8/10/25

Picking Your Home Away from Home: A Deep Dive into the Best Dorms at BYU

Hey there, future Cougar! If you’ve got your acceptance letter to Brigham Young University, first of all, HUGE congrats! That’s a massive accomplishment, & you should be incredibly proud. Now comes the next big adventure: figuring out where you’re going to live. Honestly, choosing your first college dorm is a rite of passage, & at a place like BYU, it can really shape your entire freshman experience.
I’ve been around the BYU block a time or two, & I’ve heard all the debates, all the horror stories, & all the glowing reviews. It’s a BIG decision, & let’s be real, the information out there can be a little scattered. That’s why I wanted to put together a super comprehensive guide to the best dorms at BYU. We’ll get into the nitty-gritty of the main contenders, the pros & cons of each, the social scenes, & even the practical stuff like what to pack & how much it’s all gonna cost you. So grab a notebook, & let’s get into it!

The Lay of the Land: On-Campus Living at BYU

First things first, BYU has a policy that for their first two semesters, all single undergraduate students have to live either in BYU on-campus housing, BYU off-campus contracted housing, or with close family members. For most freshmen, this means you’ll be looking at the on-campus options. This is actually a pretty great setup because it’s designed to help you transition into college life, meet a ton of new people, & be right in the heart of all the action.
The two heavyweights in the on-campus housing world are Helaman Halls & Heritage Halls. These are the two most popular choices for freshmen, & they offer two VERY different living experiences. We’re going to break them both down in detail, but it’s important to know that there are a few other on-campus options as well, like Wyview Park & the Riviera apartments, though these are often for continuing or older students. We'll touch on those a bit later.

The Great Debate: Helaman Halls vs. Heritage Halls

This is the classic BYU freshman dilemma, & you’ll hear passionate arguments for both sides. The truth is, there’s no single “best” choice – it all comes down to your personality, what you’re looking for in a college experience, & your budget. Let’s break them down.

Helaman Halls: The Quintessential College Experience

If you’re picturing a classic, American-college-movie dorm experience, Helaman Halls is pretty much it. Located on the west side of campus, near the Smith Fieldhouse & the iconic LaVell Edwards Stadium, Helaman is a complex of nine traditional-style dorm buildings. This means shared rooms, long hallways filled with other freshmen, & a real sense of community.
The Vibe at Helaman:
The number one word you’ll hear associated with Helaman is “social.” Because you’re all in such close quarters & you don’t have kitchens in your rooms, you’re kind of forced to get out & interact with people, especially at meal times. This can be AMAZING for making friends, especially if you’re a little on the shy side. The lobbies in each building are often buzzing with people hanging out, studying, or playing games. Each building also has its own unique personality, so you might hear things like, “Oh, you’re in Hinckley? That’s the social hall!” or “Stover is a bit more chill.” While these reputations can change from year to year, it’s worth asking around to see what the current scoop is.
The Nitty-Gritty of Helaman:
  • Rooms: The standard setup is a shared room with a sink. The rooms come furnished with two beds (usually extra-long twins, except for David John Hall which has standard twins), desks, chairs, & closets. The in-room sink is a game-changer for getting ready in the morning when the main bathrooms might be busy.
  • Bathrooms: Most floors have communal bathrooms with multiple private shower stalls & toilets. Don’t let the word “communal” scare you – they’re cleaned regularly, & most people get used to it pretty quickly. If you’re really not a fan of this idea, there are some suite-style options available in David John Hall & in the mezzanines of other buildings, where you’d share a bathroom with just your suitemates.
  • Food: This is a big one. Living in Helaman REQUIRES you to have a meal plan. All your meals will be at the Cannon Commons, which is the massive, all-you-care-to-eat dining hall right in the middle of the Helaman complex. The food is surprisingly good, with a ton of different stations to choose from. You'll also have "Dining Dollars" that you can use at other spots on campus, like the Creamery. The convenience of not having to cook or grocery shop is a major plus for many freshmen.
  • Amenities: Each hall has laundry facilities in the basement, as well as a small kitchenette with a stove & oven (except for Building 9). There are also study rooms, piano rooms, & TV lounges. Outside, you’ll find sand volleyball courts, basketball courts, & huge grassy areas that are perfect for throwing a frisbee or just soaking up the sun.
Pros of Helaman Halls:
  • SUPER social: It’s almost impossible not to make friends.
  • Convenient: No cooking, no grocery shopping, & you’re right on campus.
  • Structured Environment: Great for a smooth transition into college life.
  • Close to athletic facilities: Perfect if you’re a sports fan or a student-athlete.
Cons of Helaman Halls:
  • Mandatory Meal Plan: This can be a big expense, with some plans costing over $5,000 for two semesters. If you don’t eat a lot, it might not feel like the best value.
  • Less Privacy: You’re sharing a room & a bathroom with a lot of other people.
  • Can be loud: With so many people in one place, it’s not always the quietest environment.
  • Smaller Rooms: The rooms themselves aren’t huge, so you’ll need to be smart about your storage.

