Is Salt Lake City okay for non-Mormon and non-Christian? (transfer, school)

[888run]

I am an international student planning to transfer from a community college to a 4-year University.

I am considering several places, and the smallest city I am considering is Salt Lake City, Utah.

In an aspect of religion, I am a person without religion, and it is a little bit awkward for me to

associate with people who are so religious. It is worse if they are trying to propagate their religion!

I am in Seattle area, WA, so I am not dealing with this problem now. And other cities

I am considering are not so religious either. However, if the final choice becomes University of Utah,

I have to agonize this problem because I have heard that Utah state is so religious state.

[SouthernBelleInUtah]

Not true for many people. Salt Lake City is about 50% LDS, maybe less now. The rest are Christian, Jewish, Buddhists, and others, some no religion at all. This is not to say the LDS Church's influence is not felt, it is, just like anywhere there is a sizeable bloc that can get out the members to vote. In many other parts of the country, it's the Catholics.

[parentologist]

SLC, especially in the area around the U of Utah, is okay for non-Mormons. Consider it like going to school in a foreign country - you will learn about many interesting customs. SLC is only about 50% Mormon. The rest of the state is very Mormon. If you don't mind horrible air quality, especially in the wintertime, you'll be okay. If you like skiing and hiking, you'll be in heaven.

[easternerDC]

I am a non-mormon, non-religious person. My husband (also non religious) moved here 7 years ago. In my experience, there are two types of non-mormon, non-religious people that move here. Those that complain about everything, complain about the strong religious influence in politics, complain how Mormon principles seem to infect every part of life, shopping, etc. And then there are those who just look to find their niche and enjoy all the wonderful things that the state has to offer.

I was unsure at first, but I LOVE living here. Do I roll my eyes when I read yet another article about the legislature meeting with the mormon church leaders to discuss legislation, sure. Do I sometimes wish there were some more dining or shopping options on Sundays, sure. But do I want to spend my time complaining about it? Nope. I have better things to do.

If you find associating with people who are religious, honestly, I would strongly consider you to think hard about moving somewhere where the majority religion of the state DOES seep into a lot of aspects of daily life. For me, I am perfectly comfortable and confident in my decision to not participate in any religion, and don't care or even ask what anyone elses religion is.

[UTES]

I'm not LDS and I'll tell the OP the same thing I tell everyone who asks the "Mormon" question:

If you got along with people where you've lived before you'll get along with people here. Members of the LDS Church are not aliens - they're human beings. Yes, they have some differences - but so do any group of people in any other city.

Bill

[kavm]

This should be a non-issue in your decision. You should focus on the universities you have the opportunity to attend - and if U of Utah is the best choice (and it is a very good university), you should attend it without any hesitation. You will find enough local - mormon and non-mormon, out-of-state and international students at the U of Utah to interact, socialize and study with. Although I do not think it is terribly material, the area around the U of Utah is quite diverse. The whole mormon/LDS aspect of living in Utah is way overstated as a consideration.

[Irish4evr]

It is not only overstated, the subject has been beat to death. I am not LDS, however spent many years in all parts of Utah...

What I have learned over many years is that people relocate, and if for whatever reason fail to find contentment, seek excuses and rarely assume personal responsibility, however in Utah, it's real easy to attribute every problem to a "faith based" difference.

I have many LDS friends, I respect their beliefs, they respect mine...never had one problem in over 30 years...If you go looking for problems and excuses you will find one...Utah isn't going anywhere, nor do I believe is the LDS faith. Alot that people read and hear about Utah is super inflated, one sided, and based on isolated experiences..

The key to success is understanding, mutual respect, and understanding that we all bring past experience and pre conceived notions to the table...open your mind...you would be amazed what you find !

[888run]

Thank you for answering. I hope I will enjoy Salt Lake City if I will go there.

[justducky2]

My kid is at Westminster College which is a few miles away from U of U. She is also non-religious.

No problems at all. The university areas, the Sugarhouse area, and SLC seem to be more progressive and less conservative, anyways. No one is trying to convert her; and she respects others beliefs as long as they don't preach or condescend to her, and respect her lack of belief.

She likes SLC! And loves her college! There is world-class snowboarding/skiing just 20 minutes away up an easy highway. Lots of outdoor recreation. Best wishes to you.

[CSD610]

Originally Posted by 888run

I am an international student planning to transfer from a community college to a 4-year University.

I am considering several places, and the smallest city I am considering is Salt Lake City, Utah.

In an aspect of religion, I am a person without religion, and it is a little bit awkward for me to

associate with people who are so religious. It is worse if they are trying to propagate their religion!

I am in Seattle area, WA, so I am not dealing with this problem now. And other cities

I am considering are not so religious either. However, if the final choice becomes University of Utah,

I have to agonize this problem because I have heard that Utah state is so religious state.

I have always found where I have lived that Religion and politics are only an issue if you allow them to be an issue. If you don't want to discuss it just say you don't want to discuss it. Then change the subject or walk away if whomever you are speaking with tries to continue on the Religion or politics topic.