Insider Knowledge from Experienced Students
Student Life Tips
Surviving Rexburg Winters
Rexburg winters are legendary. Temperatures regularly drop below 0°F, and snow can stick around from October through April. Here's how to stay warm and safe.
Essential Winter Gear Checklist
Must-Have Items
Pro-Level Gear
- ✓Thermal base layers (top and bottom)
- ✓Wool socks (not cotton!)
- ✓Hand warmers and toe warmers
- ✓Ice scraper and snow brush for car
- ✓Emergency car kit with blanket
Walking to Class Tips
- • Layer up - you can always remove layers once inside
- • Allow extra time on icy days
- • Walk on shoveled paths, not shortcuts through snow
- • Keep your hands out of pockets for balance
- • Invest in YakTrax or ice cleats for boots
Driving in Winter
- • Get all-weather or snow tires
- • Start your car 10 minutes early to warm up
- • Keep gas tank at least half full
- • Drive slowly and brake early
- • Keep emergency supplies in trunk
Budget & Money Management
College is expensive, but Rexburg is one of the most affordable college towns in the nation. Here's how to stretch your dollars further.
Typical Monthly Expenses
$200-400
Rent
$150-250
Food
$30-50
Utilities
$50-100
Entertainment
Total estimated monthly budget: $430-800
Saving Money on Food
- • Shop at WinCo Foods for the lowest prices
- • Buy store brands instead of name brands
- • Meal prep on Sundays for the whole week
- • Split bulk items with roommates
- • Use student discounts at local restaurants
- • Pack lunches instead of buying on campus
- • Learn 5-10 cheap, easy recipes
Saving Money on Textbooks
- • Check the library for reserve copies first
- • Rent textbooks through BYU-Idaho Bookstore
- • Buy used on Amazon or Chegg
- • Use older editions (ask professor first)
- • Share textbooks with classmates
- • Sell books back at semester end
- • Look for free PDF versions online
Student Job Opportunities
On-campus jobs are perfect for students - they work around your class schedule and understand academic commitments.
Popular On-Campus Jobs:
- • Library assistant
- • Testing center proctor
- • TA/Tutor
Off-Campus Options:
- • Retail at Porter's
- • Fast food restaurants
- • Apartment cleaning
Flexible Work:
- • DoorDash driver
- • Freelancing online
- • Tutoring services
Academic Success Tips
BYU-Idaho has a unique track system and academic culture. These tips will help you succeed in your classes.
Classroom Success
- 1Attend every class - participation often affects grades
- 2Sit in the front few rows for better focus
- 3Take notes by hand - it helps retention
- 4Ask questions - professors appreciate engagement
- 5Review notes within 24 hours of class
Study Strategies
- 1Form study groups early in the semester
- 2Use the free tutoring center in the library
- 3Visit professor office hours - they want to help
- 4Study in short focused sessions (25-50 min)
- 5Find your best study spot on campus
Understanding the Track System
BYU-Idaho uses a unique three-track system. You'll be assigned to attend two of three semesters each year (Fall, Winter, or Spring/Summer). Here's what you need to know:
- • Plan ahead: Know which tracks you have and schedule accordingly
- • Off-track options: Take online classes, internships, or work during your off semester
- • Housing: Many apartments require year-round contracts - plan for off-track
- • Track changes: You can request changes, but they're not guaranteed
14
Weeks per Semester
15-18
Typical Credit Load
Free
Tutoring Center
Roommate Success
Living with roommates is a big part of the BYU-Idaho experience. These tips will help you build positive relationships.
Setting Expectations
- • Discuss sleep schedules and quiet hours
- • Create a cleaning schedule together
- • Agree on guest policies
- • Decide how to split shared expenses
- • Talk about study habits and noise levels
- • Set temperature preferences for thermostat
Resolving Conflicts
- • Address issues early, before they build up
- • Use "I" statements instead of blaming
- • Listen to understand, not to respond
- • Be willing to compromise
- • Involve an RA if needed - that's what they're for
- • Remember: you don't have to be best friends
Pro Tip: The Roommate Agreement
Many successful roommate relationships start with a written agreement. During your first week, sit down together and write out expectations for cleaning, guests, noise, and shared items. It might feel awkward, but it prevents bigger problems later.
Health & Wellness
Taking care of yourself is essential for success. Here's how to stay healthy in Rexburg.
Physical Health
- • Use the free Student Wellness Center gym
- • Join intramural sports teams
- • Walk to class when possible
- • Get 7-8 hours of sleep
- • Stay hydrated (Rexburg is dry!)
- • Visit Student Health for medical needs
Mental Health
- • Use free campus counseling services
- • Maintain a regular schedule
- • Stay connected with family and friends
- • Take breaks from studying
- • Get outside, even in winter
- • Don't be afraid to ask for help
- • Use a light therapy lamp for winter blues
Winter Health Essentials
Rexburg's dry winter air and cold temperatures can take a toll on your health. Here's what helps:
- • Humidifier - essential for dry apartment air
- • Light therapy lamp - combat seasonal depression
- • Vitamin D supplements (less sun in winter)
- • Good moisturizer for dry skin
Important Campus Resources
Student Health Center: (208) 496-9330
Counseling Center: (208) 496-9370
After Hours: Madison Memorial Hospital
Campus Security: (208) 496-3000
Quick Tips from Experienced Students
Things to Bring
- • Shower shoes (for shared bathrooms)
- • Power strip with surge protector
- • Mattress topper for comfort
- • Portable phone charger
- • Small first aid kit
- • Laundry supplies and quarters
Things NOT to Bring
- • Too many clothes (storage is limited)
- • Expensive items (dorms get broken into)
- • Prohibited items (check housing rules)
- • Heavy furniture (apartments are furnished)
- • Candles (fire hazard, usually banned)
- • Pets (most housing doesn't allow them)
More Helpful Resources
Check out these guides for more detailed information on specific topics.
Social Life & Making Friends
BYU-Idaho has an incredibly social culture. Here's how to make the most of it and build lasting friendships.
Ward Activities
Your ward (church congregation) is one of the best ways to meet people.
Campus Clubs
There are hundreds of clubs for every interest imaginable.
Apartment Social
Your apartment complex is a built-in social network.
Dating at BYU-Idaho
BYU-Idaho has a unique dating culture focused on getting to know many people. Here's how it works:
Dating Tips
Cheap Date Ideas
Say Yes to New Experiences
The students who have the best experience at BYU-Idaho are the ones who step out of their comfort zone. Say yes to ward activities, invite people to hang out, try new clubs, and be open to making friends from different backgrounds.
Everyone is in the same boat - looking for friends and connection. Be the one to reach out first!