Lori Meadows
Student life at Brigham Young University (BYU) is heavily influenced by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which owns the university. BYU offers a wide range of extracurricular activities for its students, from outdoor pursuits such as hiking and rafting to academic societies and clubs. BYU's stated purpose is to assist individuals in their quest for perfection and eternal life, and the university is considered by many to be The Lord's University. BYU's honour code, which all students must agree to, prohibits premarital sex, and the university's dating scene is notably different from that of other colleges.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Student Activities | Organised by the BYU Student Service Association (BYU SA) or by campus wards and stakes (official religious divisions with student leaders, budgets, and regular activities) |
| Student Clubs | Organised by BYU SA, campus wards and stakes, or sponsored by academic departments |
| Student Life | Influenced by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints; abstinence from sexual activity is common due to religious values and the BYU Honor Code |
| Student Housing | 22% of students live in college-owned, -operated, or -affiliated housing; 78% live off-campus |
| Student Enrollment | 32,221 undergraduates (Fall 2023) |
| Campus Size | 560 acres |
| Religious Affiliation | Students and faculty are required to submit an affidavit confirming their active participation in the LDS Church |
| Religious Courses | All undergraduate students must take 14 semester hours of religious courses to graduate, including at least one course on the Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, and New Testament |
| Academic Programs | Liberal arts, engineering, agriculture, management, physical and mathematical sciences, nursing, and law |
| Number of Campuses | 5 (Provo, Jerusalem, Salt Lake City, Washington, D.C., and London) |
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What You'll Learn
Students are encouraged to marry and abstain from sexual activity
Student life at Brigham Young University is heavily influenced by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The university is privately owned by the church and has a religious atmosphere where secular and religious principles are taught together. BYU's stated purpose is to "assist individuals in their quest for perfection and eternal life".
Students at Brigham Young University are encouraged to marry and abstain from sexual activity. This is influenced by both personal religious values and the BYU Honor Code, which prohibits sexual intercourse. Students who break these rules may face expulsion. The LDS church emphasizes marriage in its teachings, and celestial marriage is considered necessary for exaltation. Members of the church believe their mission on earth is to marry and have a family, and they often marry young.
At BYU, only about 4% of students reported sexual activity within dating, and less than 1% reported sexual activity outside of dating, according to "A Survey of Dating and Marriage at BYU". This is in contrast to other college campuses, where "hooking up", or non-committal sexual encounters, are common. For example, in a study of 1,000 college women, 90% reported "hooking up" as a regular occurrence, and 40% had participated personally.
To encourage marriage, BYU offers a variety of clubs and organizations for students to meet and interact with each other. Most on-campus activities are organized by the BYU Student Service Association (BYU SA) or by campus wards and stakes, which are official religious divisions with student leaders, budgets, and regular activities. BYU also has a hub for entertainment on campus, the Wilkinson Center, which includes a bowling alley, a movie theater, and an eatery.
In addition to the encouragement to marry, BYU students are expected to follow the Honor Code, which mandates behavior in line with the teachings of the church. All undergraduate students, regardless of their religion, must take 14 semester hours of religious courses to graduate, including at least one course on the Book of Mormon, one on the Doctrine and Covenants, and one on the New Testament.
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Students must adhere to an honour code
Students at Brigham Young University must adhere to an honour code, which is a contract that each student signs, agreeing to uphold behaviour in line with the teachings of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This includes abstinence from sexual activity, academic honesty, and prohibitions against obscenity, profanity, smoking, and alcohol consumption. The honour code is a longstanding tradition at BYU, with early forms appearing as far back as the days of the Brigham Young Academy. Today, all students and faculty, regardless of their religion, are required to agree to and sign the honour code.
The honour code reflects the religious nature of BYU, which is privately owned by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The university's stated purpose is to "assist individuals in their quest for perfection and eternal life". The religious and secular aspects of the university are intertwined, with prayers commonly spoken in classes. This integration of secular and religious education is in line with the vision of Brigham Young himself, who wanted the two to be interwoven in a way that encourages the highest standards in both areas.
The honour code's prohibition against sexual activity is influenced by the LDS Church's emphasis on marriage and family. Members of the LDS Church believe that their mission on earth is to marry and have a family, and celestial marriage is considered an ordinance necessary for exaltation. This emphasis on marriage and family may contribute to the low rates of sexual activity reported among BYU students, with only about 4% reporting sexual activity within dating and less than 1% reporting sexual activity outside of dating.
In addition to the honour code, BYU students are also required to take religious courses as part of their curriculum. All undergraduate students, regardless of their religion, must take 14 semester hours of religious courses to graduate. These courses cover a range of topics, including the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants, and the New Testament. The integration of religious and secular education at BYU is unique and reflects the university's religious foundations and mission.
