College marks the transition from adolescence to maturity. It’s the time when students try new things and find who they are. For many, that includes life-style changes – eating habits, sleeping habits-even going to church.

“It’s more about having a good time. Learning, self-discovery. That sense of freedom then spills over into, well, ‘I don’t have to go to church, nobody’s making me.’ So it’s easier just to stay in bed on a Sunday morning or just do something else,” University Chaplin Dr. Steve Rankin said.

Despite being founded by the United Methodist Church in 1911, SMU has more than just Methodists. There are around five religious affiliations ranging from Hindus to Christians.

A study by the Pew Forum shows nearly 44 percent of students attend church frequently their freshman year. But by their junior year, only 25 percent make it a priority.

“Once you get into one thing, you usually start doing other things that you’ve never done. You just kind of feel like it’s okay to live this new life and so everything that you learn like growing up, like the importance of going to church, it kind of flies out the window,” Louisiana State University Sophomore Erica said.

The Pew Study also found that students feel the need to go to church to maintain their relationship with God.

They were more depressed when they didn’t go as frequently.

“I think it’s important to have people, a sense of community that holds you accountable and helps you sort of reach for that person that you always want to be. You know, we need people to sort of encourage us towards that,” McElvaney resident community chaplain Lainie Allen said.

Whether it’s a support system for when times get tough or a place of solace, SMU has many places where students can escape the stresses of life.

For more information on religious groups on campus visit the office of the chaplain’s website or their office in Hughes-Trigg Student Center Suite 316.