New to Uni?
Here’s our 4 best tips to start Uni well with GCS.
Make Contact Before O-Week
Starting uni can be exciting — and a bit overwhelming. New people, new routines, new questions about who you are and what matters. If you’re exploring faith, or just curious about Christianity, you’re not alone.
We 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.
If you know you’ll be at Griffith next year – reach out. Flick us a message here or on insta. We’ll have big gatherings, socials, or could even organise a coffee with a student from your degree a year or two ahead of you. Let us help you start well!
Get Connected
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
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.
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.
Learn More
You’re at uni for more than a degree
What if uni isn’t just about your degree, but discovering something bigger? Your plans, your future – they’re not meant to be detached from the one who made you.
Joining GCS 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.
Get ConnectedHere are
some Qs we get
asked a lot.
Yes! Griffith Christian Students is affiliated with the Student 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!). GCS is a place to make friends and discover more about Jesus. Our students attend lots of different churches – ask us and we can help you connect with one if you’d like.
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. We run events on different days and times – some in the day, some in the evening, and some that form just to suit you.
There are also opportunities to connect outside of semesters, including our Mid-Year Camp (early July) and National Training Event (early December).
We affirm your caution! Totally valid question. There’s an increasing number of questionable sects operating on university campuses. At GCS, we’re never okay with manipulating or coercing people. We strive for transparency: we openly name our beliefs, affiliations and leaders, and are and have always been affiliated with the Student Union.
Cults often seek to cut you off from other good communities and churches and plug you into theirs. GCS does not do this. Instead, more than 25 local churches of different denominations and traditions all around Brisbane and abroad love GCS, are home to many of our students and want to see students connect with us on campus.