My tips for a prospective Jewish student embarking on their college journey…

As a university student in my second year attending a large public school, I have many opportunities to spend my free time. But as an Israeli-American, daughter of a rabbi, and avid Zionist, Jewish life is on the top of my list. 

If I can give one piece of advice to a prospective university student, it is to do the ‘prep work’ before choosing which university to attend. This past year, I have heard many stories of fear, anxiety, and worry from friends on campuses with a volatile anti-Israel presence. As it is, freshman year can be anxiety-provoking academically and socially. Add to the mix the atrocities of October 7th, social media riots, and anti-Israel protests nationwide, life for a Jewish student can become daunting. The one thing that can alleviate some of this pressure is researching the colleges on your list with the number of Jews on campus, the level of Jewish activity, professors to avoid and which ones to follow, and any past incidents of antisemitism.

I still remember the overwhelming feelings of being a new student and not knowing where anything was nor having met my close friends yet, but I vividly remember a special moment in my first week, in which I walked around to my Hillel, Chabad, and Olami to meet my new Jewish home for the coming four years. While it may too sound overwhelming at first, I can promise first-hand that it will be reassuring to have a spot for Shabbat dinner whenever you want and matzo ball soup whenever you miss your bubbe’s. And now, one of my favorite things about my university is my ‘Chavura’ – the Jewish/Israeli like-minded friend group with whom I feel most comfortable.

Just knowing where these organizations are, however, is not enough. In an ever-so-complicated world post-October 7th, being active in Jewish organizations is what counts. Being an advocate on campus will not only bring amazing connections and meaningful opportunities, but more importantly it will strengthen your identity. Today, many of my closest friends are ones that I met at Hillel, Mishelanu, and Olami, some of whom I met by rooming together on a campus trip to Israel. Through being involved in my Hillel and participating in its Perspectives trip to Israel, I was lucky enough to meet former prime minister of Israel Naftali Bennett in a private session for campus leaders. 

As I write this op-ed, I am proud to represent the American Jewish Committee’s Campus Global Board as this year’s sole member at the University of Texas at Austin. As amazing as campus involvement is, my role has made me feel even more proud and fulfilled to bring the experiences of those on my campus and share them with the fellow student leaders I sit alongside on the board. 

While I still have two more years to be involved in Jewish life, I cannot emphasize enough the importance of beginning your Jewish journey on campus, meeting your ‘Chavura’, and becoming a Jewish student leader on your campus. I feel blessed to study at a university that offers me these many opportunities, and I assure you that you will too very soon. B’Hatzlacha and congratulations on this next step in your life!