College students are usually more closely associated with binge drinking and cramming for exams than religion and spirituality.
But a recent Harvard University Institute of Politics poll released last week, shows a majority of U.S. college students say religion is a significant part of their lives.
Seventy percent of the 1,200 American college students surveyed said religion was somewhat or very important to them.
This poll suggests something that many students seem afraid to talk about.
There's sometimes a stigma attached with being a very religious or spiritual person at a large university.
The idea of religion or groups exploring religion, such as a Bible study meeting, can appear weird or unfamiliar to those unfamiliar with the customs or traditions of certain faiths.
This can lead students with religious backgrounds to either stray from their beliefs once reaching college or embrace their strong spiritual ties and strengthen their convictions.
If you come from a very religious background, you might be more likely to group with or be drawn to people with similar beliefs who might attend the same place of worship. And many students are able to draw strength and build support groups by relating to other students with like perspectives.
But that goes for students who did not receive a spiritual or religious upbringing as well.
People usually surround themselves with those who have common backgrounds and views on life, whether those views include spirituality or not.
And attaining comfort among friends is an important part of the college experience.
Finding a culture you associate with around campus can sometimes include religion, but can also be rooted in other connections you have with peers, such as a sport, job, hobby or having the same major.
But that doesn't mean students should be afraid to explore what seems to be a taboo activity. Attending a large, diverse university like MSU makes learning about and exploring different religions and spiritual beliefs simple. A variety of viewpoints, customs and religions can be found throughout campus.
Having an open mind about those who practice a different religion or those who practice none at all can help to expand students' perceptions and knowledge of different viewpoints.
And there's nothing wrong with that.
