By Afton Johnson
Each Friday and Saturday night, BYU students go through the same routine as young adults across the world: looking for fun, usually out about in the community.
Many students live for weekend nights. They see it as a chance to unwind and enjoy themselves.
Students choose their nighttime activities based on what their wallet can handle, what their friends can agree on, and what their community offers.
Many people say Provo?s nightlife options are limited. They say the town lacks the prominent nightlife urban cities are centered on. Once in Provo, however, students learn to adapt to any shortages of preferred nightlife activities.
Provo is a unique environment because it is full of young single adults, who by and large reject the stereotypical college town party scene and look for a good time in alternative ways.
Of course, that doesn?t mean BYU students don?t have fun. While the activities vary from group to group, one of the most important aspects of nightlife is the social factor. Singles like to go where other singles are?making Provo a hot spot for socializing.
Many students find the draw to life in Provo is the large population of young adults with high values. In fact, a single student at BYU need not look far in Provo to find his or her niche.
Today?s Etcetera section features some of BYU students? nightlife favorites.
Jordan Faux, a member of the Student Activities Board, said he enjoys visiting Muse Music, Johnny B?s, Starry Night, house parties and campus activities.
Faux said Provo?s nightlife is ?what you make of it.?
Kaitlin Welch, a sophomore from San Diego, Calif. admits she is a night person.
?Nightlife and any kind of socializing are important to your BYU experience,? Welch said. ?There are a lot more activities to do in my hometown, but the range of friends was very limited. Provo?s nightlife depends on us. We are the entertainment.?
Many students fill their nights with activities ranging from dollar movies to campus club activities, performing arts events, and comedy clubs. Other favorites include live music concerts, nature activities, going out to eat, bonfires, dances, and parties.
Some students bring their entertainment right in their own living room.
One girls? apartment at the Riviera is filled every Thursday night with old and new friends for an activity they call ?Beverage Night.?
Every week a new drink such as wassail, sherbet and Sprite or hot chocolate is prepared for about 40 guys and girls. Guests entertain the crowd by telling stories, reading poetry and playing guitar. Since the Beverage Night?s beginning in September, Thursday nights have been a hit for this crew.
Provo might seem plain to a big city girl or guy, but creativity is the key to a spicier nightlife.
?The truth is that it doesn?t matter what you?re doing,? Welch said. ?Either you?re going to parties or dancing or you can be more creative and go ice blocking or on a night hike. But you either go to meet people or hang out with your friends.?
Many BYU students don?t get to bed before 11 p.m., and unless that changes, Provo will continue to come alive at night, thanks to school-sponsored activities and local businesses around town.
?You just go out whenever you get the chance,? Welch said. ?And sometimes you stay indoors.?