Hello :). I am in high school and am curious about the Church of Latter day Saints. I am planning on going to school at BYU and I am curious as to if I would fit in if I am not a church member. What are some things that are different that I may different while living with a LDS member? I believe I would very much enjoy the schools rules in no sex, alcohol and swearing because I am smart enough to stay away from those things :)

Vince from Lockport, 8/14/2010

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El Santo Gringo from La Jolla, California:




Hi Vince. I second what Matt and Richard said. I went to BYU, and it was a wonderful experience! Though most students are Mormons, you definitely won't be the only non-Mormon student on campus. I think you'll find most Mormons are pretty friendly anyway. I hope you have the same wonderful experience I did!

If you ever have an interest in learning more about Mormonism beyond what you learn in your BYU classes and from Mormon friends, don't hesitate to contact the Mormon missionaries. Their main job is to help others become familiar with our beliefs. Best of luck to you!

Would you like a free copy of the Book of Mormon?

Richard from Taylorsville:


I think you'll be fine at BYU. If you don't drink alcohol or coffee, swear, have sex outside of marriage, or use prescription drugs illegally, you'll be fine. I think you'll find the rules (the BYU honor code) to your liking.

There are also missionaries on campus who can help you accommodate to a different culture of living, if you're interested. You're certainly welcome to join a student ward (congregation) on campus. Also consider yourself lucky if you are going to BYU! It's a select group of kids that are admitted there.

Matt from Sandy:


Hey Vince! I actually just finished my first semester over the summer at BYU, and I am a member of the LDS church. While it is a very strong LDS environment, I honestly believe the only requirement to have a good experience there is that you believe and follow those things that are spelled out in the honor code. There's actually a Muslim from the Gaza Strip on campus who helped found our BYU comedy club, Humoru, and is still very strong in his own faith. And I suppose in addition to following the honor code, it would be important to maintain religious open-mindedness. Just treat everyone as the distinct individuals they are, and try not to generalize them, and I'm certain the students will return the favor.

As far as academics are concerned, you will not be at a disadvantage if you attend BYU. Both my father and brother went to BYU, and they got into all the top graduate schools. The professors are amazing, and we actually have the highest rated professors on ratemyprofessors.com, out of the entire nation.

The people really are exceptional. While there are still some obvious 'cliques' here and there, it is very, very easy to find an accepting and kind group of friends. While I'm certain you'll get invited to church once or twice, just remember that such things are honest attempts to share with you the most important thing in their life, their faith. That sort of invitation should be viewed as the highest compliment.

I'm excited for you, high school is an awesome time in your life! If you have any more questions about the BYU experience, I'd be happy to email talk to you about it. My email is matt160@gmail.com. Good luck with everything, and have a good summer! - Matt
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