Starting college in Rexburg comes with a lot of exciting firsts — from your first hike with a view of the Tetons to your first devotional in the I-Center. Whether you’re headed to BYU-Idaho for a semester or all four years, getting to know the town can make the adjustment a whole lot smoother.
This student guide covers everything from affordable food and things to do to study spots, jobs, transportation, and wellness resources. With the right setup, Rexburg can start feeling like home before your first semester even ends.
Things to Do
Rexburg is a small town, but it sits right in the middle of some of the best scenery in the country. Between Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks less than two hours away and a full calendar of campus activities, there’s rarely a boring weekend once you settle in.
Rexburg’s biggest perk might be its location. Grand Teton National Park is about a two-hour drive, and Yellowstone isn’t far behind, making both easy day trips or weekend getaways for hiking, wildlife watching, and photos you’ll want to keep forever. Closer to home, students hike Table Rock and Cress Creek, float the Warm Slough in the summer, and cool off at Rexburg Rapids Waterpark. Porter Park, just a five-minute walk from The Pines, is a favorite for a quick outdoor break between classes. Winter brings its own adventures at Kelly Canyon Ski Resort about 30 minutes away, or Grand Targhee for a bigger mountain trip with friends.
BYU-Idaho doesn’t field varsity teams, so sports here look a little different than at most colleges — and that’s by design. Campus Recreation runs a full slate of intramural leagues and tournaments in everything from flag football to pickleball, plus open gym time, swimming, and racquetball at the Hart Building. Plenty of students still follow the BYU Cougars down in Provo, catching games together at apartment lounges or the Crossroads food court on campus.
There’s a steady calendar of events in Rexburg all year. The Teton Dam Marathon draws over a thousand runners every June, while summer also brings the Madison County Fair, the Whoopee Days Rodeo, and a Fourth of July parade with the Main Street Mile fun run. Winter has its own traditions, from WinterFest‘s Polar Plunge to BYU-Idaho’s own SnowFest, and each September, Experience Rexburg welcomes new and returning students with a town-wide open house.
Food on a Student Budget
Eating well in Rexburg is easier than you’d expect for a small town. Students regularly hit up Taqueria El Rancho for tacos, Da Pineapple Grill for Hawaiian comfort food just two blocks from campus, and Pizza Pie Cafe for an all-you-can-eat buffet that’s perfect after a long day of classes. Rounding things out are local favorites like Red Rabbit Grill and The Hickory.
Plenty of students stretch their budget further by meal prepping during the week and saving the sit-down spots for weekends. Having a full kitchen at home makes it a lot easier to cook instead of eating out every night.
Saving Money As A Student
Budgeting in college can feel overwhelming at first, but a few good habits go a long way. Most students in Rexburg spend the bulk of their money on rent, groceries, and gas for weekend trips, so keeping an eye on those categories early can save a lot of stress later in the semester.
Student discounts, buying used textbooks, and splitting grocery runs with roommates all add up fast. Since Rexburg is a small town without much public transportation, carpooling with ward members or roommates for errands and trips is one of the most common ways students save money here.
Shopping Essentials for Students
Rexburg has what students need for day-to-day life without much of a drive. Broulim’s, Albertsons, and Walmart cover groceries and household basics, while Main Street and Hemming Village — just a two-minute walk from The Pines — round out shopping, dining, and local boutiques.
For furniture, decor, or clothing on a budget, Deseret Industries is a Rexburg staple, and students headed to Idaho Falls for the day often stop at Target, Costco, or WinCo for bigger shopping trips.
Jobs & Career Opportunities for Students
Rexburg offers a solid mix of part-time work for students balancing classes with a paycheck. Many students find flexible jobs at local restaurants, retail shops, and on-campus departments through BYU-Idaho’s Student Employment office, which posts both on-campus and community positions.
For students looking to build career experience beyond Rexburg, Idaho Falls is about a 30-minute drive and home to larger employers like Melaleuca and Idaho National Laboratory, giving students in business, science, and healthcare fields more options to gain experience before graduation.
Fitness & Staying Active
Staying active in Rexburg starts on campus. The Hart Building has a full fitness center, indoor pool, racquetball courts, and free group fitness classes for students, all included with tuition. Off campus, The Pines’ own fitness center is just steps from your apartment, and a walk or run through nearby Porter Park or the BYU-Idaho Nature Park is a favorite way to unwind between classes.
Studying & Staying Productive
Finding a study routine that actually works is one of the biggest keys to surviving college. Most BYU-Idaho students end up at the David O. McKay Library at some point, whether for the quiet floors, the group study rooms, or the Tutoring Center on the second floor. Breaking big assignments into smaller pieces and sticking to a consistent routine can make finals week feel a lot less overwhelming — and having reliable Wi-Fi and a quiet desk at home doesn’t hurt either.
Mental Health & Wellness
College comes with a lot of new pressure, and it’s normal for that to catch up with you at some point. Balancing classes, work, and a social life takes real effort, which is why taking care of your mental health matters just as much as keeping up with coursework.
Students in Rexburg often recharge with a walk through the Nature Park or a quiet stop at the Rexburg Idaho Temple grounds. BYU-Idaho’s Counseling Center, located in the Student Health Center, also offers free individual, group, and couples counseling for students, along with the Thrive program for students managing stress, anxiety, or depression.
Moving Out & Your First Apartment
Moving into your first apartment is a big step toward independence, but it comes with a learning curve — coordinating move-in day, splitting bills with roommates, and budgeting for the first time. A moving checklist and a clear read on your lease can make the whole process a lot smoother.
Many students shop secondhand for the basics before move-in, and once everything’s unpacked, it doesn’t take long for a new apartment to start feeling like home.
Student Housing Made Simple
Where you live has a bigger impact on your college experience than most students expect. Housing close to campus can save time, simplify your routine, and keep you connected to classes, friends, and everything else going on around BYU-Idaho.
The Pines is designed specifically with student living in mind, offering furnished apartments, on-site laundry, a fitness center, and a location just steps from campus — the kind of setup that makes it easier to focus on classes and still have a life outside of them.
Getting Around Without a Car
Plenty of students in Rexburg get by just fine without a car. The town is only about ten square miles, and most student housing — including The Pines — is within walking distance of campus, downtown, and Hemming Village.
For anything farther out, Madison County Transit provides bus routes in the area, and the free Walmart shuttle runs multiple stops around campus throughout the day. Biking is also a popular option from spring through fall, and many students carpool with roommates or ward members for grocery runs and weekend trips.
College is about more than just classes — it’s about building routines, friendships, and experiences that stick with you long after graduation. Having the right home base can make all of that easier to enjoy.
Whether you’re getting ready for your first semester or looking for a better student housing experience near BYU-Idaho, The Pines is here to help you make the most of your years in Rexburg.
