8/10/25

The Ultimate Brigham Young University Off-Campus Housing Guide

Hey everyone! So, you’re heading to BYU, or maybe you're a current student tired of your current living situation. Either way, you're on the hunt for the perfect off-campus spot. Honestly, finding the right place to live in Provo can feel like a HUGE undertaking. It’s more than just finding a room; it’s about finding your community, your study haven, & your home away from home for the next year or so.
I’ve been there, done that, & I’ve seen so many friends go through the same process. It can be overwhelming, with a million things to consider. What’s the deal with BYU-approved housing? How much should you be paying? What are the most social complexes? & for the love of all that is good, where are you going to park your car?!
Don't worry, I've got you covered. This is your ultimate, no-nonsense guide to navigating the world of BYU off-campus housing. We’re going to break it all down, from understanding the rules to finding a place that fits your budget & your vibe. By the end of this, you'll feel like a seasoned pro, ready to find the perfect place to call home.

First Things First: Understanding the BYU Housing Rules

Before you even start looking at listings, it's SUPER important to understand BYU's housing policies. They have some specific rules, especially for newer students, & you don't want to get caught off guard.
Here's the lowdown: if you're a single, undergraduate student in your first two semesters at BYU (and that includes transfer students), you're required to live in one of three places:
  1. BYU On-Campus Housing: This is your traditional dorm life experience.
  2. BYU Off-Campus Contracted Housing: These are privately owned apartment complexes that have been approved by the university. They agree to uphold BYU's standards & have a contract with the school.
  3. With Qualifying Family Members: This is also an option, but you'll need to submit the proper documentation to the university.
Once you've completed your first two semesters, you have a bit more freedom. You can still choose to live in on-campus or contracted housing, but you're not required to. You can also opt for non-contracted housing, but there’s a catch: you still have to live with roommates of the same sex.
The BYU Off-Campus Housing Office is your go-to resource for any questions about these policies. You can reach them by email at och@byu.edu or by phone at (801) 422-1513. They have a ton of info on their website, including a list of all the contracted housing properties. It’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with their a lot of info on their website, including a list of all the contracted housing properties. It’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with their resources before you start your search.

The Big Decision: How to Choose the Right Housing for YOU

Okay, now for the fun part: finding your perfect place. This is a big decision, so you'll want to take your time & consider all the angles. Here are the key factors to think about:

Budget: What Can You Realistically Afford?

Let's be real, college is expensive, & housing is a huge chunk of your budget. Before you start dreaming of a luxury apartment with a pool & a movie theater, you need to figure out what you can actually afford.
The cost of off-campus housing in Provo can vary WILDLY. On the more affordable end, you can find shared rooms for around $400-$600 a month. If you're looking for a private room or a more upscale apartment, you could be paying anywhere from $650 to over $2,500 a month.
When you're making your budget, don't forget to factor in other costs like utilities (gas, electricity, internet), parking fees, & renter's insurance. Some apartments include some of these in the rent, but many don't. Make sure you ask so there are no surprises.

Location, Location, Location: How Close to Campus Do You Want to Be?

Proximity to campus is a HUGE factor for most students. Do you want to be able to roll out of bed & walk to class in 10 minutes? Or are you okay with a bit of a commute?
The closer you are to campus, the more you're likely to pay. The most popular student housing areas are concentrated around University Avenue & the south and west sides of campus. These areas are super convenient, with easy access to classes, the library, & all the campus happenings.
If you're willing to live a little further out, you can often find more affordable options. Just be sure to factor in transportation. Does the apartment complex have a shuttle to campus? Is it on the UVX bus line? Do you have a car? These are all important questions to ask.

Amenities: What's on Your Must-Have List?

Think about what's really important to you in a living space. Are you a fitness fanatic who needs a gym in the building? Do you love to swim & want a pool for those hot Provo summers? Do you need a quiet place to study?
Here are some common amenities to look for:
  • In-unit washer & dryer
  • Dishwasher
  • Private vs. shared rooms
  • Fitness center
  • Pool & hot tub
  • Clubhouse or common areas
  • Study rooms
  • Parking (we'll talk more about this later, because it's a BIG one)
Make a list of your must-haves & your nice-to-haves. This will help you narrow down your options & focus on the places that are the best fit for your lifestyle.

The Social Scene: What's Your Vibe?

Your living situation can have a huge impact on your social life. Some apartment complexes are known for being super social, with lots of events & a real community feel. Others are quieter & more laid-back.
Think about what you're looking for. Do you want to be in the middle of all the action, with something always going on? Or do you prefer a more chill environment where you can focus on your studies?
Reading reviews from other students is a great way to get a feel for the social scene at different complexes. Websites like Find My Place & Reddit have tons of student reviews where people share their honest opinions about the vibe, the management, & the overall experience of living in different places.