Heritage Halls: A Taste of Apartment Life

If you’re someone who values a little more independence & personal space, Heritage Halls might be your jam. Located on the east side of campus, near the Creamery & the Wilkinson Student Center, Heritage is a complex of modern, apartment-style buildings.
The Vibe at Heritage:
Heritage offers a more "grown-up" feel than Helaman. You’ll be living in an apartment with a handful of roommates, a full kitchen, a living room, & your own bathrooms. This setup tends to attract students who are a little more independent & might want a bit more control over their social life. While it's sometimes considered less "forced" social than Helaman, there are still plenty of opportunities to meet people in your building & ward (your local church congregation). It’s just that social life tends to be more centered around your own apartment & the friends you invite over.
The Nitty-Gritty of Heritage:
  • Apartments: Most apartments have three shared bedrooms & two bathrooms, housing a total of six people. There are also some two-bedroom, one-bathroom options for four people. Each apartment is fully furnished with a fridge, stove, oven, microwave, dishwasher, dining table, & living room furniture. You’ll just need to bring your own personal belongings & kitchen supplies.
  • Rooms: Like Helaman, the standard is a shared bedroom with a bed, desk, chair, closet, & dresser for each person. There are a very limited number of private rooms available, but they’re usually reserved for the RAs (Resident Assistants).
  • Food: This is the biggest difference from Helaman. Because you have a full kitchen, a meal plan is optional. This can save you a TON of money. You can cook your own meals, which is great for picky eaters or those with dietary restrictions. If you still want the convenience of eating on campus sometimes, you can purchase a smaller meal plan or just use your own money at the campus dining locations.
  • Amenities: Each building has laundry facilities, music practice rooms, & activity rooms with TVs. There are also outdoor basketball courts, sand volleyball pits, & plenty of green space. Heritage also has a central building with a ballroom & study rooms.
Pros of Heritage Halls:
  • More Independence & Privacy: Having your own kitchen & living room is a game-changer.
  • No Mandatory Meal Plan: This can make it a much more affordable option.
  • Quieter Atmosphere: Generally, Heritage is a bit calmer than Helaman.
  • Modern Buildings: The Heritage buildings are newer & have a more updated feel.
Cons of Heritage Halls:
  • Less "Forced" Socializing: You might have to put in a little more effort to meet people outside of your apartment.
  • You Have to Cook & Clean: Welcome to adulthood! You're responsible for your own meals & keeping your apartment tidy.
  • Parking is a Pain: There's no on-site parking at Heritage Halls. You'll have to park in a designated lot that's a bit of a walk away.

Other On-Campus Housing Options to Consider

While Helaman & Heritage get most of the attention, there are a few other on-campus choices you should know about:
  • Wyview Park: Located on the northwest side of campus, Wyview offers apartment-style living for both single & married students. It's a bit further from the heart of campus, but it's a good option for returning students or those who want a quieter, more independent lifestyle.
  • The Riviera: This is another apartment-style complex that's popular with continuing students & those who are 19 or older. It’s not as close to campus as the main dorms, but it offers a similar off-campus feel while still being BYU-approved housing.
  • Foreign Language Student Residence (FLSR): This is a really unique option for students who are serious about language learning. You live in an apartment with other students studying the same language, along with a native speaker, & you commit to only speaking that language in the apartment. It's an incredible immersion experience!

