Being regularly involved with Port Macquarie Christian Students (PCS) has been a huuuuuge encouragement to my spiritual walk with Jesus. It has enabled me to make great friends that have been able to support and encourage me through uni and day to day life. It has also let me receive suuuuper solid bible teaching each week that has expanded my knowledge of God and deepened my relationship with him, and given me tools and strategies to talk to friends at uni about Jesus.
STARTING UNI WELL
Make Contact
Before O-Week
Many AFES groups run welcome events for new students, even before uni begins. This is the easiest time to meet new people before the flurry of Week 1 kicks in.
Already know which university you’re studying at? Check out your campus group online or send them a message to connect and find out what’s coming up.
Find My Group
GET KNOWN
AS A CHRISTIAN
The best tip ever: get known as a Christian from early on.
Not in an annoying way, but a natural way, like: ‘Just heading off to the Christian uni group at lunch time. I’ll join you another time.’
You can do this as you introduce friends: ‘We met at church’, or ‘we met at the Christian uni group.’
Getting known as a Christian is simple; everyone can do it. It starts your journey as an active believer at uni.
unshakeable truth
uni-level exploration
unconditional community
unmissable presence
FIND A CHURCH
If you’re a Christian who’s moved to study, you’ll be looking for a new church. We recommend asking your home church’s minister or pastor for recommendations.
If you don’t know where to start, or have never been to church before, why not come to the uni group and visit another student’s church? That way, you can go with someone you know, and they’ll introduce you around.
You’re at uni
for more than a degree!
Joining an AFES group is like finding solid ground. We’ll help you lift your eyes up from uni’s daily hustle to see Jesus, the one who gives meaning to it all.
What better stuff to think about at uni what matters for eternity – Jesus! There’s no better way to go through uni than with other Christians to support one another.
Find My Group
INTERNATIONaL STUDENTS
Moving to Australia for university? Welcome! Changing countries can be an isolating experience, but it doesn’t have to be. AFES groups are a great place if you’re interested in exploring Christianity or want a Christian community to hang out with.
We’re here to connect you with Christians on campus, encourage and grow you in your faith, and help you to share Jesus’ message of hope with your peers on campus.
Here are some
Qs we get
asked a lot.
Mostly, yes! Each group has its own way of doing things, but AFES groups are generally affiliated with their campus Student Union or Guild as an official group.
You’re very welcome to come – regardless of your experience of church (or if you have no experience of church!). AFES groups are a place to make friends and discover more about Jesus.
AFES groups compliment – not replace – church. They’re a community to walk alongside you in your faith during your uni years. They’re a great place to invite classmates who might not feel comfortable entering a church service to explore Christianity. AFES groups will grow your love for God, biblical understanding and missional heart in a unique and unmissable way whole you’re at uni!
AFES stands for the Australian Fellowship of Evangelical Students. We’re a movement of student groups from across the country, associated with IFES (the International Fellowship of Evangelical Students).
That’s okay! We understand the pressures on uni students – exams, assignments, work, and more – but making time to invest in your faith is also important. Most groups run several events a week, on different days and times – some in the day, some in the evening.
Totally valid question. There’s an increased awareness of questionable sects operating on university campuses. At AFES, we’re never okay with manipulating or coercing people. Our groups strive for transparency: we openly name our beliefs, affiliations and leaders, and clubs are usually affiliated with the Student Associations.
