New BYU students should know about these resources first: the Office of First-Year Experience, academic advisement, the Research & Writing Center, the Math Lab, the Harold B. Lee Library, Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS), the Student Health Center, and Career Services. Most of them are free for enrolled students, and many sit in or near the Wilkinson Student Center (WSC). If you learn where they are during your first few weeks, a confusing first semester gets a lot easier.
Living close to campus makes those resources easier to use. CollegePlace Provo, at 737 N 900 E, is a short walk from BYU, and the perfect spot for sophomores and more. Every floor plan has private bedrooms, plus gigabit internet, an in-unit washer and dryer, and on-site study rooms for group projects and finals week.
Where Should New BYU Students Start?
Your first stop should be the programs built for new students. They introduce you to campus, connect you with people who have already been through their first year, and point you to the right office when questions come up. Start with these three.
The Office of First-Year Experience Is Your Home Base
The Office of First-Year Experience (2014 JKB) runs most of the programs built for new students. Its website has the “How to BYU” guide, online orientation modules, and pages for first-generation students, transfer students, and parents. The office is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
New Student Orientation Covers the Basics
New Student Orientation (NSO) is free and has two parts. First you finish about 90 minutes of online modules, which you need to do before you register for classes. Then you attend a live welcome event. Upcoming orientations are January 4–5, 2027, for winter semester and April 26, 2027, for spring term.
First-Year Mentoring Pairs You With a Peer
Through First-Year Mentoring, you’re matched with a trained Peer Mentor who already knows how BYU works. The program is also connected to a university-wide effort that gives first-year students easier access to high-demand University Core classes.
What Academic Help Is Available at BYU?
BYU’s free academic support covers advising, writing, math, and general study skills:
- University Advisement Center (2500 WSC): For open majors and students still exploring. If you’ve already declared a major, find your college’s center on the advisement centers list.
- Research & Writing Center (3340 HBLL): One-on-one help with papers and research projects, by appointment or drop-in. It also supports multilingual writers.
- Math Lab (155 TMCB): Free tutoring, review sessions before most math tests, and textbooks and calculators you can use in the lab.
- Student Success Center (451 HCEB): Free tutoring, mentoring, and academic coaching. Its Learning Lab on the fourth floor of HCEB takes walk-ins on weekdays.
- Harold B. Lee Library: Group study room reservations, course reserves, printing, interlibrary loan, and research guides. The library services page lists everything it offers.
BYU Campus Resources Quick-Reference Guide
| Resource | Location | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| First-Year Experience | 2014 JKB | Orientation, mentoring, first-year questions |
| University Advisement Center | 2500 WSC | Choosing or exploring a major |
| Research & Writing Center | 3340 HBLL | Papers, citations, research projects |
| Math Lab | 155 TMCB | Math homework and test prep |
| CAPS | 1500 WSC | Counseling and mental health support |
| University Accessibility Center | 2170 WSC | Academic and housing accommodations |
| BYU ID Center | 1057 WSC | Student ID cards |
| Career Services | 1134 WSC | Résumés, career planning, Handshake |
How Can BYU Students Take Care of Their Health and Wellness?
Your first year is easier when your mental and physical health are in good shape. BYU offers counseling, medical care, accommodations, and fitness programs right on campus, so support is close when you need it.
Counseling and Psychological Services
CAPS (1500 WSC, 801-422-3035) offers individual, group, and couples therapy, Quick Care appointments, crisis services, stress management, and mental health workshops. It also gives students access to the WellTrack Boost and SilverCloud apps for support between sessions.
The Student Health Center
The Student Health Center (1750 N Wymount Terrace Dr) has a general clinic and walk-in urgent care, and you can book appointments online. The Oak Hills Pharmacy inside the building makes picking up a prescription easy.
Accessibility and Support Services
- University Accessibility Center: Arranges academic and housing accommodations, exam proctoring, assistive technology, and Deaf and Hard of Hearing services.
- Women’s Services and Resources (3328 WSC): Scholarships, support for student parents, nutrition and wellness consultations, and The Body Project.
