Deciding on a church to go to is just one of the many decisions you will have to make in your first term. But, first, the big question.

Why Bother with church at all?

• Meeting with other Christians and being taught God's word is how we grow.
• You will meet Christians of different ages and backgrounds - not just students.
• You will get teaching on important subjects that you won't get at CU.

The patterns you set at university (particularly early on) are a good indication of those you will keep later in life.

Here are some tips on how to find a good church that will support you over the next few years.

• Ask your home church leaders if they can recommend one - it may well be that they know a good church or have some contacts for you.
• Go along to the CU and see if you can go to church with some of the students from there - they may well be arranging to meet people before church or have produced some sort of 'good church guide' - that way you'll be introduced to 'student friendly' churches and will be able to go with people you already know.

'People from the CU took us along to different churches in London each week. I went to about three different ones and then chose one to be committed to. At the beginning it was really difficult because I was looking for a church exactly like my one at home, which was why I had some problems settling. Then I realised the main thing I was looking for was good teaching because I knew I needed that to support me as a Christian through my time at college.
Esther, Goldsmiths College, London.

• Try a couple of different churches - and not necessarily just what you're used to - but be wary of the danger of church-hopping and never actually settling anywhere.

• Don't be put off by just one service - especially if it's not one of their normal ones - try the church at other times too.
• Don't look for the perfect church - many people never settle in church because they are looking for a church which doesn't exist - just find somewhere which is faithful to the Bible, focused on the gospel and welcoming, and stick with it, even if it's not exactly how you would like it! Esther: 'I have grown so much over these last three years! I go to a large church with lots of students from all over London, so it

Some Questions to ask of a church

• Is the church faithful to the gospel of Jesus Christ and does it teach the Bible? (Titus l:9)
• Do the church leaders submit themselves to God's word? (Titus 1:7-9)
• Is there genuine concern among believers to spur one another on in their faith? (Hebrews 10:24-25)
• Is the church obviously a Christian community where people love one another? (1 John 3:11-18)
• Can I imagine feeling at home here and getting involved with the life of the church?