College is an exciting time, but being Jewish on a small college campus can often come with some limitations: cultural concerns, religious practices, specific dietary needs, and misunderstandings to name a few.
But in spite of the difficulty, it’s completely worth it. If you’re from a small community like me, a huge college just might not be the best fit. Sure, a small school has a few more challenges but they aren’t anything that should keep you from going there. At a small school you’ll get more personal attention both from your professors and your classmates. You’ll be a name instead of just a number. Of course, every person is different, but I was able to thrive at a small college using these tips:
Practicing Religion
It may seem difficult to maintain your Jewish practices at school, especially if the people around you don’t understand your religion. Make it your duty to help educate them. Many people are confused about our religion and I’ve found that it’s helpful to be open and honest about it. I even had someone ask if it was offensive to call me a Jew! Don’t make fun of them for not knowing any better, explain it to them so they can understand.
Reach out to the community and get involved. Explore your community to see if there are any synagogues close to your campus. Consider starting a group on campus where you and other Jews can freely practice your religion.
At Work
It can be tough to balance school and a part time job, but sometimes you need to work a little bit to pay your bills. In a college town, small businesses are used to hiring students, but they may not be used to working around the schedule of a Jewish student.
When I was interviewing with Safer Brand it was clear I fit all their requirements and had a passion for organic growing, so I got the job easily. They’re required by law not to discriminate, but I told them up front which holidays I would need to be off of work. They were understanding and grateful that I gave them advanced notice. Companies aren’t too thrilled if you say, “Oh, by the way, I can’t work tomorrow due to a holiday that you’ve never heard of.”
Succeeding in Classes
Being the only Jewish student in the classroom can come with some anxiety, or at least it did for me. It took me a whole semester to stop feeling like an outcast. The other students and even professors didn’t understand my religion and I let it get to me. I began thinking that people were talking about me behind my back. I started obsessing over it and would pay more attention to social cues instead of the professors. I was so worried about fitting in that I started falling behind in my classes. Pretty soon, I realized it was all in my head and no one was really treating me any differently at all, though I did have to work extra hard to get back on track.
If you seem to be falling behind or need extra help, visit your campus’ learning center or opt for some tutoring. You could also see a social worker or councilor, which many schools provide. Just because you may be a little different from other students, that doesn’t mean they don’t like you. Make sure you’re spending enough time focusing on your school work, since that’s the real reason you’re in college.
Eating Considerations
For many, Jewish identity comes with a specific set of dietary needs that can make eating at a college’s dining hall an unpleasant experience. Most small college dining halls have processed foods made with meat and dairy, making kosher food hard to come by. I had friends who went to larger schools with plenty of options, but I wasn’t so lucky. This doesn’t mean I stayed away from the dining hall, just that I would make sure I knew what they were serving before I made the trek to eat. I’d also make sure my dorm room was well-stocked with “back-up” food.
You could also write a letter to your dining hall to ask them to serve more kosher items. Believe it or not, most schools want to try and accommodate you, but they can’t if you don’t speak up.
Once you get familiar with your surroundings, offer to make a real Jewish and kosher meal for your non-Jewish friends. It’ll be fun for them to experience a different culture.
Building Relationships
Being Jewish can hinder not only romantic relationships, but friendships as well. However, building all types of relationships in college are important parts of the experience. Try to build friendships based on common interests, not just religion. And while your relationships shouldn’t be based solely on your religion, try educating some of your non-Jewish friends about it. Just don’t be too overbearing, and show an interest in their lifestyles and religions, too.
Having Fun
Another important aspect of your college experience is taking advantage of campus activities. This can be difficult if there aren’t many Jews on your campus. Try to avoid feeling left out and aching for home — don’t let homesickness hinder your ability to have fun. Homesickness will happen, and it’s best to embrace it instead of ignoring it. Call your friends and family from back home to catch up, but don’t dwell on the past. Try starting your own Jewish groups on campus, or find activities that build off your hobbies and interests.
Yes, being Jewish on a smaller campus can give you a few challenges that you wouldn’t have at a larger school with a large Jewish population. But these issues can be easy to overcome if you recognize them and take steps to get past them. I wouldn’t trade my small campus experience for anything, I and feel like I’m a stronger person because of it. I hope you’ll feel the same.
Ed Mighell is a student at Rasmussen College.
