Uchay Writes

(written in 2019)

As the title says, I will be sharing my experience of being a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints whilst being in university.

One of the main things which were important before university started in September 2018 was where the church was and what the members were like. I was quite nervous, being a London girl moving to the small town of Loughborough, I didn’t know what to expect.

Move in day was a breeze, I signed in, unpacked and immediately met new friends living in the same corridor as me. It made me feel slightly stupid because there was nothing to be worried about, we were all freshers banding together.

Freshers would last for 2 weeks, 2 weeks filled with activities, mostly nights outs. The first night (move in day night), there was a night out. I wasn’t too sure if I wanted to go, but as soon as I heard the word alcohol, I immediately backed out. I was scared. I had never been in close encounter with alcohol, or drinking, I didn’t want to be in a midst of drunks.

My new friends said they were going out that nights and asked if I was coming. I said no, and they asked why it would be fun. I didn’t even have to think of an answer and said “I don’t drink, it’s against my religion”. They tried to ease my worries by saying it wouldn’t be that bad, but I didn’t budge, but they respected my decision and went out.

One thought I didn’t take with me to university was that there was a huge drinking culture, I only realised once I had started. Even though I didn’t go out the first night, I went out the next night (hesitantly) and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Yes, there was drinking but it wasn’t as scary as I thought it was, plus being with people who understood my standards and didn’t pressure me really helped.

Even now when my friends are having pre drinks, they include me by offering me shots of lemonade.

The first Sunday I went to my new ward, and I wasn’t as nervous since my family came down to visit to come with me to church, to make sure I settle down well. I met many lovely people in the ward who warmly welcomed me, even finding out some members were working/studying at the university.

The main things which have kept me calm and in tune throughout uni were:

• Having understanding uni friends who look out for me
• Keeping in contact with friends and family back home who would keep me grounded; talking to them would always remind me who I was and what I represent
• Going to church every Sunday
• Having members also at the university, and just seeing them on odd days would make me smile and remind me I’m not alone (as well as seeing old faces which I never thought I’d see again)

First year at university hasn’t been easy but I have had an incredible experience which I will always remember, my strong foundation in faith as well as  support from others has had a significant effect to the way my experience turned out and I am hugely grateful for that.