Academics
Founded in 1875, Brigham Young University in Utah operates under the mission and support of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, offering more than 30,000 undergraduates 187 majors at a low cost of tuition. Sixty-six percent of BYU students have served missions— “More than half also speak foreign languages”—and to add to that worldliness, “many professors bring in people from the field or other connections so that students can hear from more perspectives on their chosen careers.” There are “so many internships and partner programs around the world thanks to university connections,” and BYU “offers very enlightening religion courses that cover topics deeply but are sensitive to students not of the faith.” Students can also avail themselves of “many opportunities for experimental learning and hands-on projects and experiences” and the “tons of beneficial real career experience right on campus.” BYU faculty are “great at structuring classes and lessons in a way that’s engaging and non-traditional,” and “actively work to adjust their classes and their teaching every year based on the feedback of students.” They are “fair and willing to work with students if you approach them early with concerns,” and can be proactive about helping others succeed. “Many of my professors have reached out to me personally when they noticed I was struggling and offered to help me,” says a student. The variety of classes is both wide and deep thanks to the inclusion of “great programs in specific fields and a very moral environment.” Moreover, professors are “always looking for better ways to educate with technology and other teaching techniques,” such as an “integrated online learning and class experience.”
Student Body
Students here are “hard-working and determined to succeed in all aspects of their life: academically, socially, emotionally, [and] spiritually.” They are “held to a high standard” and hence “take academics very seriously, [and] the class discussions are always very stimulating.” While “the majority of the student body is Caucasian, there still is a decent amount of diversity.” Where most attendees are the same are in the values they share, a characteristic that students say make it “easy to connect with people.” Furthermore, “the value system of the school provides a blanket level of honesty” from classmates and faculty that helps to facilitate trust and bonds. The community is also described as welcoming: “There is little judgment when it comes to hobbies or interests that are out of the ordinary,” and “the students on this campus are some of the kindest, friendliest people.”
Campus Life
Whether you’re full-time or part-time, on-campus or not, BYU “tries to involve everybody.” In particular, “student activities are well-publicized,” which can lead to high participation. “Lots of people make sporting events a priority,” while others “do the same for things related to the school of music events.” Overall, there’s a sense that the community “fills their days with service and recreational activities,” like theater, choir, and clubs, although they’re especially fond of outdoors events that take advantage of the campus’s proximity to “a number of lakes, reservoirs, ski resorts, and national parks.” There’s plenty to do indoors as well! For instance, the free International Cinema “shows different films every week that are all from different time periods and countries and in different languages,” and for students who want to make use of free public transportation options, “Salt Lake is only one hour away.” And for those looking to visit these various locales with a partner, students inform us that “Dating is huge at [BYU], and lots of people go on dates on the weekends or throughout the week.”
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