There are frequent pushes from the school to be more involved in dating, including but definitely not limited to date night, speed dating and the recent Cupid's Ball activity. The school holds these activities every semester to encourage dating among students.
BYUI's campus culture expects that you should always be on dates, whether that is with one person or you're dating around.
The potential issue with this is the rising costs of living expenses. The expectation to date consistently leaves the question: how do men afford to keep up with the dating expectations while still affording their expenses?
According to a study by Chapman University, this pressure persists because paying for dates has historically been a way for a man to demonstrate his "ability to fulfill [the] breadwinner role during courtship."
Even the desire to find a soul mate may be deterred or frustrated by the reality of a tight "starving student budget."
Jayce Clark, a sophomore majoring in construction management, said, "[My date and I] go out and do stuff, but nothing too crazy [I'll] probably, [spend], I don't know, $15 or something."
Jacob Aston, a junior accounting major, said that he would spend $10 for campus activities, and if they were going out, he would spend about $20.
Now, with a budget of $20 you may not be going to movies or out to eat all the time, but more creative dates are often the more memorable ones.
With a general price range of $15-$20, there is still a lot you can do that won't "break the bank."
The men at BYUI have adapted in different ways to achieve their dating goals, even on a tight budget.
The most straightforward way to date on a budget is by looking for free dates.
"There's plenty of free dates that you can go on that can be just as fun or even more fun," Clark said. "So just look for those opportunities."
Some of these dates can include open mic night, stadium singing and workshops around campus. For a list of free or cheap date ideas, view "student activities" on BYUI's website.
"I spend less money on groceries, and if I want to spend more, I'll spend it on a date," said Aston.
But cutting back on your grocery budget isn't the only way to save for a date; streaming services, clothing and other random stuff are fair game too.
Another way to save money is by splitting the bill, but, be warned-- your date may not seem like they you very much afterward.
If you do need to split the bill, make sure you set that expectation before the date. Tell them you are willing to buy their ice cream if they buy yours!
Be wary, for some girls paying for themselves signals that this is a "friend thing".
"I'd probably then take it more as it's more of a friendly date rather than more of a 'Hey, I'm interested,' more of a 'let's be friends' date," said Lily Zitto, a sophomore in wildlife management.
Zitto said that for BYUI students, a guy paying for a date is less about the dollar amount and more about clear intentionality.
Karis Moses, a sophomore studying general studies, said, "I would just rather spend time, even if that means not spending money, because that feels more personal to me."
At the end of the day, dating in Rexburg is less about the money spent and more about the intention to keep going and keep meeting different people.
"Never stop putting yourself out there, like, go on multiple dates, like, experience, figure out what you like, what you don't like, and just have fun," Moses said.
The dating scene in Rexburg is less about showing off your money or breaking the bank and more about thoughtful and intentional dates that show you care about learning more about the other person.
Whoever your future spouse is will care more about the thought and care you put into creating dates than showing off all your dollar bills. So go and plan some fun dates!
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