Hello, I wanted to know how BYU is for an individual who’s not Mormon and what it’s like there. I’m willing to live the Honor Code and take LDS classes. The reason I’m interested is because of the strictness and that students have to follow a certain code just to get in.
How is BYU for a non-LDS student? It really is up to you. There are some (including me) who were miserable and others who really really loved it. I can give details, as objectively as possible, but limited only to my personal experience.
Generally speaking, BYU is extremely LDS (almost 99% of students and faculty are LDS). You’re right about the strictness and high moral standard expected of students. If that’s what attracts you to the school, then good for you. Personally speaking, I don’t see why it matters since even without a code, you wouldn’t be forced to join in all the “bad stuff”. Anyway, while some rules may have been odd and perhaps excessive (especially grooming standards), I had no problems with the Code. What I was not the most comfortable with, though, was the LDS influence on pretty much everything.
- Many classes begin with prayer, professors might include LDS references in class or address the class collectively like everyone is LDS.
- If you're going to study arts or humanities, there might be limitations on artistic expression and maybe even what you research on (if it contradicts their gospel).
- Most social activities are LDS-centered. Everyone is off to church on Sunday and will spend most of the day doing church-related stuff. If you're not self-conscious about being the odd one out, you are more than welcome to join in.
- Speaking of Sundays, most of the town is closed on Sundays, so take note of that regarding shopping plans.
I would add that there are several plus points. 1) Almost everyone there is really nice and will try their best to integrate you into their community (i.e. try not to make you feel left out). They will try to convert you, but generally will be very respectful about it and not press the issue if you’re not interested. 2) There’s an “Intro to LDS” class for non-LDS students that’s basically a “how to survive BYU” class; it’s also a great opportunity to meet and make friends with other non-LDS students. 3) The chaplain (really nice guy) hosts a luncheon for non-LDS students once per semester. Another great opportunity to meet and mingle.
In summary, I would say that a lot of it comes down to how comfortable you’d be with being different from everyone else. BYU does provide a pretty good education for a very good price, so it might be worth going even if it means feeling lonely and left out for 4 years. Anyway, that’s a pretty general overview. If you have more specific concerns, I might be able to provide more helpful information.
Do Mormon Missionaries usually come every day?
You probably will be living with Mormon students, and at some point I’m sure they’ll ask you if you want to meet the missionaries. If you say no, they’ll probably leave it as that. If you say yes, the missionaries will come talk to you and teach you about their gospel. From there, if you’re still interested, you can arrange further meetings with them any time. Other than that, missionaries sometimes just randomly go door to door looking for people to preach to, so depending on luck they might come visit you one day.
From my experience, I’ve never had anyone be very pushy about converting to LDS, but I’ve heard stories like that from friends. Generally, nobody is really going to force you to meet the missionaries and join the church, but I know of people who converted just for the lower tuition, just to fit in, or because they found a Mormon boyfriend/girlfriend. So basically there might be some indirect pressure to join the church, but no direct pressure like missionaries knocking on your door every day.
Well, it really depends as the first post says. All my family went to BYU, LDS members are very outgoing, and most of the guys around there are going to be friendly with any person. However, you also need to understand that going against their beliefs can be a little be odd. They may sometimes be a little bit pushy about converting to mormonism, but I dont think you will out of place at all. I mean, Sundays yes everything is close and nothing besides church or church related stuff are going to be open. Also, expect that during conference (which is twice a year and begins during a Saturday) people are going to Salt Lake, so yeah some days can make a non LDS member a little bit out of place.
Dont expect crazy parties with neither alcohol or drugs around campus. If you want to find some people like that well you can go close to UVU campus because they have more percentage of NON LDS members there.
Also, expect that people will talk about their missions. That sometimes kind of bothers me because well it just kind of odd (for me).
Im talking from experience, I was born in the church and I attended BYU for 2 years until I decided to leave the church, so I basically was force to leave BYU too. My brother just graduated from there, and he looks like he had enjoyed his time there.
BYU is not for everyone, and sometimes you are going to feel that the bubble of Provo is a little overwhelming. Dont get me wrong, I met wonderful people there but it was just not my place to be (even though I still follow the rules such as no alcohol, no drugs, no premarital sex because I was born in a place where the mormon values were important)