and learning abilities. That being said, you will not be forced by your school to focus solely on the study of Catholicism and/or the Bible.

Myth #3: If you’re not Catholic, you can’t join religious clubs or services

If there's one fact I have learned through my time at a Catholic college, it's that my school is extremely accepting and supportive of all students, whether or not they are Catholic. This means if there’s a club, service, or event on campus based on Catholic teaching or belief and you’re interested in taking part, you 100% should. No, this is not trying to convert you; instead, it’s expanding your college experience, where you are meant to be experimenting and learning about other people's backgrounds. You may not be as knowledgeable about the religion as other students, but you will be able to gain new information as well as offer insights from a different perspective.

Myth #4: Catholic colleges only have religious activities

In reality, Catholic institutions accept all interests and hobbies, which adds to the diversity of campus. Colleges promote and encourage students to join clubs and groups that are enjoyable and engaging, not adhering to a certain belief system. There may be visual or performing arts–based clubs, academic groups such as science or psychology clubs, student groups focused on other religions, club sports like Ultimate Frisbee, or anything in between. If your school doesn't already offer an extracurricular that piques your interest, many universities allow students to create and start new clubs, especially if you know other students are interested in the same activity. With e student-run organizations, college is truly a time to evolve and explore new opportunities.

Myth #5: Nuns or monks live on campus

The only people other than students who live on a college campus are the Resident Advisors in every dorm, who may not be current students, and potentially the college president if they have a home on school grounds. Yes, there may be nuns or monks at the school, but they by no means live on campus. Typically we do not refer to the founders or president as nuns but sisters, because that is their formal title. Many Catholic schools were founded and kept up by various Catholic affiliations such as the Sisters of Notre Dame, Sisters of Mercy, Congregation of the Holy Spirit, and Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur.

With many more myths surfacing on the Internet, remember that Catholic universities do have a Catholic mission but are accepting and celebrate all of their students’ religious statuses. The college will allow those of all different backgrounds to participate in campus-wide events, even if they have a central focus of Catholicism. Catholic universities are not here to convert you but instead promote the spread and gain of knowledge that others will not receive without attending a Catholic college.

Start exploring and working your way toward your perfect Catholic or non-religious college using our helpful College Search tool!

A Quick Guide to Finding the Christmas Spirit on Campus

2026-04-25T03:43:38.609622-04:00

When it comes to Christmas, I am that girl—like carols the day after Halloween and binge-watching 14 versions of A Christmas Carol kind of girl. I would put up my Christmas tree on November 1, if I thought I could get away with it. But as a Catholic, a big part of embracing Christmas for all it offers is remembering what Christmas is truly all about. Now, I don’t think I need to retell the Christmas story. Instead, let's just get right to talking about some of the fun and meaningful ways you can celebrate the Christmas season on campus before heading home on winter break (whether you're actively involved in your faith or not).

Faith-related ceremonies and events

It shouldn’t take long to find Christmas events on and around campus, including Christmas liturgies, community nativity scenes, or perhaps even a performance of Handel’s “Messiah” (or just the obligatory “Hallelujah Chorus!). You might be able to participate in Christmas masses directly, through campus liturgical ministry. Or if you joined a music ministry, you might plan Christmas repertoires and performances. You can also join in on informal Christmas choirs or simply enjoy from the audience. There’s also something special and solemnly beautiful about a midnight Mass on Christmas Eve, and many Catholic colleges offer midnight Masses at their campus chapels or Catholic student groups might arrange a trip off campus to attend one.

Volunteer work

During the holidays, you’ll find ample volunteer opportunities, on campus and off, coordinated by both Catholic and secular groups. Whether you’re collecting nonperishables or warm hats, gloves, and scarves, organizing a fundraising dinner or serving one to the poor, there’s a charity effort for any schedule, interest, and ability. Ask your school’s office of student, spiritual, or Catholic life/Newman Center for volunteer ideas and plans. Don’t forget: While it’s a blessing that so many people feel inclined to give their time and money around the holidays, food banks, homeless shelters, animal rescue associations, etc., need volunteers and donations all year long—and your Catholic campus ministry can help you stay involved! You may also want to look into scholarships related to service activities, like the Bishop Maher Catholic Leadership Scholarship at the University of San Diego, or the Service to the Faith scholarship offered by Avila University to give back and get back.

