Balancing Family & School
Married Student Guide
You Are Not Alone
Thousands of married couples attend BYU-Idaho every semester. Many have children, jobs, and all the responsibilities that come with adult life. The challenges are real: tight budgets, exhaustion, and juggling competing priorities.
But so are the rewards. You are investing in your family's future together, and you will look back on this time with pride. This guide will help you navigate the practical challenges so you can focus on what matters most.
Housing for Married Students
Good news: married students are NOT required to live in BYU-Idaho approved housing. You have much more flexibility.
1-Bedroom Apartments
$600-800/mo
- •Good for newlyweds without children
- •Usually includes washer/dryer hookups
- •Most affordable married housing option
2+ Bedroom Apartments
$800-1,200/mo
- •Necessary if you have or expect children
- •Often includes small yards or patios
- •Look in neighborhoods with other families
Where to Look for Married Housing
Popular Neighborhoods
- •South Rexburg - quieter, more families
- •West Rexburg - newer developments
- •Near Porter Park - family-friendly
- •Sugar City - 5 min drive, often cheaper
Where to Search
- •Facebook Marketplace and local groups
- •KSL Classifieds (Utah/Idaho)
- •Apartments.com and Zillow
- •Ask at your ward - word of mouth is huge
Pro Tip: Timing Matters
Start looking for housing 2-3 months before you need it. The best family apartments go fast, especially before Fall semester. Many married students find housing through word of mouth - tell everyone in your ward and classes that you are looking.
Budgeting for Married Life
Understanding your expenses and income sources is crucial. Here is what married student life typically costs in Rexburg.
Typical Monthly Expenses
| Category | Range | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Housing (1BR) | $600-800 | Not required to be approved housing |
| Housing (2BR) | $800-1,200 | Better for families with children |
| Groceries | $300-500 | For 2 adults |
| Utilities | $80-150 | Higher in winter months |
| Car/Gas | $100-200 | If you have a vehicle |
| Phone/Internet | $80-120 | Combined plans |
Total Estimated Monthly Budget: $1,500-2,500 for a couple without children. Add $300-500/month per child for food, diapers, and other needs.
Income Sources
Part-time On-Campus Job
$600-1,000/mo
Flexible with class schedule
Full-time Off-Campus
$1,800-2,500/mo
One spouse working full-time
Financial Aid/Grants
Varies
Apply early, married students often qualify for more
Part-time Remote Work
$500-1,500/mo
Freelancing, tutoring, virtual assistant
Money-Saving Strategies
Balancing School & Family
This is the hardest part. Here is wisdom from married students who have done it successfully.
Communicate Constantly
Weekly planning meetings with your spouse are essential. Discuss schedules, stressors, and who handles what.
Protect Your Marriage
Schedule regular date nights, even if it is just a walk after the kids are asleep. Your relationship comes first.
Share the Load
Divide household tasks based on schedules, not gender. Whoever has less class time does more at home.
Create Study Blocks
Designate specific times for uninterrupted study. Trade off child duties during these blocks.
Lower Your Standards
A messy apartment during finals is okay. Focus on what matters most each week.
Ask for Help
Use ward resources, accept meals, let family help. You cannot do everything alone.
Time Management Strategies
Daily Habits
- ✓Wake up before your kids/spouse to study
- ✓Use small pockets of time (waiting, commuting)
- ✓Study during nap times if you have kids
- ✓Do homework on campus between classes
Weekly Planning
- ✓Sunday planning meeting with your spouse
- ✓Block study time on your shared calendar
- ✓Meal prep to save time during the week
- ✓Schedule one date night, even if it is free
Remember: This Season is Temporary
The stress of being a married student will not last forever. You are investing in your family's future. In a few years, you will look back and be amazed at what you accomplished together.
Your marriage is more important than your GPA. When you have to choose, choose each other.
Childcare Options
Finding affordable, reliable childcare is one of the biggest challenges for student parents. Here are your options in Rexburg.