The Practical Stuff: Applications, Costs, & Parking

Alright, let’s talk logistics. Here’s what you need to know about securing your spot in the dorms.
The Application Process:
You’ll need to submit a housing application, & you can actually do this before you even get your official acceptance letter from BYU. It’s a good idea to apply as early as possible to have the best chance of getting your preferred housing. Once you’re admitted, you’ll get a message with your contracting date & time. When it’s your turn, you’ll be able to go in & select your exact building, room, & even your bed space. Have a few options in mind, just in case your first choice is taken!
The Costs:
Housing costs at BYU can vary quite a bit depending on where you choose to live. As of the 2022-2023 school year, on-campus housing ranged from about $2,500 to $3,600 per semester. Keep in mind that this is just for housing. If you’re in Helaman, you’ll also have the cost of the mandatory meal plan, which can be a significant additional expense. There’s also a $100 deposit & a one-time $50 non-refundable processing fee when you sign your contract.
The Parking Situation:
Let’s be honest, parking at BYU is a bit of a nightmare. The campus is crowded, & parking spots are a hot commodity. If you’re living on campus & plan to bring a car, you’ll need to register it with the university & purchase a parking permit. For on-campus residents, this is about $25 a month during the fall & winter semesters. Helaman Halls has on-site parking, which is a major perk. Heritage Halls, on the other hand, does not have on-site parking for residents. You'll have to park in a designated lot that's a bit of a walk away.
Because of the parking challenges, a lot of students choose not to bring a car, at least for their freshman year. BYU has a great free bus system, & your student ID also works as a pass for all Utah Transit Authority (UTA) buses & trains, so it’s pretty easy to get around without a car.
And hey, if you do bring a car & are looking for more convenient or affordable parking options near campus, you might want to check out Prked. It’s a pretty cool platform that connects people who have extra parking spaces in their driveways or garages with people who need a place to park. It can be a great way to find a dedicated spot that’s closer to your classes or your off-campus job.

What to Pack: The Ultimate BYU Dorm Checklist

Once you’ve got your housing contract signed, it’s time for the fun part: shopping! Here’s a quick rundown of what you’ll need to bring, with some specific tips for Helaman & Heritage.
For Both Helaman & Heritage:
  • Bedding: Extra-long twin sheets (unless you’re in David John Hall at Helaman, which has standard twins), pillows, & a warm comforter.
  • Toiletries: All your personal hygiene stuff. Remember, if you’re in a suite at Helaman or in Heritage, you’ll need to bring your own toilet paper!
  • Towels & a Robe: A robe is a must for those walks back from the communal showers in Helaman.
  • Shower Shoes: Seriously, don’t forget these, especially for Helaman.
  • Laundry Supplies: A hamper, detergent, & dryer sheets.
  • School Supplies: The usual notebooks, pens, laptop, etc.
  • Decorations: Photos, posters, & anything else to make your space feel like home. Just be sure to use approved adhesives like 3M Command Hooks.
  • A Good Router: The wifi in the dorms can be a little spotty, so bringing your own router is a good idea.
  • Warm Clothes: It gets COLD in Provo, so pack plenty of sweaters, a good coat, hats, & gloves.
Helaman Specifics:
  • A Mini-Fridge: The rooms come with one, so you don’t need to bring your own.
  • Shower Caddy: To carry your stuff to & from the bathroom.
Heritage Specifics:
  • Kitchen Supplies: Pots, pans, dishes, silverware, cooking utensils, & small appliances like a toaster or a blender.
  • Cleaning Supplies: You’ll be responsible for keeping your own apartment clean.
A quick note on storage: dorm rooms are not known for their spaciousness. If you find yourself with extra stuff you don’t have room for – whether it’s seasonal clothing, sports equipment, or just things you don’t need every day – finding a place to keep it can be a challenge. This is another area where a service like Prked can be a lifesaver. You can rent out a small, affordable storage space in someone’s garage, attic, or basement right near campus. It’s a super convenient way to keep your belongings safe & out of your hair without having to pay for a big, expensive storage unit.

The Final Verdict: Where Should You Live?

So, after all that, what’s the final word? Here’s the thing: you really can’t go wrong with either Helaman or Heritage. They both offer fantastic opportunities to have an amazing freshman year at BYU. The best choice for you really depends on what you’re looking for.
  • Choose Helaman if: You want that classic, super-social, never-a-dull-moment freshman experience. You’re not a huge fan of cooking, & you want the convenience of having all your meals taken care of. You’re a little nervous about making friends & want a more structured social environment.
  • Choose Heritage if: You value your independence & a little more privacy. You want to save money by cooking your own meals. You’re looking for a slightly quieter, more apartment-like atmosphere. You don’t mind putting in a little extra effort to be social.
No matter where you end up, my biggest piece of advice is to jump in with both feet. Go to your ward activities, leave your door open when you’re in your room, & introduce yourself to the people on your floor. Your freshman year at BYU is what you make of it, & your dorm is the perfect home base for all the incredible adventures to come.
Hope this was helpful! Let me know what you think, & good luck with your decision
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