What future Catholic college students should focus on this summer

For many high school graduates, the summer after graduation is a time of joyful anticipation — a brief, sun-dappled pause between the structured days of school and the exciting unknown of college life. It’s a season filled with goodbyes, planning, and a fair bit of wondering: Am I ready for this next step?

While packing lists and course schedules are important, there’s another kind of preparation that can be quietly transformative — one that often goes overlooked: the shaping of your daily life around what truly matters. This is where the ancient and beautiful concept of a “Rule of Life” can become a faithful guide.

A Rule of Life isn’t a set of strict rules, but rather a gentle framework for living with intention. It helps you place God at the center of your days — especially during times of transition. The idea comes from centuries-old Christian tradition, most notably from St. Benedict, who encouraged his monks to root their lives in prayer, work, rest, and community.

It’s a way of answering the question: How can I live in a way that nurtures my soul, reflects my values, and helps me grow closer to God — right where I am?

And the good news? You don’t need to wait until college begins. The quieter pace of summer offers a wonderful opportunity to start building your own Rule of Life — something you can carry with you into this next chapter.

Take some time, perhaps in the early morning or a peaceful afternoon, to reflect on what draws you closer to God and what tends to pull you away. You might ask yourself:

Writing down your thoughts, even in a simple notebook or journal, can provide surprising clarity. God often speaks to us through the desires of our hearts — especially when we slow down long enough to listen.

Your Rule of Life doesn’t need to be elaborate. In fact, the most sustainable ones are quite simple. They flow gently with your life and can adapt to changing seasons.

Here are some areas you might consider including this summer:

Daily Prayer: Choose a time of day to be still with God. This could be a morning offering, reading a Psalm, or sitting quietly with a cup of tea and simply speaking to Jesus. Regular moments of prayer — even short ones — can anchor your heart.

Scripture and spiritual reading: Consider reading a few lines of the Gospels each day, or explore the life of a saint who inspires you. Summer is a perfect time to read more deeply. You might try something by Henri Nouwen, St. Thérèse, or even begin journaling your reflections.

Mass and Sacraments: If you’ve been used to going to Sunday Mass with family, now’s a good time to consider how you’ll stay connected once college begins. Try to attend a daily Mass once a week, or make time for confession during the summer. These practices strengthen us in ways we often don’t fully realize.

Healthy habits: Your Rule can — and should — include caring for your body and mind. Getting enough sleep, moving your body, spending time in nature, and creating boundaries with technology are all ways to honor the life God has given you.

Summer is also a time for joy. Meet up with old friends. Spend time outdoors. Watch the sunset without taking a photo. All of this is part of the rhythm of life God delights in. Your Rule doesn’t need to be solemn — it should make room for beauty, laughter, and meaningful connection.

In college, there will be days when schedules are unpredictable, and routines are disrupted. But having a Rule of Life — even a simple one — will give you something steady to return to. A rhythm of grace that reminds you: You are never alone. God walks with you.

You don’t need to have everything figured out. A Rule of Life can grow with you, and it’s perfectly fine to start small. Invite the Holy Spirit into the process. Ask for guidance, for gentleness with yourself, and for a deepening awareness of God’s love in your daily life.

This summer is more than a break — it’s a time of quiet preparation. By choosing to root your days in prayer, presence, and purpose, you’ll be laying the spiritual foundation for a life of faith that can thrive in any season.