The honour code also extends beyond the academic realm, influencing student behaviour outside of the classroom. For example, fraternities and sororities are prohibited at BYU, and most on-campus student activities are organised by the BYU Student Service Association (BYU SA) or official religious divisions. This encourages students to participate in activities that align with the values and principles of the university and the LDS Church. Overall, the honour code plays a significant role in shaping the student experience at BYU, fostering a community that adheres to the teachings and values of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
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Students can participate in clubs and societies
Students at Brigham Young University can participate in a variety of clubs and societies. The university is heavily influenced by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and its purpose is to "assist individuals in their quest for perfection and eternal life". With this in mind, many of the clubs and societies available to students are religious in nature.
Most on-campus student activities and clubs are organised by the BYU Student Service Association (BYU SA), the official student association, or by campus wards and stakes (official religious divisions with student leaders, budgets, and regular activities). Students are encouraged to get involved and connect with others who share their values.
One example of a club available to students is the comedy troupe Divine Comedy, which is sponsored by the university's academic departments. Students can also participate in outdoor recreation activities such as rock climbing, kayaking, hiking, and whitewater rafting. The university also offers academic societies, which provide learning and networking opportunities.
In addition to clubs and societies, BYU also has an honour code that all students and faculty, regardless of religion, are required to follow. This honour code includes rules prohibiting obscenity, profanity, smoking, and alcohol consumption. Students are also required to take 14 semester hours of religious courses to graduate, covering topics such as the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants, and the New Testament.
Overall, student life at BYU is heavily influenced by the church and its teachings, and the university provides a variety of clubs, societies, and activities that align with these values.
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Students can take part in outdoor activities
Brigham Young University offers a plethora of outdoor activities for students to participate in. With thousands of campus activities, there is something for everyone at BYU. The university's official student association, the BYU Student Service Association (BYU SA), organises most on-campus student activities and clubs.
Students at BYU can take part in a variety of outdoor activities. Rock climbing, kayaking, hiking, and whitewater rafting are just a few of the outdoor adventures available to those who enjoy being in nature. The university's Idaho campus is surrounded by natural beauty, providing the perfect setting for outdoor exploration.
BYU's Wilkinson Center is the hub for entertainment on campus, offering a bowling alley, a movie theatre, and a dining hall. In addition to these indoor amenities, the university also offers a range of outdoor recreational opportunities. Students can explore the diverse natural landscapes of Southeast Idaho, including its mountains, rivers, and forests.
For those who enjoy a challenge, rock climbing is an excellent way to test their strength and endurance. Kayaking and whitewater rafting are also offered for those who enjoy being on the water. Hiking is another popular activity, with various trails to explore in the surrounding area. BYU's Idaho campus is the perfect basecamp for students who want to get outside and explore nature.
In addition to the outdoor activities offered on campus, BYU also organises social events and academic functions. Leadership and volunteering programs are also available for students who want to make a difference during their time at university. With such a wide range of activities, clubs, and programs, students at BYU can easily find their niche and pursue their passions.
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Students can attend social events
Students at Brigham Young University can attend a variety of social events on campus. The BYU Student Service Association (BYU SA) and campus wards and stakes are responsible for organizing most on-campus student activities, clubs, and events.
The BYU Wilkinson Center is the hub for entertainment on campus, offering a bowling alley, a movie theater, and a place to eat. Students can also participate in outdoor activities such as rock climbing, kayaking, hiking, and whitewater rafting. BYU-Idaho also offers social events, from academic functions to leadership and volunteer programs.
Social life at BYU is heavily influenced by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The university is privately owned by the church and encourages students to integrate secular and religious principles in their daily lives. BYU's Honor Code, which all students must sign, prohibits sexual intercourse and other activities that go against the teachings of the church. As a result, only about 4% of the student population reported sexual activity within dating, and less than 1% reported sexual activity outside of dating.
BYU also has a comedy troupe called Divine Comedy, which is sponsored by academic departments. Students can attend social events organized by these groups, promoting a sense of community and shared interests.
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Frequently asked questions
Brigham Young University (BYU) offers a range of extra-curricular activities for students. Most on-campus activities are organised by the BYU Student Service Association (BYU SA), or by campus wards and stakes (official religious divisions with student leaders, budgets, and regular activities). Students can also join clubs and societies, such as the comedy troupe 'Divine Comedy'. BYU also offers a range of outdoor activities, such as rock climbing, kayaking, hiking, and whitewater rafting.
BYU is a religious institution, and its social life reflects this. Students are required to adhere to an honour code, prohibiting activities such as profanity, smoking, and alcohol consumption. BYU students rarely report engaging in sexual activity, and dating is uncommon. Instead, students may attend social events such as those organised by BYU-Idaho, or academic functions.
BYU is part of the NCAA I, and students can participate in a variety of sports. The university has a bowling alley and offers rock climbing, kayaking, hiking, and whitewater rafting.
