Rexburg Houses More BYU-Idaho Students

Brigham Young University – Idaho is expanding more than ever as the school continues to break record numbers of enrollment.

Now, the city of Rexburg is in a construction frenzy, working to keep up with the growing population.

It’s been nearly four years in the making, and now The Ivy apartment complex has opened up its doors for student living.

“It’s been an exciting process,” said BYU-Idaho Vice President of Student Services Kevin Miyasaki.

With a lobby that looks more like a hotel, a fitness center, and pristine rooms, it isn’t surprising 250 girls have already signed up to live here.

Miyasaki said the apartment building, constructed strictly for female students, will help with an overflow of new students.

“We are continuing to grow. We anticipate within the next couple of years we’ll probably grow by another 1,500-1,800 students,” said Miyasaki.

The university is branching out and working with private contractors to develop BYU-Idaho honor code-approved housing. That means students living in The Ivy will sign a contract promising to live the standards of the school, such as keeping curfew and not drinking.

Apartment General Manager Stephen Wood said his construction company is glad to be working with the school, which besides the honor code has an unusual schedule.

“BYU-Idaho is a peculiar school. It offers three tracks and they have students pretty much going year-round, so it really helps us because we have girls that need housing year-round as well,” said Wood.

University reps said they’re impressed with the results so far. It seems to be a win-win.

As for building more housing, maybe for men instead of women, that’s still up in the air.

“That remains to be seen. We’ll see what the future brings,” said Wood.

The Ivy has room to house 900 female students. A four-month contract there costs $1,270 and you must be an enrolled student.