So, during this season of twinkling lights and tinsel, in between the snazzy holiday parties and the scramble to find the perfect present, you can find plenty of ways to reconnect with and celebrate your faith on campus. All you need do is look around! And with that, I leave you with that timeless scene from A Charlie Brown Christmas, when Linus, with eloquence well beyond his years (and security blanket), explains “what Christmas is all about.”

Merry Christmas from everyone at ��Vlog! Explore more advice on college and faith in our Catholic Colleges and Universities section now.

5 Questions to Ask During Your Catholic College Search

2026-04-25T03:43:38.606088-04:00

The college search is an enlightening experience because it requires students to ask themselves tough questions about their goals for the future and what they truly want out of a college—which means knowing themselves enough to know what they need. As a Catholic student (or student of any religion), you must take into account the bigger factor of your faith and how it will play into your college search. To help you as you search for your best-fit Catholic college, here are five questions to ask your prospective schools so you can have the best college experience while continuing to grow in your faith over those four formative years.

1. How prominent is faith on campus?

Catholic colleges typically have a larger focus on faith than non-religious institutions, but the interaction with religion and the commitment to it still varies from school to school. Many students choose Catholic colleges to live their faith and be ingrained in it every day on campus, while others want to be connected, just not every hour of every day. Being able to set your own boundaries by choosing how and when to practice your faith could be important to your emotional and academic balance—or maybe you want a school where Mass and chapel attendance is mandatory because it shows the school’s commitment to faith and holds you accountable to yours. In addition to asking how prominent faith is on campus, ask yourself: “Am I able to choose my level of involvement in my faith on campus, and how important is it to me that I am able to do this?”

2. Is it possible to participate in service and other ways to nurture your faith?

Most colleges and universities offer study abroad, but many Catholic schools offer the added benefit of spreading the Word of God while you study. If you’re interested in going on mission trips in college, ask what options exist through the school. Also ask about local service opportunities: How is the college helping the local community? Education experts often express how important hands-on learning is to your educational journey—and hands-on service learning is especially crucial when your faith is entwined with that journey. So in addition to asking if these opportunities are available, ask yourself: “What am I looking to gain from service learning experiences, and if what I need isn’t readily available, are there avenues for me to make these opportunities for myself with the school’s support?”

3. What’s the campus community like?

Many students at Catholic colleges say a big reason why they love their school is the tight bond they feel in the campus community. Some schools may have students who still participate, talk about, and act on your shared faith in their social groups, and that may be the comprehensive faith-based living you need. Other schools may have students whose social circles are removed enough to offer a healthy balance to the faith in your life. Your faith can be as all-encompassing, balanced, or reserved for your personal practice as you would like it to be as long as you’re attending a school that provides you the space to be who you want to be. In addition to asking what the community is like, ask yourself: “How did I feel when I visited campus? Will I feel like I’m really a part of the college’s family if I attend?”

4. How large is the student body?

Because so many people at Catholic schools talk about that familial feel, many students think those campuses are small—but what’s great about Catholic colleges and universities is that they come in all shapes and sizes. You can find that tight-knit community on a campus of 2,500 students or 15,000, and you’ll find Catholic colleges of those sizes and everything in between. College is about broadening your mind, and that can be through opportunities to interact with many different types of students or through deeper, long-lasting connections within a smaller community. In addition to asking how large the student body is, ask yourself: “Do I want a large campus with a lot of sub-communities or a campus small enough where I could have the opportunity to really get to know everyone?”

5. What other religions are represented in the student body?

Having people who share your faith is helpful to making connections and lasting relationships with like-minded people at college—but don’t let that be the only student statistic you look into. As previously mentioned, college is a place to broaden your mind and perspectives, so be sure to inquire about the other faiths that are represented on campus at your colleges of interest as well. Learning from other cultures and religions can help you form a deeper connection to your own through cultural understanding and acceptance. While it’s important to have other Catholic students to share your faith with, also ask yourself: “What can I learn from other faiths while in college, and does this school offer opportunities for me to do so?”

