There’s a real community!

There's a real community!

Former RTC Principal Dave Newton chats to two of the 80 students who enrolled for courses in Malvern this 2023-2024 academic year to find out what they learned in their first term

Dave Newton

New student arrivals always present an exciting time at Regents. This academic year has seen over 80 new students enrol across all of our Malvern-based courses. Many students take the opportunity to study in their context, making the most of study time on site whilst living and working somewhere else in the country. Others live residentially on campus here in Malvern, like Evie and Josh. We caught up with them both to find out how their first term was going.

What were you doing before coming to Regents and why did you apply to study?

Evie – I was involved in youth work based on council estates in Manchester. I signed up for a gap year with the Message Trust, and it really stretched me. My relationship with God really grew during my gap year and as I started to find out more about him, I wanted to keep learning and strengthen my relationship with God. I want to be able to talk to other people about God, so they also get to know him as well. I felt Regents was the perfect place to do that.
Josh – I have just finished school and came straight to Regents. I had a part-time job in a supermarket alongside school but decided to give that up to come and study on site. The different tracks on offer attracted me to Regents. This meant I could study theology but have a specific focus on youth ministry, which is my passion.

What has stood out to you in your first months?

Evie – The best bit of Regents is the community here. It is a friendly and supportive community and it's so lovely that students and staff are all a part of it. You can really feel the presence of God throughout the day as everyone takes part in Regents' life.
Josh – I have realised and have been impressed by how amazing the community is – you always have someone looking to support you, and people are so willing to help each other. The presence of God can really be felt and devotions are a great time before lectures each day to put the focus of your day on God.

What would you say to someone considering studying at Regents in one sentence?

Evie – Don't be scared to try something new – it is not as hard as you think it might be. Let God lead you, because his plans are best!
Josh – I would say it is always good to pray about things! Then do something, get in touch with Regents and come to an open day. Better still, apply!

Despite trends changing and many students seeking to fit study into their everyday lives, it seems Josh and Evie are really benefiting from throwing themselves into community life and studying full-time here in Malvern. Please continue to pray for all our students as they continue to learn.