How to Make Time for God in a Busy School/College Schedule

Let’s be honest—school, college, jobs, social life, family, responsibilities... it adds up. And if you're like most students or young adults, you’ve probably found yourself saying, “I just don’t have time.” Especially when it comes to spending time with God.

But here's the truth: making time for God isn’t about adding one more thing to your to-do list. It’s about shifting your priorities so that He becomes the center of your life—not just a line item on your calendar.

1. Start With a Heart Check

Ask yourself honestly: Do I want to make time for God, or do I just feel guilty that I haven’t? Be real with Him—He already knows where your heart is. The goal isn’t to force a routine, but to grow in a relationship. Jesus said in Matthew 6:33:

“But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”

Seeking God first doesn’t mean it has to be the first thing you do every morning, but it does mean placing Him above all else—before school stress, social media, or even grades.

2. Redefine “Time With God”

A lot of us think time with God means sitting down with an open Bible, a journal, three highlighters, and 30 minutes of peace and quiet. But while that’s awesome, it’s not the only way to connect with Him.

God is with you in class. In your car. On your walk to campus. He’s not asking for perfection—He’s asking for presence. Consider these ideas:

• Listen to a worship song or short podcast while walking to class.

• Pray while brushing your teeth or getting dressed.

• Read a single verse and let it stay with you throughout the day.

• Talk to Him in between assignments. He’s listening.

3. Create Anchors in Your Day

You don’t need massive chunks of time to build a rhythm of connection. Try anchoring small habits to things you already do:

• After you wake up: Say a short prayer or thank God before grabbing your phone.

• Before meals: Pray, even silently, and acknowledge His provision.

• Before bed: Reflect on your day. What went well? What challenged your faith?

These aren’t about ritual. They're about inviting God into the ordinary.

4. Make Use of Your “In-Between” Moments

Bus rides, walk breaks, or even time waiting for food—these moments can be sacred. Instead of scrolling endlessly, consider:

• Reading one Psalm.

• Texting a verse to a friend.

• Writing a short prayer in your notes app.

You’ll be surprised how those small moments add up.

5. Let the Word Dwell in You

Colossians 3:16 says:

“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly…”

You don’t need to memorize whole chapters (though that’s great too!). Just let one verse sit in your heart during the day. When it “dwells” in you, it shapes your thoughts, choices, and attitude.

Write a verse on a sticky note, your laptop wallpaper, or even your mirror. Let it speak into the chaos.

6. Don’t Wait for Perfect Conditions

You might be thinking, “I’ll really get serious about my faith when this semester is over…” But if you’re always waiting for life to slow down, you’ll keep pushing God to the margins.

God meets us in the middle of the mess. He’s not waiting for you to get your act together—He’s inviting you to come to Him just as you are (Matthew 11:28-30).

7. Give Yourself Grace, But Stay Intentional

There will be days when you oversleep, forget to pray, or feel disconnected. That doesn’t mean you’ve failed. Grace isn’t a free pass to ignore God—it’s the gift that keeps drawing you back.

What matters is that you don’t give up. Just keep showing up.

Final Thought

Making time for God isn’t about guilt—it’s about love. It's about recognizing that the One who holds the universe still wants to walk with you through your 8 a.m. class, your final exams, and everything in between.

You don’t need more hours in your day. You just need to choose to use a few of them differently.

And the beautiful thing? When you give God your time, He multiplies it in ways you never imagined.