Your faith means a lot to you, and it should also mean a lot in your college search if you want it to. Use these five questions—and the additional questions to ask yourself—to guide your search process, and you’ll be sure to find the best-fit Catholic or non-denominational school that allows you to practice your faith your way and get a great education.

For more advice on nurturing your faith on a college campus, check out our Catholic Colleges and Universities section.

4 Unexpected Benefits for Secular Students at Religious Colleges

2026-04-25T03:43:38.601725-04:00

As a non-religious person, I never saw myself attending a religious college. I was worried I would be encouraged to convert or that I wouldn’t fit in with other students who were all members of something I wasn’t. I planned to attend a secular school—so you can imagine how surprised I am to be studying at a Jesuit university. I didn’t initially choose it because of its religious values but because of the other benefits it offered; the fact that it was religious fell somewhere between neutral and negative. But now that I’ve been here for a semester, I’ve come to appreciate the more religious aspects of my school just as much as the more secular ones. I’ve found there are many benefits of attending a religious school, even—and especially—if you aren’t particularly religious. Here are my top four to consider.

1. Learning opportunities

In the past, I’d never gone out of my way to learn about religion. The only time we talked about it in public school was when it was relevant to other subjects we were learning about. Because of this, I knew only the facts I was raised on. That changed when I got to college and had to fulfill religion credits as part of my school’s core curriculum. Being required to take classes about different religions will force you to step out of your educational comfort zone. It’s an opportunity to learn more about something you may be unfamiliar with and grow because of it—and there’s so much more to learn about the subject beyond your school’s affiliation. I now have more knowledge about the many religions and practices of the world, and I’m all the better for it.

2. Interdisciplinary studies

Knowledge of different religions is not just limited to the field of religious studies. The information I learned in my religion classes has also enhanced my understanding of other subjects. In history, I have more context for religion-related events. I can recognize major religious figures and understand the causes of events in a deeper way than I could before learning about that religion. In English, I can compare religious writing to secular writing and learn from them both. I’ve even found ideas for my own creative projects from subjects we’ve covered in class. In Philosophy, I can better understand the different ways philosophers deal with religious issues, such as the existence of God, and apply them to my own personal philosophies. As you can see, studying religion provides a powerful lens through which you can understand other subjects and interests in a deeper, more complex way.

3. Morals and values

The benefits of attending a religious school aren’t just limited to its curriculum. Many religious colleges and universities are based around their own set of moral values; mine, for instance, emphasizes Jesuit ideals like cura personalis (“care for the individual person”) and magis (“more”—meaning striving for excellence). While strictly adhering to your school’s set of values is very much optional, I’ve found that their inclusion has been very beneficial so far. It’s nice to know that your school has specific morals since you then know they will do their best to take care of you. College can be extremely stressful, and having an actual support system built into the very values of my institution has been phenomenal. Even if you don’t practice your school’s religion, these values can help you grow as a student. For example, the value of caring for the whole person has helped me become more well-rounded. Another one of my favorites is how my school presents education as not just a way to further your self-interests but also help others. In other words, it’s not just what our education can do for us but what we can do for others with our education.

4. New perspectives

My school enrolls people of many different religions and backgrounds, so my initial worry about not belonging was totally unfounded. Talking to people with perspectives different from your own can be an incredible experience, as it broadens your view of the world and forces you to re-evaluate your old ideas. And while you can find diversity on a lot of college campuses, I think it’s much easier to talk about these differences at a specifically religious one. When religion is one of the main aspects of your school, it opens a lot of conversation topics that might otherwise be uncomfortable or uncommon to broach in other settings. Not only will this help you grow, but it can also help you practice talking about religion. Having experience talking about what is a deeply important subject for so many people can be extremely beneficial in both college and life.

Overall, my fears about attending a religious college have yet to materialize. Attending a religious institution hasn’t been a negative experience but an overall positive and wonderful one so far. It has helped me grow as an individual far more than I would have if I had stayed in my comfort zone. If you’re like me and are worried about potentially attending a college just because it’s religious, don’t be. It could be a great place for you and a great opportunity too.

Inspired to add some religious universities to your list? Check out our featured Catholic colleges as well as our featured Christian schools to explore great options and start making connections!

����Vlog: Catholic Colleges & Universities Blog