A Closer Look at Some Popular BYU Off-Campus Housing Options

There are SO many apartment complexes to choose from in Provo, it can make your head spin. To help you get started, here's a look at some of the most popular spots, with some pros & cons to consider:

Raintree

  • The Vibe: Raintree is known for its beautiful, park-like setting & its friendly, social atmosphere. It's not a crazy party scene, but there are always people around, & the management hosts a lot of community events.
  • The Perks: They have a shuttle that goes straight to campus, which is a huge plus. The apartments have been recently renovated, & they're known for having great management that's responsive to student needs. Plus, the price is pretty reasonable, especially for the quality & the social scene.
  • The Downside: It's a little further from campus than some of the other popular complexes, but the shuttle makes up for it.

Alpine Village

  • The Vibe: If you're looking for a super social, high-energy environment, Alpine Village might be the place for you. It's a huge complex with a central courtyard that's always buzzing with activity.
  • The Perks: It's only an 11-minute walk to campus, & it has a ton of amenities, including a pool, hot tub, fitness center, & garage parking. Plus, they have private rooms!
  • The Downside: It can be a bit on the pricier side, & with so much going on, it might not be the quietest place to live.

Liberty Square & Liberty on Freedom

  • The Vibe: These two complexes are like twins, with a similar social scene & management. They're known for being fun & social, with a lot of community events.
  • The Perks: They're a short walk from campus & close to downtown Provo, with easy access to restaurants & shops. They also have in-unit washers & dryers, which is a big plus.
  • The Downside: Some students have reported that the rooms can feel a bit cramped, especially with six people in an apartment.

The Village at South Campus

  • The Vibe: This is another large complex with a lively social scene. It's located on the south side of campus, which is a popular area for students to live.
  • The Perks: It's only an 8-minute walk to campus, & it has some seriously nice amenities, including an indoor pool & hot tub, a fitness center, & underground parking.
  • The Downside: It's one of the more expensive options in Provo, & you'll have to pay extra for parking.

Glenwood

  • The Vibe: If you ask anyone in Provo about the most social apartment complex, Glenwood will almost certainly come up. It's known for its fun, outgoing atmosphere & its awesome amenities that are perfect for hanging out with friends.
  • The Perks: It has a pool, hot tub, sand volleyball court, & basketball court. It's also in a great location, with easy access to campus via the UVX bus.
  • The Downside: Because it's so popular, it can be hard to get a spot. & it can definitely be a bit noisy if you're looking for a quiet place to live.
This is just a small sample of the many housing options available in Provo. I highly recommend doing your own research, reading reviews, & even taking tours of the places you're interested in before you make a decision.

The Elephant in the Room: PARKING

Okay, let's talk about the one thing that can make or break your off-campus living experience in Provo: parking. It's no secret that parking around BYU is a nightmare. Finding a spot can be a daily struggle, & parking tickets are a very real threat.
When you're looking at apartments, don't just assume that parking is included. Many complexes have limited parking, & you might have to pay extra for a reserved spot. Some places have free-for-all parking lots where it's first-come, first-served. Be sure to ask about the parking situation before you sign a lease.
If your apartment complex has limited parking, or if you have friends who want to visit, finding a spot for your car can be a major headache. This is where a service like Prked can be a total lifesaver. Prked is a pretty cool app that connects people who need parking with homeowners who have extra space in their driveways or garages. It's a simple, affordable way to find a reliable parking spot, without having to circle the block a million times or risk getting a ticket.
Seriously, don't underestimate the importance of having a solid parking plan. It will save you so much stress & frustration in the long run.

A Few More Tips for Your Housing Hunt

  • Start early: The best apartments in Provo go fast, so don't wait until the last minute to start your search. I'm talking, like, start looking in the fall for the next school year.
  • Read the lease carefully: Before you sign anything, make sure you read the entire lease agreement. Pay close attention to the details, like the length of the contract, the rules about subleasing, & the penalties for breaking the lease.
  • Consider storage: Let's be honest, student apartments aren't exactly known for their spaciousness. If you have a lot of stuff, you might want to consider a storage solution. And here's a pro tip: Prked isn't just for parking. You can also use it to find affordable storage space in someone's garage, attic, or basement. It's a great way to keep your apartment from feeling cluttered, without having to pay for a traditional storage unit.
  • Talk to current residents: If you can, try to talk to people who are currently living in the complexes you're considering. They'll be able to give you the real scoop on what it's like to live there, from the management to the social scene to the quality of the apartments.

You've Got This!

I know, I know, that was a LOT of information. But hopefully, you're feeling a little more prepared & a little less overwhelmed about your housing search. Finding the right place to live is a big deal, but it's also an exciting part of the college experience.
The most important thing is to find a place where you feel comfortable, safe, & happy. Whether you're looking for a quiet study haven or a social hub, there's a perfect place for you in Provo.
So take a deep breath, do your research, & trust your gut. You're going to find an awesome place to live, & you're going to have an amazing time at BYU.
Hope this was helpful! Let me know what you think, & good luck with your housing hunt
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