Welcome to BYU-Idaho

Transfer Student Guide

Everything you need to know about transferring to BYU-Idaho. From credit transfers to building community, we have got you covered.

Credit Transfer Info First Semester Tips

Getting Started Essentials

Transferring to a new school can feel overwhelming. Here's your roadmap to getting settled at BYU-Idaho.

Before You Arrive

1Accept your admission and pay the enrollment deposit
2Submit official transcripts from ALL previous institutions
3Complete New Student Orientation online modules
4Search for BYU-I approved housing
5Set up your BYU-Idaho email and I-Number

Your First Week

1Attend New Student Orientation (I-Week)
2Get your student ID card at the ID Center
3Meet with your academic advisor
4Learn the campus layout - key buildings to find
5Attend your first ward (church congregation) activities

Key Campus Locations to Know

Academic

• Kimball Building (Administration)
• McKay Library
• Testing Center (Spori Building)
• Your major's department building

Student Services

• Student Health Center
• Counseling Center
• Financial Aid Office
• Career Services

Campus Life

• MC (Manwaring Center) - food court
• Hart Building (Gym/Fitness)
• BYU-Idaho Center (Devotionals)
• Taylor Building (Bookstore)

Credit Transfer Information

Understanding how your credits transfer is crucial for planning your path to graduation.

How Credits Transfer

BYU-Idaho evaluates transfer credits based on accreditation, course content, and grades. Here's what you need to know:

What Transfers

• Credits from regionally accredited institutions
• Courses with a grade of C- or higher
• General education courses that match BYU-I requirements
• Major courses (evaluated by department)

What May Not Transfer

• Credits from non-accredited schools
• Courses with D grades or lower
• Some technical/vocational courses
• Religion classes from non-Church schools

Special Credit Types

AP Credits

Score of 3+ usually accepted. Check specific course equivalencies.

IB Credits

Higher Level exams with score 4+ typically transfer.

CLEP Credits

Accepted for many general education requirements.

Community College Credits

Credits from community colleges typically transfer well, especially for general education. A few things to note:

•Associate degrees: May satisfy many general education requirements
•Lower-division only: Community college credits are typically lower-division
•Max transfer: Up to 90 credits can transfer, but at least 30 must be at BYU-I

Appeals Process

Disagree with a credit evaluation? You can appeal through these steps:

1. Gather course syllabi, descriptions, and textbook info from your previous school
2. Contact the department that teaches the equivalent course at BYU-I
3. Submit a formal petition through your academic advisor
4. Allow 2-4 weeks for review and decision

Pro Tip: Start appeals early - do not wait until you need the credit for registration.

Academic Planning Tips

Strategic planning will help you graduate on time and make the most of your BYU-Idaho experience.

Meet With Your Advisor

Your academic advisor is your most valuable resource. Schedule a meeting within your first two weeks.

• Review your transfer credit evaluation together
• Map out your remaining requirements
• Discuss track options and graduation timeline
• Ask about internship and career opportunities
• Get their contact info for future questions

Master DegreeWorks

DegreeWorks is your graduation tracking tool. Learn to read it and check it regularly.

• Shows all completed and remaining requirements
• Displays how transfer credits were applied
• Use "What If" to explore different majors
• Check it before each registration period
• Report any errors to your advisor immediately

Considering a Major Change?

Transferring is a natural time to reconsider your major. Here's how to approach it:

Before You Switch

• Research the new major requirements
• Calculate how it affects graduation timeline
• Talk to students and professors in that department
• Consider career outcomes and job prospects
• Use Career Services assessments

Process to Change

• Meet with advisor in your current department
• Meet with advisor in the new department
• Submit major change request online
• Some majors require applications (check requirements)
• Allow 1-2 weeks for processing

Religion Course Requirements

All BYU-Idaho students must complete 14 credits of religion courses - one per semester you attend. Previous religion courses from other schools typically do not transfer.

• Cornerstone courses: Book of Mormon, New Testament, etc.
• Must take religion each semester enrolled
• Great opportunity to strengthen your foundation

Understanding the Track System

BYU-Idaho's unique track system allows the university to serve more students. Here's how it works.

How Tracks Work

BYU-Idaho has three semesters per year: Fall, Winter, and Spring/Summer. Students are assigned to attend two of the three semesters based on their "track." This system allows more students to attend the university.

Fall/Winter Track

Attend Fall & Winter

Off-track: Spring/Summer

Winter/Spring Track

Attend Winter & Spring

Off-track: Fall

Spring/Fall Track

Attend Spring & Fall

Off-track: Winter

Track Tips for Transfer Students

•Check your track assignment as soon as you're admitted
•Plan for off-track semesters - take online classes, do internships, or work
•Housing implications - you may need year-round housing or storage
•Track changes are possible but not guaranteed - request through Student Records

Off-Track Options

Your off-track semester is a great opportunity. Here are productive ways to use it:

• Take online courses to stay on track for graduation
• Complete an internship in your field
• Work and save money for upcoming semesters

• Study abroad through BYU-I programs
• Serve a mini-mission or volunteer
• Return home to be with family

BYU-Idaho Culture & Differences

BYU-Idaho has a unique culture that may be different from your previous school. Here's what to expect.

