Provo sits right between the Wasatch Mountains and Utah Lake, which means outdoor adventure, live music, and a full calendar of campus and community events are all just minutes away. Whether you’re into hiking, catching a Cougars game, or finding something fun to do downtown, there’s rarely a slow weekend once you settle in.
Living in Provo: The Ultimate Student Guide
Starting college in Provo comes with a lot of exciting firsts — from your first hike up to a waterfall in the canyon to your first Saturday tailgate right outside your door. Sitting directly across the street from LaVell Edwards Stadium, Stadium150 puts you close to everything happening at BYU, and getting to know the city can make the transition a whole lot smoother.
This student guide covers everything from affordable food and things to do to study spots, jobs, transportation, and wellness resources. With the right setup, Provo can start feeling like home before your first semester even ends.
Things to Do
Provo’s location makes it a hiker’s dream in every season. Students hike to Stewart Falls from Aspen Grove, take the short paved walk to Bridal Veil Falls, or tackle the more challenging Y Mountain Trail for sweeping views of the valley. The Provo River Parkway offers a flatter, paved option that stretches up to 15 miles, and more ambitious hikers take on Mount Timpanogos or Rock Canyon Trail. In the winter, Sundance Mountain Resort up the canyon is a favorite for skiing and snowboarding, and warmer months bring paddleboarding and fishing at Utah Lake.
Game day is practically part of the address at Stadium150. Football season fills LaVell Edwards Stadium right across the street, while basketball and volleyball take over the Marriott Center in the winter. Students can also get in on the action themselves through BYU’s Student Fitness Center and intramural leagues, which run everything from flag football to pickleball throughout the school year.
Provo’s evening scene centers around live music, arts, and a growing downtown rather than a bar crawl. Velour Live Music Gallery is a local legend for launching acts like Imagine Dragons and Neon Trees, while the Covey Center for the Arts hosts theater, concerts, and exhibitions year-round. For an easy night out, The Riverwoods combines shopping, dining, and a relaxed outdoor atmosphere just a short drive from campus.
Provo keeps a full calendar of community events alongside campus life. The Freedom Festival is one of the largest Fourth of July celebrations in the country, while the seasonal Rooftop Concert Series and the Provo Farmers Market bring the community together throughout spring and summer. Campus traditions and Homecoming keep the fall semester just as busy.
Food on a Student Budget
Provo’s food scene has something for every craving. Students grab burgers and shakes at Burgers Supreme, warm up with a bowl of curry at Thai Papaya Cuisine, or split a pizza at Brick Oven, a Provo staple with a student discount. For something sweet, Shirley’s Bakery & Cafe is a favorite between classes, and downtown spots like Black Sheep Café and Communal are worth the splurge for a special occasion.
Plenty of students stretch their budget further by meal prepping during the week and saving the sit-down spots for weekends. Having a full kitchen at home makes it a lot easier to cook instead of eating out every night.
Saving Money as a Student
Budgeting in college can feel overwhelming at first, but a few good habits go a long way. Most students in Provo spend the bulk of their money on rent, groceries, and going out, so keeping an eye on those categories early can save a lot of stress later in the semester.
Housing closer to campus or downtown tends to cost more, while apartments a little farther out can be cheaper but come with higher transportation costs — worth weighing before signing a lease. Student discounts at spots like Brick Oven, buying used textbooks, and splitting grocery runs with roommates all add up fast over a semester.
Shopping Essentials for Students
Everyday shopping is easy near campus. The Riverwoods combines shopping and dining in one walkable outdoor center, while Provo Towne Centre covers more of the mall-style basics. For groceries, Smith’s and Target are both close by and easy to reach without much of a drive.
For furniture, decor, or clothing on a budget, Deseret Industries is a Provo staple, and downtown’s small boutiques and used bookstores like Pioneer Book are worth a look before buying everything new.
Jobs & Career Opportunities for Students
Provo offers a strong mix of part-time work and career-building opportunities for students balancing classes with a paycheck. Many students find flexible jobs at local restaurants and retail shops near campus, while BYU’s own Student Employment office posts positions across nearly every department.
For students looking to build a resume before graduation, Provo’s “Silicon Slopes” tech corridor is home to companies like Qualtrics and Vivint, both of which regularly recruit student interns from BYU and UVU.
Fitness & Staying Active
Staying active in Provo doesn’t require carving out hours at the gym. BYU’s Student Fitness Center is free with tuition, and Stadium150’s own 24-hour fitness center is just steps from your apartment for a quick workout between classes. Quick routines like a bodyweight circuit or a 15-minute HIIT session fit easily into a packed schedule when a full workout isn’t in the cards.
Studying & Staying Productive
Finding a study routine that actually works is one of the biggest keys to surviving college. Most BYU students end up at the Harold B. Lee Library at some point, but Provo has plenty of cozy alternatives too — the tables outside the Wilkinson Student Center, the Provo City Library, or a coffee shop like Rugged Grounds Coffee Bar or Peace on Earth Coffee for a change of scenery. Breaking big assignments into smaller pieces and sticking to a consistent routine can make finals week feel a lot less overwhelming.
Mental Health & Wellness
College comes with a lot of new pressure, and it’s normal for that to catch up with you at some point. Balancing classes, work, and a social life takes real effort, which is why taking care of your mental health matters just as much as keeping up with coursework.
BYU’s Counseling and Psychological Services offers free individual and group therapy for students, and students can also recharge with a walk along the Lakeshore Bridge Trailhead or a quiet afternoon at Rock Canyon Park.
Moving Out & Your First Apartment
Moving into your first apartment is a big step toward independence, but it comes with a learning curve, from coordinating move-in day to splitting bills with roommates and budgeting for the first time. A moving checklist and a clear read on your lease can make the whole process a lot smoother.
Once you’re unpacked, a few personal touches go a long way toward making a shared student apartment feel like your own space rather than just a place to sleep between classes.
Student Housing Made Simple
Where you live has a bigger impact on your college experience than most students expect. Housing close to campus can save time, simplify your routine, and keep you connected to classes, friends, and everything else going on around BYU.
Stadium150 sits directly across the street from LaVell Edwards Stadium, offering a 24-hour fitness center, study rooms, a pool, and a clubhouse. It’s the kind of setup that makes it easier to focus on classes and still have a life outside of them.
Getting Around Without a Car
Plenty of students at Stadium150 get by just fine without a car. Sitting right across from campus, most classes are an easy walk or bike ride, and Provo’s growing public transit system—including UTA buses and the FrontRunner train—connects students to Orem and Salt Lake City without needing to drive.
For everyday errands, downtown Provo and The Riverwoods are both a short trip away, making it easy to get to class, work, or the grocery store without worrying about parking.
Start Your Best Student Life
College is about more than just classes. It’s about building routines, friendships, and experiences that stick with you long after graduation. Having the right home base can make all of that easier to enjoy. Whether you’re getting ready for your first semester or looking for a better student housing experience near BYU, Stadium150 is here to help you make the most of your years in Provo.
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