Starting college can be hard. In fact, college itself is a grueling experience and it can help to know what’s available to help students get through the stress of college life.
One place students trying to survive higher education can go for a good time is the Ogden LDS Institute. It’s located across the street from the social science building on the north side of campus.
“We have a library for students to have a place for quiet study with computers available for use. We have a student lounge — a social gathering place with foosball, a pool table, a ping pong table and often light refreshments. It’s just a place to have social gatherings and unwind with other single adults,” said Greg Thorpe, adviser of the outreach committee and full-time instructor at the institute.
Weber State senior Tim Rosenvall stated that he would encourage incoming freshmen to explore the Institute. It offers places for students to come socialize and meet new people, as well as places that are optimal for studying in an easygoing atmosphere.
“It’s a really fun place to come meet people and everyone is really welcoming,” Emma Dugan, a senior studying history education, said.
Besides offering good places to hang out or study, the Institute also hosts fun activities. Every Tuesday from 11:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. they have Cake Tuesday where anyone is welcome to stop in to grab a free piece of cake and meet new people. On Wednesdays, there are devotionals from 12:30 to 1:15 p.m. with influential guest speakers and performers.
“Throughout the semester we hold various Friday night activities: dances, pre-game tailgate parties. We’ve done luaus, rodeos and carnivals before. We also have dinner dances and leadership retreats,” Thorpe said.
Besides the crazy fun activities, the Institute holds classes. Classes are offered during week days and week nights. Thorpe also says that some students feel that they can’t join classes because of what time it is in the semester, but that this isn’t an issue because anyone is welcome to sign up for classes at anytime during the semester.
Dugan shares why she enjoys taking classes at the Institute: “The teachers here are awesome and it’s a great way to de-stress.”
So the institute has a lot to offer, but in the end it’s just about having a good experience.
