What Is BYU-I Approved Housing?
For a lot of people, taking those first steps from high school to college are a hugely symbolic moment. It marks your transition from adolescence to adulthood, and the beginning of a plethora of new experiences and information. Although these fertile, formative years of your life are underscored by so much more than just symbolism, and as you will learn, one of life’s most important and pervasive responsibilities is housing.
College can mean different things to different people. For some, lifestyle is at the heart of their experience. For others, academic enrichment is priority number 1. Regardless of what your stance is, everybody needs a roof over their head, and BYU-I approved housing does a lot of the hard work for you.
Key Details Of BYU-I Approved Housing
BYU-I approved housing is the housing system used by Brigham Young University – Idaho to ensure all students are housed adequately. All housing under this framework has been approved by the housing authority to ensure they meet minimum requirements for students.
There are different varieties of approved accommodation. This can be on-campus accommodation, which has been constructed specifically for use by BYU-I students. It can also be off-campus accommodation, which is housing that’s owned by a landlord external to the university. To be included under the BYU-I approved housing umbrella, a particular housing must be screened to ensure it adheres to all minimum standards.
BYU-I approved housing can be seen as the university’s own housing economy. They either provide and approve, or inspect and approve, appropriate accommodation. Maintaining this relationship with the landlord community maintains a healthy rental economy in Idaho, and protects both renters and accommodation providers from any mishaps that may arise. You can search for BYU-I approved housing at sites like Myamericanave.com.
Is BYU-I Approved Housing Mandatory?
For the majority of students, BYU-I housing is the mandatory accommodation you must reside in (although there are exceptions). BYU-I approved housing is mandatory for all single undergraduate students aged 30 or under. What that means is you either live on-campus or in an approved off-campus accommodation.
To be eligible for BYU-I approved housing, you must attend one of the following institutions: BYU, BYU ELC, Steven Henager College, Acaydia School of Aesthetic, UVU, Paul Mitchell Schools of Beauty, Provo College, Aveda Institutes, American Institute of Medical and Dental Technology, LDS Institute, Nomen-Global Language Centers, Renaissance Academie, or Selnate International School.
What Are The Exceptions?
If you’re a post-baccalaureate student or a graduate student, you’re not required to live in a BYU-I approved housing. Post-baccalaureate is a double degree, at either undergraduate or post-graduate level. Graduate students are those who have completed their undergraduate studies and are completing higher studies at masters or doctorate level.
If you’re married, you’re not required to live in a BYU-I approved housing. However, if you’re divorced, this doesn’t exempt someone from BYU-I approved housing. Landlords can deny you accommodation based on your divorce, but this is beyond the control of the University.
You must live in BYU-I approved housing up to the age of 30. What this means is that once you turn 31, you’re no longer required to do so.
You can apply for a waiver if you’re experiencing hardship or in a situation that would deem your suitable to reside with other students. In the event of these special circumstances, you will need proof to validate your claim.
If you’re living in your family home, you’re exempt from living in an approved accommodation.
Housing Options At BYU-I
Before diving into BYU-I’s housing accommodation, like anything, it’s important to plan and consider your options. Accommodation comes in all shapes and sizes (literally), and there are four main kinds that college students would typically opt for. Each kind of accommodation offers unique benefits.
1) On-campus accommodation is a type of accommodation that has been built by the university, usually nestled away in a corner of the campus, specifically for student use. On-campus accommodation is a great option for anybody who’s living out of home for the very first time.
On-campus accommodation offers a padded introduction to the world of independent living. From a practical standpoint, this places you as close to the action as possible. Lectures, tutorials, and the library will be little more than a short stroll away. Amenities like the campus cafeteria will be readily available to you in the event of hunger pangs. And, the campus community will always be at your doorstep, meaning your fraternity will never be too far away.
2) Off-campus accommodation is rented to student tenants, much like any other formal, real-world rental agreement. What this means is that you’re beholden to your contract with your landlord, and with that comes the responsibility of being a good tenant.
Off-campus accommodation is ideal for students who are, perhaps, looking for more independence from their accommodation. These include students who have experience living outside of their family homes, and those who are of a more mature age bracket than their peers.
As off-campus accommodation is not on university grounds, there may be greater distance between your accommodation and the university campus. Location, including distance to campus and proximity to amenities, should be carefully considered when sourcing off-campus accommodation.
3) The family home is another option for students who reside in the local area. There are many obvious benefits to residing in your family home during college. Some of these include free (or cheap) rent from your family, freeing money that would be used on accommodation., access to a stocked pantry, and a comfortable living environment.
There are some important aspects to consider if you want to reside in your family home during college. Make sure that you don’t take advantage of your parents’ generosity. As you become an adult, their tolerance for less-than-perfect behavior may degrade. Your newfound freedom in college might mean you stay out later than you did in high school, angering your family if things go bump in the night when coming home.
Additionally, be mindful of the cost and effort required to house somebody. Food isn’t cheap and nobody, especially not your mother, likes doing chores!
