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Off-campus housing near BYU moves fast — and "fast" is an understatement. Provo has one of the most competitive student housing markets in the country, driven by a large student body, strict on-campus housing requirements for freshmen, and a landlord ecosystem that's been catering to BYU students for decades. The city itself is a college town through and through: everything from the restaurants to the lease cycles is oriented around BYU's academic calendar. Most students end up in one of two areas — North Provo, which is closest to campus and fills up first, or Wymount/South Campus, which tends to attract older students and married couples looking for quieter options. If you're planning to live off campus at BYU, the earlier you start looking, the better your options.
Historically, BYU has required unmarried students under a certain age to live in university-contracted housing — which includes both on-campus dorms and a network of off-campus contracted complexes. These requirements have evolved over time, so most students report checking the current BYU housing policies directly before assuming the old rules still apply. If you're an incoming freshman, verify the current requirements on BYU's official housing page before signing anything.
Living off campus at BYU has traditionally meant living in a BYU-contracted complex rather than any apartment you find on Craigslist. Many students report that the contracting system shapes nearly every aspect of the Provo rental market — a large portion of apartments near campus exist specifically within that ecosystem. Requirements and the contracted housing list change periodically, so confirm any complex you're considering is currently on the approved list.
BYU's fall semester typically starts in early September, but the housing market near campus moves much earlier. Most students who secure their preferred options do so between November and February for the following fall — waiting until spring tends to leave you with fewer choices and less negotiating room. If you're coming in as a transfer or late admit, expect to work with whatever's left.
Housing policies change frequently. Always verify current requirements directly with Brigham Young University before signing a lease.
Start looking in October or November for the following fall and you'll have your pick of approved complexes — the ability to tour multiple places, compare amenities, and actually negotiate a bit on price. Some of the most popular complexes near BYU fill their waitlists before Christmas. Getting in early also means you can coordinate roommates rather than being placed with whoever's left.
January through March is when the market peaks near BYU. Returning students are locking in their spots, approved complex waitlists fill up, and prices reflect the demand. If you're searching during this window, move quickly when you find something you like — availability can change within days. The BYU approved housing list can shift too, so double-check any complex you're seriously considering.
Students who start looking in April or later still find housing, but the calculus changes. You're likely looking at sublets, waitlist fallbacks, or complexes that are approved but less popular for a reason. Prices don't drop just because options are limited — if anything, the decent stuff that's still available tends to be priced at a premium. It's doable, but stressful.
The go-to for freshmen and students who want to walk or bike to campus. Densely packed with BYU-contracted complexes, which means the social scene is built-in — you'll know your neighbors. It also means it fills up earliest, so this is not the area to shop last-minute.
A bit further from campus but noticeably quieter and often more affordable. Popular with upperclassmen, married students, and anyone who values space over proximity. You'll likely need a car or be comfortable with the bus, but the tradeoff in price and square footage can be worth it.
Not technically BYU's backyard, but a reasonable commute via I-15 and sometimes significantly cheaper. Good option for students who want to be close without paying Provo campus-area prices. Check bus route coverage before committing.
Common questions from students searching for housing.
We don't have current listing data for BYU yet, but based on what students typically report, off-campus approved housing near BYU runs roughly $400–$700 per month per person for a shared room in a multi-person unit, with private rooms and newer complexes trending higher. Provo is not a cheap market — the combination of high demand and the BYU-approved housing system keeps prices elevated year-round. Always check what's included (utilities, internet, parking) before comparing prices.
Other universities in Provo share a similar off-campus housing market.
Noorda College of Osteopathic Medicine is a private medical school in Provo, Utah, primarily serving graduate-level professional students rather than undergraduates. The off-campus market around Noorda draws on Provo's large and well-established student housing inventory — built around BYU and UVU — but medical…
View housing near NoordaRocky Mountain University of Health Professions is a health sciences graduate institution in Provo, Utah, serving a professional student population of physical therapists, occupational therapists, physician assistants, and other clinicians. Students at RMUOHP are typically older, often coupled or parented, and looking…
View housing near RMUFor Fall semester at BYU, sign November through January for the best buildings. Wait past February and your top choices fill up. Full Provo lease timing guide by term.
