NIELS CHRISTENSEN / Scroll Illustration

Some BYU-I students come from areas of the world populated by few members from the Latter-day Saint faith. For this reason, some students feel that they have to adjust to a new culture.

One benefit that comes from living in the BYU-I culture is the atmosphere, said Andra Hansen, a professor in the Communication Department.

“There is a Spirit here, a strength here. The Spirit is a clarifying force that has such a role in the learning atmosphere. Something is different here, I can feel it,” Hansen said.

Some students agree with Hansen that because BYU-I is highly LDS-populated, there is a different atmosphere that provides spiritual strengths and opportunities.

“I definitely believe in the strength of gathering together. You get to discuss religious topics with secular subjects. Therefore, we receive better insight on intellectual matters, ultimately making us well-rounded instruments for the Lord’s work,” said Heidi Blatter, a sophomore from Idaho Falls.

However, some students feel that being in a predominantly LDS community is not always advantageous. For instance, some students may struggle with the feeling that there is an expectation to be married at an early age.

“Everyone has this impression that you’re going to find your soul mate within the first month of college. It’s a stereotype that needs to be broken,” said KatelynVorkink, a freshman from Diamond Bar, Calif.

Another opinion shared by some students is that it is hard to stand out as an individual because many students share the same faith.

“Everything blends in. I think some people take it for granted that they are Mormon. Some people I have met are just not outgoing. I don’t think it should be like that. We should be excited when we see each other,” said Ailinh Insixiengmay, a freshman from Saint Cloud, Minn. “Where I [come from], every member was really nice.”

Another concern expressed by students is the importance of being open with others and embracing the good qualities they possess.

“There are things in life that you have to experience. It’s easy to be close-minded and not see other people’s views. When you come [here] from a non-Mormon place you see a lot of self-righteous people who think they are better because of their living or church standing. If you were raised in the church you should try to see how it is on the outside. If you were raised outside of the Church, you should try to see how it is on the inside. It’s all about balance,” said Franky Abraham, a sophomore from Waldorf, Md.