4) Another possible form of accommodation is to stay in a hostel or short-term rental. This kind of accommodation is only available to those who’ve been given an exemption from living in a BYU-I approved housing. Living in a hostel can be an ideal living arrangement for an interim period between more stable accommodation. Options for this can be found online. However, it has to be noted that living outside the jurisdiction of BYU-I’s approved housing brings far more risks than living within it.
Specifications Of On-Campus BYU-I Approved Housing
BYU-I approved housing has a thorough set of regulations that must be adhered to before inclusion under the framework. This ensures that you’re moving into a quality abode, and that there are no nasty, overlooked surprises further down the track.
On-campus approved housing specifications are of a consistent standard. They’re strategically located close to the student center and many academic buildings. They provide basic facilities, such as electricity, water, coin operated laundry, and Internet. You can also purchase a parking permit if you have a car.
Cooking facilities are also provided in apartments. Furnishings in the kitchens include an oven, dishwasher, microwave, refrigerator, kitchen table and chairs. Importantly, apartments don’t provide cooking utensils, cutlery, or crockery.
There are common areas, known as main lounges, that provide a space for neighboring residents to congregate. These spaces include couches, tables, and TVs.
Specifications Of Off-Campus BYU-I Approved Housing
Off-campus housing conditions vary from property to property. The onus is on the student to ensure that the space provided is adequate for their needs, although BYU-I approved housing requirements ensure the property specifications are functioning and meet a minimum standard of livability so the student avoids any unscrupulous conduct.
With off-campus accommodation providers being external to the university, a thorough range of standards are checked before a housing becomes BYU-I approved.
Every dwelling is expected to have at least one bathroom facility, or two bathrooms for any dwelling, accommodating six or more people. All bathrooms need to be within the accommodation as to allow for convenient access. Each bathroom must contain a mirror, sufficient shelf and storage space, and a toilet paper holder.
No bedroom will house more than two people without specific approval. No bedroom may also function as a thoroughfare into the bathroom or kitchen (for example), and no living room may be used as a bedroom. Each single bedroom must provide a minimum of 70 square feet of space, and each double bedroom must provide a minimum of 50 square feet of space per occupant.
There are strict rules on members of the opposite sex visiting accommodation. Visitors of the opposite sex are permitted in the kitchen and living room only. Visitors are only permitted between 9:00 am and 12:00 am, although Friday night visiting hours can extend to 1:30 am on Saturday morning.
Kitchen facilities must include a working fridge, or two in a dwelling of six or more occupants. An electric or gas stove is also required, or two are required in a dwelling of six or more occupants. A sink with running water must be provided, as well as reasonable preparation and cupboard spaces for food storage and cooking utensils.
Dwellings must also be suitably furnished. Each occupant must have at least six square feet of study space at a table or desk, with a chair that can also be used for dining purposes. Curtains must be installed as to provide adequate privacy within the home. Living rooms must include a sofa and all occupants must have their own beds.
Exterior and interior maintenance and repairs are the responsibility of the landlord. These include heating, plumbing, and electricity. Vacuum cleaners are provided, as are garbage receptacles. Landlords are responsible for ploughing snow in the event it obstructs stairways, entrances, or walkways. Damage to the property is the financial responsibility of the occupants.
Heat and water should be in working order as well. All properties will have heating facilities that comply with local regulations. Water pressure should be sufficient from all taps, and heated or unheated water should be available to all bathtubs, showers, and kitchen sinks.
Light and ventilation should be sufficient in all rooms. Every habitable room, excluding the bathroom, should have a window that can be opened. All thoroughfares, including hallways, stairs, patios, and other indoor and outdoor spaces, should be adequately lit. Each room, excluding the bathroom, should have two double wall sockets.
The safety and security of the dwelling must be maintained as to reduce the likelihood of fire and hazards. Every bedroom must have a window that occupants can escape in the event of an emergency. Local fire codes must be met. All wiring and electrical equipment must adhere to local standards. All front doors must have a fitted, key-operated, dead lock, and all occupants must be given a key upon moving in. Smoke detectors must also be fitted within the home.
How To Apply For BYU-I Approved Housing?
To apply for BYU-I approved housing, it’s recommended that you download the Housing Handbook and the Housing Guide to get a better understanding of what the process entails. You can then browse for listings on the Myamericanave website. Bear in mind that on-campus accommodation is offered on a first come first serve basis, although there’s also an abundance of off-campus listings on Myamericanave and the off-campus housing portal.
Conclusion
BYU-I approved housing is a housing arrangement by BYU-I. It’s a process where all housing, whether on-campus or off-campus, are screened to ensure they meet the minimum requirements of the university to be fit for student residence. Most students are required to reside in BYU-I approved housing, although exceptions are granted.
There are various accommodation options, and some will be more suitable depending on your situation. Whether you’re residing in an on-campus or off-campus accommodation, BYU-I approved housing ensures that your dwelling is going to be to a standard that adheres to all safety and living standards, as well as your personal comfort.
