College is a time of discovering who we are, what we believe and where we situate ourselves in the world.
At UCLA, students are surrounded by abundant opportunities to reinvent themselves. Still, finding a sense of belonging on such a large campus can prove quite difficult.
“Spirituality” refers to the search for meaning, connection and deeper understanding of oneself beyond the demands of everyday life. While it can be expressed through religious faith and prayer, it can also take shape through meditation and the exploration of one’s values. Spirituality can offer students a way to better understand themselves and their place in the cosmos.
Students should explore spirituality whether through faith or reflection, to build a meaningful community and deepen their sense of identity at UCLA.
Revelacian Quinquina, a third-year political science and sociology student, said faith has provided her stability as she adjusts to life at UCLA as an exchange student from England.
After meeting students at the Enormous Activities Fair, Quinquina began exploring Bible studies at UCLA.
Quinquina also discovered that her randomly assigned roommates were Christian, which helped them develop a close friendship almost immediately. Shared faith turned an unfamiliar living situation into a meaningful connection.
“I went out and I introduced myself, and from that we were speaking for hours,” she said.
Simon Joseph, a continuing lecturer of religion, said belonging to a religious community can provide students with a support system and a sense of routine in their daily lives.
Beyond fostering a sense of belonging, spirituality and religious faith can also offer mental health benefits.
Spiritual practices can provide moments of calm amid academic pressures and the uncertainty of everyday life, allowing students to step away from daily stress, reflect on their values and find a sense of grounding through meditation or prayer.
Mindfulness, which has roots in Buddhist meditation, has also been adapted into secular practices such as Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction, a program that uses mindfulness techniques to help people manage stress. Research has found that mindfulness-based interventions may help alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety. One study also found that mindfulness could potentially be used as an approach to managing ADHD symptoms.
Although mindfulness originates from religious traditions, students do not need to hold a particular faith to incorporate aspects of it into their lives.
For students interested in exploring mindfulness outside a religious setting, UCLA Health’s Mindfulness Education Center offers evidence-based educational programs designed to help people manage stress and cultivate wellbeing. Students can also access free guided mediations and other mindfulness resources, providing an approachable baseline for those looking to reconnect with themselves and explore practices beyond organized religion.
Whether through mediation or prayer, spiritual exploration can offer students another avenue for stress management amid the pressures of college life.
Brandon Wieboldt, a UCLA School of Law student, said attending Mass at the University Catholic Center has offered a sense of familiarity as he adjusts to a new academic environment.
“When I go to Mass, it’s kind of like a peaceful home away from home,” he said. “It’s just been a way for me to connect with my faith and myself and just kind of have that silence.”
Wieboldt added that relationships in faith-based communities do not depend on just discussing religion and can also foster a sense of affinity and belonging without requiring students to agree on every aspect of their beliefs.
These connections allow students to feel accepted despite their personal beliefs. Belonging is built from the comfort of being around people who respect one another.
Spirituality does not look the same for everyone, nor does it require organized religion. While some students may find connection through faith-based organizations, others may explore spirituality through meditation or personal reflection. Students should not feel pressured to adopt a belief, but instead be open to exploring their values and discovering new ways to connect with themselves and others.
Joseph said experiencing a spiritual community firsthand can help students understand what it offers.
“You won’t get that through reading books or articles online or talking to skeptics, or even your professors, so you need to check it out for yourself,” he added.
Whether by attending religious services, joining meditation groups or gathering with others to reflect on shared values, students can explore spirituality in ways that resonate with them.
In searching for a place in the world, we may find that the most meaningful journey is the one that leads us into the uncharted territory of ourselves.
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