Budget Friendly Fun
Starting college in a new town like Rexburg can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re eager to make friends and find fun ways to spend your free time. If you’re not sure where to begin, this guide is for you.
Outside!
Rexburg offers beautiful outdoor spots that are perfect for socializing and staying active. A local favorite is the St. Anthony Sand Dunes. The possibilities are endless out there, from bonfires to sledding. Hiking local trails or spending time near Warm Slough can be a great way to meet people and enjoy fresh air together.
Some popular ideas include group hikes, picnics, swimming at Jefferson County Lake (Rigby Lake), floating Warm Slough, and going to Porter Park in Rexburg. The Outdoor Resource Center has lots of activities going on and gear that you can rent to make outdoor activities more accessible.
Inside!
BYU-Idaho has so many events going on each week and throughout the semester, from laser tag to yoga, there is always something to do. Many events are free and all great opportunities to meet people. Country dancing is really popular on and off campus, and a perfect place to learn how to dance while making new friends. Game nights are very popular amongst students, it is fun as a guest and as a host. Movie nights are another great option.
Stay Involved!
Getting involved on campus is a tried-and-true way to meet new people. Rexburg offers a variety of activities, intramural sports, and volunteer opportunities. Being active in your ward, going to FHE, ward prayer, and Come Follow Me discussions, are all fun ways to cultivate wholesome relationships.
There are so many things to do, but it’s all about creating the fun you want to have. Rexburg has a small college town charm that is easy to love and appreciate.
Making friends and having fun in Rexburg is all about stepping outside your comfort zone and trying different things. Whether you’re exploring nature, hosting game nights, joining clubs, or just sharing simple moments with classmates, there are plenty of opportunities to have fun, save money and make friends.
PSA: Always tell someone where you are going and when they can expect you back. Many of the outdoor activities are outside of cell service. Prepare, stay safe, and be smart.
Master List:
Outdoors:
- R Mountain/Menan Butte, for sunrise or sunset (bring headlamps and jackets)
- The Civil Defense Cave and the 17 Mile Cave (hoodies, flashlights)
- Rigby Lake, cheap, close, chill
- Warm slough (45 minutes to 1.5 hours float)
- Yard games (spike ball, cornhole)
- Walks and soda
- Green Canyon or Heise for camping and swimming
- Sunrise at the Dunes
- Bonfires
- Farmers Market
- Lava Hot Springs (a little farther away)
On campus:
- Country dancing
- Latin dancing
- Bowling
- Laser tag
- Date night
- I-Serve FHE
- Open mic night
- Watch Parties
- Stadium Singing
- Intramurals
Indoors:
- $5 movie Tuesdays at FatCats (Paramount is also cheap)
- Karaoke at Fizz Rizz and Sugar Beast
- Games nights
- Thrifting
- McMidnight
- Live Music
- Themed Gatherings
- Gravity Factory
- Rock Climbing
Random:
- Dance Caroling
- Go to the home show and pretend you are buying a house (September)
- Egg fighting
- Fish racing
- sledding/trashbagging
- Dressing fancy and going to McDonald's
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