UVU students– BYU honor code
Many students attending UVU have chosen to live in Provo this school year, but with the BYU Honor Code in place, these students must meet a religious institution’s standards, even when they don’t attend. While some students chose to live in Provo, others wish they did. Preston Delano moved into Wolverine Crossing Wednesday and already can see the benefit of BYU housing.
“I kind of would like the rules because my roommates do stuff that bugs me,” Delano said.
Delano didn’t say why his roommates bugged him, but believes that the BYU Honor Code might have done something to help his roommate situation. Similarly, Brandon Pinegar, who has lived in BYU approved and non BYU-approved housing, has had negative experiences with living in housing that was not BYU-approved.
“I like BYU housing better than UVU,” Pinegar said. “I had roommates who tried to make a point to prove they were not at BYU by doing dumb things.”
The honor code can help students feel secure with the people they live with. Many students who are LDS find BYU housing because they know what to expect of the lifestyles of their future roommates, even before meeting them. UVU student Frank Bonilla is one such student.
“I don’t have to worry about who I will be living with,” Bonilla said.
However, many students don’t enjoy the restrictions on BYU housing residents. Many feel that they are too strict, especially with the rule stating that residents must be clean-shaven. UVU student Eddy Dupy has chosen not to live in BYU housing.
“About the shaving rule, I don’t think that should be happening at an apartment,” Dupy said.
UVU student Don Pascal is from Haiti and believes the decision on housing is a cultural issue more than a religious one. He is LDS, but still finds it difficult to live in BYU housing.
“In my country, I didn’t know or practice some of the LDS standards,” Pascal said. “They may not be too strict but if you’re not used to it then it’s not easy. Also I think BYU is more prejudiced; they bring church into things. The university is a church university, but I think it doesn’t let you be who you want to be.”
Pascal used to attend BYU but has since transferred to UVU. Although it is difficult for some to adjust to the BYU Honor Code, for the most part, students have good things to say about the honor code. Katherinne Pearson said she likes BYU housing a lot.
“BYU housing is super nice, especially with all the great people you meet,” Pearson said. “I think it’s good that [the honor code] is there, It helps people stay in line.”
UVU student Joshua Olsen lives in BYU housing and likes the honor code as well. One rule that Olsen said he agrees with is the modesty rule.
“I think the modesty rule is good. It helps you to keep your thoughts clean, and shows respect for others and yourself,” Olsen said. “Modest is the hottest.”
Many UVU students live in Provo because Orem housing is limited, but luckily many students also enjoy living in BYU housing. When it comes to choosing where to live, there are many things to keep in mind.