I come from a place that I had to travel 45 minutes just to date a girl my age with the same standards. BYU is a haven for people like me that want a quality education while finally being able to find someone that believes the way I do that I can also spend the rest of my life with.
Also, by the time I was 18, it was a relief to not have my beliefs challenged all stinking day. Granted, I appreciated the missionary opportunities, but sometimes it really wears you down.