Student Link up

Around 10,000 students are involved in over 200 CUs around Britain. Though many students will first become aware of the CU during their first few weeks of term, others will already have been in contact with a CU leader about before they even arrive through UCCF’s Link Up scheme.

Thousands of students have taken advantage of the scheme to register their details with UCCF, often informed and encouraged about it through their local church. Before setting foot on campus, these first year students have been linked up with a CU who will provide an early point of contact for making friends, and help them to get involved in student mission and find a local church.

Lucy started linked up with the CU before she started university. ‘I was given a CU member’s contact details and was able to message them letting them know I was coming to Bournemouth and ask them questions. This put me at ease so that before I came to Uni, I was able to get an idea of what it would be like.’ When asked if she though the Link Up scheme was a good idea, Lucy enthused, ‘Yes! It's great that a fresher can get in contact with a CU member and ask them questions so they get a good idea of what to expect. It also encourages CU members to be praying for new freshers that are coming and get their contact details so that they can let them know about events and encourage them to go.’

Wayne Dixon is a member of Slough Baptist Church and a Schools Development Worker for Scripture Union. He has been resourcing students with UCCF’s Student Handbook and its equivalents for fifteen years. ‘I order these because I am very keen to help and support young Christians as they leave school and begin university. Potentially this can be a make or break time for students away from home, maybe for the first time. Faced with independence, challenges, changes and choices, this is a key time when faith is tested and challenged. The Student Handbook is a great resource, keep it up!’ Responding to a question about why he chooses to point young people to UCCF’s Link Up scheme, Wayne says, ‘I hope it shows the students that I care about them, even if they are no longer in the school that I visit. It also helps create a link and starting point for them and I think it’s great when CU representatives take the initiative and contact these freshers when they arrive. What a great thing that is.