What’s It Like Going to a Christian College in Indiana if You’re Not From the Midwest?

Have you considered attending college far from home? There can be a lot of unknowns when moving to an entirely different region of the country. There are different foods, traditions, words – it can feel like a new culture. If you’re considering attending Grace you may wonder, what is it like going to a Christian college in Indiana if you’re not from the Midwest? 

To answer this question, we asked a few of our students from all over the U.S. what it’s like attending college across the country. Not all the students at Grace College are from Indiana or even the Midwest. We have students from 37 states and 30 countries on campus this year alone.

Bella Dekker

Sunnyside, Washington

How did you find Grace?

I go to a Charis Fellowship church back home, so I know lots of people, including my mom, who went to Grace.

What’s different here than where you’re from?

The community here at Grace is unmatched. Everyone was welcoming and kind to me when I arrived, especially my soccer team. 

What advice would you give to someone who’s moving across the country to attend college?

Though it is a big adjustment, the people here will help you to thrive. 

What’s a funny thing you’ve noticed about the Midwest? 

Midwesterners mix ranch dressing into their salsa. 

Logan Ringgold

Phoenix, Arizona

How did you find Grace? 

A professor at Grace told my mom I should go to Grace. The first time I saw campus was when I moved in. 

What advice would you give to someone who’s moving across the country to attend college?

This is a time to step out and learn! Make college your opportunity to learn more about yourself.  I love the memories I’ve made at Grace; the people I met here will be my lifetime friends. 

What’s different here than where you’re from? 

It’s cold. I don’t love being cold. 

What’s a funny thing you’ve noticed about the Midwest?  

There are so many casseroles – Tater Tot casserole changed my life.

Carter Clear

Boring, Oregon (name not an adjective)

How did you find Grace? 

I was born in Kokomo, Indiana, so my parents have a lot of ties to the Midwest. I knew I wanted to attend a Christian college in Indiana with a Bible-based science program.

What advice would you give to someone who’s moving across the country to attend college?

Get engaged on campus. Call people back home, but don’t expect all your friendships to stay the same. Be willing to make new friends.

What’s different here than where you’re from? 

Less trees, less hills, less coffee.

What’s a funny thing you’ve noticed about the Midwest? 

The signs at gas stations read: price of gas, price of diesel, and price of slurpees.

Taylor Courtemanche 

Topsfield, Massachusetts

How did you find Grace? 

My best friend’s mom found Grace when she was searching for schools for her son. She told me I should check it out and I committed before even seeing the campus.

What advice would you give to someone who’s moving across the country to attend college?

Find a good community. You’re leaving your family, so make friends that become your family. 

What’s different here than where you’re from? 

The people are really kind here. 

What’s a funny thing you’ve noticed about the Midwest? 

I see a lot of corn fields, but not a lot of people eating corn.

Bailey Graber 

Lumberton, Texas

How did you find Grace?

I was looking at another college, and a side ad popped up advertising a Christian college in Indiana — it was Grace College! 

What advice would you give to someone who’s moving across the country to attend college?

Do your best to put yourself out there. Focus on getting out of your comfort zone and making good friends.

What’s different here than where you’re from?

The leaves change in the fall.

What’s a funny thing you’ve noticed about the Midwest? 

There’s only one seasoning here: salt and pepper.

Cassandra Cross

Fountain Valley, California

How did you find Grace?

I found Grace through an alumni connection.

What advice would you give to someone who’s moving across the country to attend college?

Be open to learning from the people around you. 

What’s different here than where you’re from?

There are four distinct seasons.

What’s a funny thing you’ve noticed about the Midwest? 

People wear Chacos for everyday life. 

Anna Kezar

North Berwick, Maine

How did you find Grace?

I was looking for a small Christian college that had a journalism major. Grace was the first college that came up on my search. After visiting, I knew I wanted to be here immediately. I never thought I’d end up at a Christian college in Indiana, but it’s been the best decision of my life!

What advice would you give to someone who’s moving across the country to attend college?

Establish a routine that will help you succeed. Be prepared for change. Life back home will change while you’re at college, so don’t be caught off guard when it’s hard to go back during breaks.

What’s different here than where you’re from?

It’s flat. When I look into the horizon line there are no mountains. 

What’s a funny thing you’ve noticed about the Midwest? 

There are so many pasta salads. I went to a potluck and the whole table was pasta salad. 

Are you interested in attending college farther from home? Learn more about what Grace offers as a Christian college in Indiana!