How is the lifestyle in Salt Lake City, Utah, for college students?

I'm planning on going to college in Salt Lake City, UT, and I was aware that there are a number of Mormons, that live in the area. However, I was not aware of the affect that this will have on me, my upcoming lifestyle, and my college experience. So...if anybody would like to give me an insight on SLC and the surrounding area then that will be greatly appreciated!!How is the lifestyle in Salt Lake City, Utah, for college students?
I go to college and the Univeristy of Utah and I love it. You don't have to let the mormons have a big effect on you if you choose not to, especially in Salt Lake. Salt Lake is a city with practially everything for college students. There are college kids everywhere. There are lots of cool clubs and bars but if thats not you style there are lots of other activities. There are more recrational activites here than practically anywhere: hiking, biking, skiing, snowboarding, etc. It's fun. Everyone is way nice and you'll like it.
Here's the scoop... I go the the University of Utah in SLC and I am Mormon (although inactive). You are correct... there are a lot of Mormons in Utah, I grew up probably only knowing a handful of people who weren't Mormon. BUT... the U is COMPLETELY different... and I LOVE it. Salt Lake is a little bit of an anomoly. Utah, as a whole, is very conservative. However, Salt Lake City (and especially the University) is quite liberal. I don't know what "lifestyle" you're talking about, but you can do anything that you currently do, or WANT to do... drink, party, practice your religion, be agnostic... whatever!

The LDS Church will have as much impact on your college experience as you want it to, or don't want it to. It'll be just like if I were to go to school in a predominantly Jewish or Seventh-Day Adventist community. Nothing to worry about.How is the lifestyle in Salt Lake City, Utah, for college students?
I like Salt Lake City, especially in the wintertime. Only trouble I have is finding my way around because almost all of the streets are like 3500 South, 1500 West, so it might be a good idea to ask for directions. Other than that, there's a lot to do like a couple of ski resorts, Lagoon,the water park, a couple of minor league baseball teams, and lots and lots of shopping (The Fashion Place Mall).
I'm thinking of moving there myself, and in all actuality...the areas of Salt Lake City you'll be in are not overwhelmingly Mormon. In fact less than 50% of the city population is Mormon and it's been shrinking steadily. Ethnic diversity is on the rise and there is a large gay community which indicates a high level of tolerance.



It is quite easy to drink there if you want and not sure what people are talking about when they say it's difficult or there's an attitude. I find it hard to believe that a waiter at the Hard Rock Cafe, which is a national chain, would have made that comment about ordering one beer.



The areas around the university, especially Sugarhouse, The Avenues, and 9th and 9th are quite progressive neighborhoods. The University of Utah attracts students from all over the US and the world for that matter, so it won't be Mormon Central. There is a nice downtown area in Salt Lake, and the Gateway Center is an amazing lifestyle center full of every store you could ever want as well as an enormous movie theatre.



There are tons of outdoor opportunites of course such as skiing, hiking, rock climbing, mountain biking and rafting. Park City is just east of Salt Lake and it's the home of the Sundance Film Festival which is a huge event...and a blast. Park City itself is cool and great to hang out in. So all in all, don't sweat it...you'll meet plenty of like minded people and Salt Lake is beautiful...so enjoy!
I have never been in college in SLC, but a lot of my family has lived there. It is VERY mormon. You will find the influence of the mormon church everywhere you go there. Many stores are closed on sundays, and they often close early at night even on weekends. I once went to the Hard ?Rock there and the waiter actually reprimanded me for having one beer! If you like nightlife, this is not the place for you. If you are mormon, or very conservative, you will be fine. If you love the outdoors, hiking, skiing, mountain biking... it is a great state for that.