Housing fills up fast. So, when is the best time to sign up for a housing contract? The short answer is, it depends on which semester you're talking about. But in Rexburg, the sooner you sign up, the better.
We've worked with BYU-Idaho students for years, and we've seen the approved student housing cycle play out time and time again. So, here's the lowdown.
Fall Semester (September-December)
The best time to sign up for fall semester Rexburg housing is between January and March.
Fall is the busiest semester in Rexburg, since it's when most first-year students start school, and many students return from summer break. That means if you're planning on signing up for Fall housing, you should get on it ASAP.
The Ideal Fall Semester Timeline
January and February are your best chances of getting in at a decent spot with a good roommate situation and apartment layout.
March and April are still okay, but you're going to start running out of good options.
May and June are getting to the point where you'll almost definitely be stuck with a less-than-ideal spot.
Since it's the busiest semester, try to get your fall student housing contract signed as early as possible. The earlier you sort this out, the more control you'll have over the important stuff, like choosing your roommates and getting your preferred apartment.
Winter Semester (January-April)
The best time to sign up for winter semester student housing is in September and October.
A lot of fall students stick around for the winter semester, which means there are a lot fewer student housing openings in Rexburg. So if you know you're going to be sticking around for winter, you'll want to get your housing sorted well in advance.
The Ideal Winter Semester Timeline
September and October are your best bets to secure a spot.
November is okay, but you might start running into trouble with men's housing specifically.
December is usually a bit of a scramble, so don't leave it until the last minute.
Spring Semester (April-July)
The best time to sign up for spring semester Rexburg housing is in January and February.
Now, you might be thinking that spring is a good time to get housing because it's less competitive than the other semesters, and, in a lot of ways, you're right. But there's a catch.
A lot of students sell their spring contracts, which means that while there are still options out there, the really good spots typically go fast.
The Ideal Spring Semester Timeline
January and February are the least stressful months, and you've still got a good range of options.
March still has some okay options, but don't be too optimistic.
April is when you'll start getting into the last option territory, so you might end up having to settle, and that can be a bit of a bummer.
Spring can actually be a good time to find a deal on housing, but if you want to live in a specific complex or with friends, try to plan ahead.
Summer Semester (July-September)
The best time to sign up for summer semester student housing is in March and April.
Summer is usually the least competitive semester. During this short seven-week semester, a lot of students leave town, and things get a lot quieter on the Rexburg housing front. That means there's a bit more availability, but it doesn't mean you can just show up at the last minute.
The Ideal Summer Semester Timeline
March and April are your best chances to get a good spot, even if things are a bit more laid back.
Why Signing Early Really Matters in Rexburg
Unlike big cities that get a constant influx of new residents, Rexburg runs on a fairly predictable student-housing cycle. When you sign up early, you get a lot of benefits, like better roommate selection, a better apartment layout, less stress, and the chance to sort out your finances ahead of time.
Leaving it to the last minute usually means you're stuck with fewer options, more stress, and a whole lot more settling.
A Simple Rule of Thumb
If you know when you'll be in Rexburg, aim to sign up for student housing 3-6 months in advance. That way, you can plan ahead.
Fall: Sign up in the winter.
Winter: Sign up in the fall.
Spring: Sign up early in the year.
Summer: Sign up early in the spring.
A Final Word of Advice for BYU-Idaho Students Looking for Rexburg Housing
Housing in Rexburg can be tough, especially at certain times of the year. But the students who have the smoothest experience are the ones who:
Plan ahead
Coordinate with friends
Get their housing sorted out in advance.
If you're not sure what's availabile for your next BYU-Idaho semester, just give Cedars Housing a shout. We're here to help you navigate the Rexburg housing scene.