Licensed Childcare Centers
$800-1,200/moPros
- +Structured environment
- +Licensed and inspected
- +Consistent hours
Cons
- -Most expensive option
- -Waitlists common
- -Less flexible schedules
In-Home Daycare
$500-800/moPros
- +More affordable
- +Smaller groups
- +Often more flexible
Cons
- -Varies in quality
- -May not be licensed
- -Provider vacations affect you
BYU-I Child Lab
Free or low-costPros
- +On campus
- +Run by Early Childhood Education students
- +Very affordable
Cons
- -Limited spots
- -Limited hours
- -Semester-based availability
Childcare Swaps
FreePros
- +No cost
- +Build community
- +Flexible
Cons
- -Requires coordination
- -Need trustworthy partners
- -Reciprocal commitment
Childcare Swaps: How They Work
Many married student families form childcare swap groups. Here is how to set one up:
- 1Find 2-4 other families in your ward or neighborhood with similar-aged children
- 2Compare class schedules and identify gaps where each family can help
- 3Set clear expectations: drop-off times, meals, discipline, emergencies
- 4Track hours to keep it fair - aim for roughly equal exchanges
BYU-I Child Development Lab
The university runs a child development lab where Early Childhood Education students gain experience. This is one of the most affordable options, but spots are extremely limited.
- •Ages 3-5 years old typically
- •Apply early - waitlists are long
- •Contact the Family & Consumer Sciences department for current information
Community & Support
Your ward and the broader married student community will be your biggest source of support in Rexburg.
Family Wards
Organized by geographic area. You will meet other married couples and families in your neighborhood.
Married Student Wards
Some areas have wards specifically for married students without children. Great for newly married couples.
Family Home Evening Groups
Many married wards have small groups that meet for activities and support.
Relief Society & Elders Quorum
Strong support networks for new parents and young families.
Family-Friendly Activities in Rexburg
Building Your Support Network
- •Attend ward activities consistently - this is where friendships form
- •Invite other couples over for dinner, even if it is just spaghetti
- •Join or start a couples scripture study group
- •Accept help when offered - you will pay it forward later
The friends you make as married students often become lifelong friends. Invest in these relationships.
Special Circumstances
Having a Baby While in School
Many couples welcome children during their time at BYU-Idaho. Here is how to prepare:
- •Consider taking a lighter course load the semester before/after
- •Talk to professors early - most are very accommodating
- •Build up savings before the baby arrives
- •Apply for WIC and Medicaid if eligible
- •Line up childcare options before baby arrives
Non-Enrolled Spouses
If your spouse is not enrolled at BYU-Idaho, here is what they should know:
- •They can still get a spouse ID card for campus access
- •Job opportunities are available in Rexburg
- •They can attend ward activities and build community
- •Consider remote work options if local jobs are limited
- •Library and some campus facilities are accessible
Financial Hardship Resources
If you are struggling financially, do not be afraid to reach out for help. These resources are available:
- •BYU-I Financial Aid Office - emergency grants available
- •Bishop's Storehouse - food and necessities
- •WIC Program - for pregnant women and young children
- •Medicaid - health insurance for low-income families
- •Campus Food Pantry - free groceries for students
- •Your Bishop - can connect you with church welfare
Taking Care of Yourselves
It is easy to neglect your own wellbeing when juggling so many responsibilities. Do not forget to take care of yourselves.
Individual Self-Care
- • Use the free campus gym (Hart Building)
- • Take advantage of free counseling services
- • Maintain hobbies, even small ones
- • Get outside, even in winter
- • Stay connected with family and friends back home
Couple Self-Care
- • Weekly date nights (can be free!)
- • Daily check-ins about how you are each doing
- • Celebrate small wins together
- • Protect time for just the two of you
- • Attend the temple together when possible
More Helpful Resources
Check out these guides for more information on specific topics.