As a college professor, I meet scores of young women every semester. It’s a time of great change for them and can be scary. That’s why I was so glad to learn of a new book, The College Girl’s Survival Guide, by Hanna Seymour. After a brief introduction, the book offers 52 chapters addressing the biggest concerns young women have about entering college.

Seymour offers her Christ-filled counsel based on ten years of working at several colleges and universities. I interviewed her recently about how young women can successfully navigate college waters — and remain faithful to Jesus as they do.

Rob Schwarzwalder: You describe how jarring the college experience can be for young women — far from being all excitement and fun, it can be distressing and up-end a lot of expectations. Why is this?

Hanna Seymour: One of the biggest issues is unrealistic expectations about university life. They’ve been told by well-meaning adults that college is “the best four years of their life.” So, they have visions of a fun, responsibility-free, never-ending hangout with friends. Instead, they’re faced with tough decisions, conflicts, and all kinds of challenges.

Schwarzwalder: Expectations can be very different than reality! So, when it comes to classes, majors, etc., how can young women make solid decisions about their educations and their futures — and feel comfortable knowing they’re on the right path?

Seymour: They should ask themselves, “What strengths, gifts, or talents has God wired into me?” And, “What experiences (jobs, leadership positions, volunteer opportunities, roles) has God given me?” Often if we consider the intersection of those two things, we start seeing themes that resonate with us. We see the kinds of things that motivate us, that get us excited, where we excel, where we serve others best, the types of environments we thrive in.

Schwarzwalder: You’re dead right that the “fun, fun, fun” mentality is pretty quickly jolted by reality. One of those realities is that in the pursuit of fun, young women can put themselves in dangerous situations. How can they avoid them?

Seymour: Between 20 and 25 percent of college women will be sexually assaulted. Research tells us that at least 50 percent of college sexual assaults involve alcohol. So, one of the most vital things a woman can do is to be very cautious about things like frat parties or “bar crawls.” Avoid drinking at all if you’re not of legal age. Never drink heavily or accept a drink that you didn’t pour yourself. And always have friends — other girls as well as male friends who will step in to protect you. Even an innocent sounding party can turn bad. Leave as soon as you begin to see anything troubling.

Schwarzwalder: What you’ve just described is scary for lots of parents, whose daughters are often at far-away universities. Apart from some of the hazards a girl might face, how can she have a good relationship with her parents while at college?

Seymour: I always encourage college students to consider how they might pursue an adult friendship with their parents, like they would with a professor or mentor. And while there are so many hurt people out there due to absent or abusive parents, the good news is that God has revealed Himself to us as our Father, one who can repair any harm done to us by man, enable us to forgive, and bring good out of our brokenness.

Schwarzwalder: Well, relationships with parents are essential. But lots of young men and women are thinking of a different kind of relationship — marriage! What are some things young women should be looking for in a potential mate?

Seymour: Don’t date someone that isn’t potential marriage material. I more often find myself encouraging college girls to worry less about dating and finding their husband and more about developing meaningful friends with both guys and girls, excelling in their academics, narrowing in on a career path, and pursuing their walk with the Lord.

Schwarzwalder: What overall counsel do you have for young Christian women to grow in their faith during their college years?

Seymour: The apostle Peter reminds us that to follow Christ means we must pursue holiness (1 Peter 1:15-16). It’s not hard to envision how much of today’s college culture flies in the face of holiness: Abuse of alcohol, drugs, sexual freedom, or more subtle things like selfish ambition or hating your roommate. To love Jesus, and to obey Him, or in other words to pursue holiness will make you stick out like a sore thumb in college! However, the good news is if that’s your desire, it’s not hard to spot other like-minded people!

It’s vital for students to get involved in a community of believers on campus. There are many Christian organizations on college campuses. Find one that you like and get plugged in. And find a local church and get involved there as well.

Read more about Hanna’s ministry at hannaseymour.com.