According to University of Wollongong Christian staff worker Ally Wright, university life is like a “kind of carnival”.

“Larger-than life characters peddle their various worldviews and moments of sheer exhilaration are followed by glimpses of the dark and sinister,” says the Evangelical Christian Union (ECU) ministry trainee.

According to Ally this is most clearly seen is in the residential colleges where many of the students live.

“Hundreds of students are gathered together, living alongside each other hour by hour, day by day,” she explains.

“For a young Christian, the challenges are manifold. But so are the opportunities to present, with both their words and lives, the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. “

Kate Gilmour is one student facing this challenge. Having grown up on her family’s farm in the NSW Riverina, Kate has done an early sea change to study nursing at the University of Wollongong.

The International House resident says the college based weekly Bible study is an important part of her week as she lives among over 200 students from 23 different countries.

“Coming along to International House Bible study has meant that I’ve been able to identify other Christians living here. So I don’t feel alone,” Kate says.

The Bible studies are run at each of the six Wollongong colleges by ECU members.

“For Kate and other Christians in these colleges, Bible studies provide opportunities for both encouragement and evangelism,” Ally says.