Fostering Meaningful Relationships
Biola is a wonderful Christian community - and it takes time and effort to get plugged in to meaningful relationships. In your initial season at Biola it may feel like you don’t yet belong. But don’t give up! Whether you are a commuter, transfer or residential student, find a group to connect with. Keep showing up. And when relational stress hits, work through those challenges. The reward of rich, time-tested relationships is worth it. You’re not alone!
What Biola Students Say
-
95%
of students say it's important for me to have close friendships at Biola.
-
72%
of students felt very lonely within the last 12 months.
-
36%
of students reported that family problems felt traumatic or very difficult to handle.
-
37%
of students reported that trouble in relationships with roommates/friends felt traumatic or very difficult to handle.
Sources: Wake Forest Well-being Assessment, Spring 2019; National College Health Assessment, Spring 2018
Campus Resources
What one small step can you take to build your relationships?
Learn & Practice Self-Care
- Reach out to one person today to schedule coffee, a meal or something fun.
- Read stories of community building at Biola on the Student Life Blog.
- Learn more about building solid friendships at the Center for Marriage and Relationships blog.
Check out Campus Resources & Events
- Celebrate a campus tradition.
- Meet new friends through Intramurals.
Build your Community
- Join an event to connect with the Collegium commuter community or Res Life floor or community.
- Find your Affinity Group.
- Join a Commuter Small Group.
- Rally up with Veteran and Military Affiliated Students.
- Engage with Global Student community groups and events.
- Find others with similar interests by joining a Club.
- Be encouraged in First Gen programs.
- Find others with similar experiences as you through The Dwelling.
- Try out for a student leadership position.
Develop your Skills in Classes & Workshops
- Learn skills for authentic relationships through workshops and courses from the Center for Marriage and Relationships.
- Complete the online Title IX course to learn skills for relating in healthy, peaceful and encouraging ways with others. Contact titleix.coordinator@biola.edu for details.
Talk about Your Concerns
- Address struggles in relationships with a counselor at the Center for Marriage and Relationships.
- Talk through struggles in relating with others at the Biola Counseling Center.
- Schedule office hours with a trusted faculty or staff person.
- Meet monthly with a Spiritual Director to process your relationship with God.
- Receive support and prayer from a Pastoral Care giver.
- Reach out to the Title IX Coordinator to discuss concerns related to sexual harrassment or assault.
Additional Resources from Biola
Loneliness and the Art of Friendships
Assistant director of pastoral care, Chris Barragan, speaks about loneliness and friendships at the Biola Hour chapel.
Loneliness and Jehovah-Shammah
Assistant Professor of History, Susan Lim, shares at Biola's annual Torrey Memorial Bible Conference.
Flourishing in Singleness
Carrie Stockton, Biola's Dean of Student Success, reminds us that our marital status does not determine our core identity. She invites us to see that God is actively and presently working in the circumstances He's placed us in.
Radical Hospitality
The dean of student wellness, Lisa Igram, speaks about radical hospitality at Biola University undergrad chapel.
Belonging
Read this GRIT blogpost by Jasmyne Bell on belonging and the need for community.
Unexpected Friendships
Read this GRIT blogpost by Chantel Barnard on friendships with people whose views are different than yours.
Alone at Last
Read this GRIT blogpost from alumna Rachel Stanley where she wrestles with the idea of being lonely versus being alone.
Spiritual Friendship
Watch this chapel video of Professor Wesley Hill of Trinity College discussing the value and potential in friendship that often goes unrecognized in the modern Christian community. Hill relates his own experience and the experience of friends struggling with same-sex attraction, saying that perhaps an elevated understanding of friendship could change the conversation on homosexuality and celibacy.
Help! My Friendships Are Really Shallow!
In this video from the Center for Marriage and Relationships, Veola Vasquez discusses how to foster depth in friendships.