The Honor Code

All students agree to live by the BYU-Idaho Honor Code, which includes standards for:

• Academic honesty and integrity
• Dress and grooming standards
• Living standards (same-gender housing)
• Abstinence from alcohol, drugs, tobacco, coffee, tea
• Chastity and moral conduct

The Honor Code creates a unified community atmosphere and is taken seriously.

Religious Integration

Faith is woven into campus life at BYU-Idaho in ways that may differ from other schools:

• Religion classes every semester (required)
• Weekly devotionals (attendance expected)
• Classes may begin with prayer
• Ward activities are a major social outlet
• Temple attendance is encouraged

Sunday in Rexburg

Sundays in Rexburg are very different from most places. The community observes the Sabbath, which means:

• Most businesses are closed - including grocery stores and restaurants
• No shopping or commercial activities - plan your purchases for Saturday
• Church attendance - 2-3 hour services in your ward
• Rest and spiritual focus - studying, family time, service

See our complete Sunday Guide →

Key Differences from Other Universities

What You Won't Find

• Football team (intramurals instead)
• Greek life or fraternities/sororities
• Bars or nightclubs
• Coffee shops serving coffee
• Late-night party culture

What You Will Find

• Strong sense of community
• Emphasis on teaching (not research)
• Professors who know your name
• Lots of wholesome activities
• Active dating scene focused on marriage

Building Your Community

Making friends and finding your place as a transfer student takes intentional effort. Here's how to build meaningful connections.

Ward Involvement

Your ward is your built-in social network. Get involved early:

• Attend FHE (Family Home Evening) on Mondays
• Go to ward activities and socials
• Accept callings (volunteer positions)
• Volunteer for service projects
• Join Sunday dinner groups

Campus Involvement

BYU-Idaho has hundreds of clubs and organizations:

• Attend the Get Connected Fair
• Join clubs related to your major
• Try intramural sports
• Participate in campus events
• Look for service clubs

Roommate Strategy

Your living situation matters for your social life:

• Choose housing with active social scenes
• Get to know your roommates early
• Invite neighbors over for activities
• Participate in apartment events
• Be open to new friendships

Pro Tip: Be the Initiator

As a transfer student, you might feel like everyone already has their friend groups. The truth is, people are always open to new friendships - you just have to be the one to reach out. Invite people to study, grab lunch, or do activities. Most people appreciate being included, even if they already have friends.

Common Transfer Challenges

These feelings are normal. Here's how other transfers have navigated them.

👥

"Everyone already has their friend groups"

This is the most common transfer worry - and it is usually overblown.

Reality check: BYU-Idaho's track system means students rotate in and out constantly. Every semester, people are looking for new friends. Plus, ward boundaries change, people move apartments, and roommates leave on missions. Friend groups are more fluid than you think.

📋

"I feel behind academically"

Whether credits did not transfer or you changed majors, feeling behind is discouraging.

Reality check: Many students take 5+ years to graduate - you are not alone. Focus on your own timeline, not others. Use summer semesters and online classes strategically. Talk to your advisor about the fastest path forward.

🌎

"The culture feels different"

Coming from a different school culture - especially a non-LDS school - can be a big adjustment.

Reality check: Give yourself time to adjust. Some things may feel restrictive at first, but many students come to appreciate the unified community and wholesome environment. Focus on the positives: safety, strong values, caring community.

📚

"My credits did not transfer well"

Few things are more frustrating than learning your hard-earned credits did not count.

Action steps: 1) Review your credit evaluation carefully. 2) Appeal any decisions that seem wrong - bring syllabi and course descriptions. 3) Ask if courses can count as electives even if not for requirements. 4) Consider CLEP tests to quickly earn credits.

First Semester Recommendations

Set yourself up for success with these first-semester priorities.

Academic Priorities

✓Meet with your advisor in the first two weeks
✓Start with a manageable course load (12-15 credits)
✓Visit professor office hours early
✓Find your study spots on campus
✓Form or join study groups in your classes

Social Priorities

✓Attend every ward activity for the first month
✓Join at least one club or organization
✓Get to know your roommates and neighbors
✓Say yes to invitations - even when tired
✓Initiate activities yourself - be the inviter

Remember: Your first semester is about building foundation

Do not try to do everything at once. Focus on academics, make a few good friends, and learn the BYU-Idaho way of doing things. The rest will come naturally over time.

Related Guides

Check out these resources for more help navigating your BYU-Idaho experience.