Provo is one of the most student-dense housing markets in the country — not just in Utah, but nationally. The city is built around BYU's academic calendar, which means the rental market runs on a different rhythm than most places: leases turn over in September, demand spikes in January, and the best units are gone long before spring. Options range from large contracted complexes near BYU's campus to smaller apartments and townhomes further south in Orem, and prices have stayed competitive by national standards. The neighborhoods students end up in most are North Provo, which clusters tightly around campus, and South Provo/Orem for anyone prioritizing space and price over walking distance.
The default for anyone who wants to walk or bike to BYU. Densely packed with contracted complexes designed specifically for students — furnished units, short-term contracts, social environments built in. It fills up earliest in the year, so if this is where you want to be, don't shop in spring.
Quieter and often more affordable than North Provo, with more of a mix between student housing and general rentals. Popular with upperclassmen and married students who want a little distance from campus life. You'll want a car or be comfortable on the bus for the commute.
Just north of Provo via I-15, and noticeably cheaper in many pockets. Good for students who want more space, newer construction, or proximity to UVU. Commute to BYU is manageable with a car or the UVX bus line. Not the right choice if you're hoping to walk to class.
Here's what you need to know about getting around Provo.
The UVX bus rapid transit line connects Provo and Orem with frequent service and dedicated lanes — genuinely useful if you live along its route. UTA also operates local bus lines serving BYU's campus and surrounding neighborhoods. Transit coverage is best close to campus and thins out quickly the further south and east you go. For most students, it's a complement to walking and biking rather than a full replacement for a car.
North Provo is legitimately walkable if you're near campus. Most of the contracted complexes within a mile of BYU put you within biking or walking distance of class, the Wilkinson Center, and most of what you need day-to-day. The terrain is flat, which helps. Further from campus, the city gets more spread out and less pedestrian-friendly — errands become a driving situation.
Common questions from students searching for housing.
On Find My Place, student housing in Provo typically ranges from $400–$700/mo per person in shared units near BYU, with private rooms and newer complexes running higher. Prices stay elevated year-round because demand is steady — the BYU contracted housing system keeps inventory structured and competition consistent. Always check whether utilities and internet are included before comparing prices.
Provo is home to 3 universities, each with its own student housing market.
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…
View housing near BYUNoorda 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…
Browse student housing near each Provo-area university.
Quiet student apartments in Provo: ProvoGradHousing-certified picks (Pioneer, Deer Haven), grad-friendly whole-units, and private-bedroom complexes.
Parking near campus is tight and permit-regulated during school hours. Most student complexes in North Provo include assigned parking as part of the rent, which matters — street parking in the immediate campus area is limited. On-campus parking is possible but expensive. If you're in South Provo or Orem, parking is much less of an issue.