Fitness and Intramurals
Student Wellness runs the campus fitness centers, pools, courts, group fitness, and wellness coaching. BYU Intramural Sports holds more than 50 activities a year, which is an easy way to meet people outside class.
How Do New Students Get Involved on Campus?
Getting involved early is one of the fastest ways to make BYU feel like home. Clubs, service projects, and campus events help you meet people who share your interests. Here’s where to start:
- Go to a BYUSA event. BYUSA (3400 WSC) runs campus events and clubs, plus Cougs On Call, a text list for volunteer opportunities. Its get involved page shows where to start.
- Find a service project. Y-Serve (2330 WSC) runs student service programs, service-learning courses, and volunteer peer tutoring.
- Learn your way around the WSC. The Wilkinson Student Center has an information desk, lost and found, and a building directory, and many of the offices in this guide are inside it.
What Practical Services Will You Use Every Week?
Some campus services you’ll use all the time without thinking about them: your student ID, the campus map, transit, and tech support. Setting these up in your first week saves time later.
Your BYU ID and the BYU Mobile App
Get your student ID at the BYU ID Center (1057 WSC). Your first card is free. Upload a selfie online first, then bring a photo ID. You can also carry a digital ID in the BYU Mobile App, along with your class schedule, Cougar Cash, and SafeWalk.
Getting Around Campus and Provo
- Campus map: The interactive BYU map has indoor floor views, which help when you’re hunting for a classroom.
- Transit: Your BYU ID includes a UTA pass, so buses, UVX, TRAX, FrontRunner, and the S-Line cost you nothing.
- Parking: BYU Security handles vehicle registration, permits, and citations.
- Safety: BYU Police (2120 JKB) can be reached 24/7 at 801-422-0911. In an emergency, call 911.
Tech Help
The Office of IT answers calls, texts, emails, and live chats about passwords, Wi-Fi, and campus software. For help with Learning Suite, see the software support page.
Where Can BYU Students Get Help With Money and Jobs?
Figuring out tuition, financial aid, and work is part of starting college. BYU has offices for each, and most are inside the Wilkinson Student Center.
Enrollment Services (3326 WSC) covers financial aid, scholarships, tuition, and your student account. To find on-campus work, start with BYU’s student jobs page. New student employees have to complete an I-9 form in person.
It’s never too early to visit Career Services (1134 WSC). Peer advisors in the Career Studio help with résumés, CliftonStrengths, and Handshake, and they can help you get ready for career fairs before you need a job or internship.
How Can You Make the Most of BYU’s Resources?
You don’t need to use every resource in your first week. Know where they are, and go early instead of waiting for a crisis. Book a Writing Center appointment before your first big paper, drop by the Math Lab during the first week of class, and save the CAPS number in your phone. A home close to campus makes all of that easier. CollegePlace Provo puts you a short walk from the WSC, the library, and your classes, with private bedrooms and study rooms back home.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is BYU tutoring free for students?
Yes. Enrolled students get free tutoring at the Math Lab, the Research & Writing Center, the Student Success Center’s Learning Lab, and Y-Serve’s volunteer peer tutoring program.
Where is CAPS at BYU?
CAPS is in 1500 WSC in the Wilkinson Student Center. You can reach it at 801-422-3035 for counseling, Quick Care appointments, and crisis services.
Do new BYU students have to attend orientation?
New students are expected to finish New Student Orientation’s online modules before they register for classes. NSO is free and also includes a live welcome event.
How do I get my BYU student ID?
Upload a selfie online, then visit the BYU ID Center in 1057 WSC with a photo ID. Your first card is free, and a replacement for a lost or damaged card costs $10.
Can BYU students ride UTA for free?
Yes. The UTA pass is built into your BYU ID, so buses, UVX, TRAX, FrontRunner, and the S-Line cost you nothing. Ski service and paratransit aren’t included.
Who should I talk to if I haven’t picked a major?
Go to the University Advisement Center in 2500 WSC. It helps open majors and students who are still exploring, with peer Exploration Specialists and full-time advisors.
