When a new school term begins, campus becomes a frenzy of students adjusting to university life. Freshmen have to juggle a new school and new classes while maintaining a social life. Fortunately, BYU provides numerous free activities for students.
Assistant Director of Student Leadership Ron Jones, works with New Student Orientation directly to provide a smooth transition for incoming students. Each year, he discusses different goals to help introduce students to campus life. His job is to create activities to help make students’ transition to BYU easier.
“It’s important for students to have things to do on campus to help balance out their lives,” Jones said.
BYU and the surrounding Provo area offer many different activities for students. Below is a list of five fun free things to do.
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2. Swimming in the Richards Building. If students are looking for a way to cool off during hot days, the Richards Building is the place. Located across from Legends Grille and the Smith Fieldhouse, swimming at the RB is a fun, free activity. It has three pools, an eight-lane competition pool, a six lane lap pool and a diving pool with five diving boards. With a student ID, students are issued a wristband to gain access to the pool. Abiding by dress code is required. For rules and hours, visit their website.
3. Museum of Peoples and Cultures. The museum is located one block south of the Brick Oven Restaurant on 700 North. The museum currently features an exhibit entitled “Entwined: A Vibrant Heritage of the Modern Maya.” The museum offers a great place to learn more about different cultures and a great activity for a date. Go to mpc.byu.edu for a full list of activities and museum hours.
4. BYU Museum of Art. This museum, located right behind the HFAC and next to the ASB Building, is one of the many treasures on campus. Not only is it one of the best art displays on campus, this museum is also one of the largest and most popular museums in the Mountain West region. It boasts an unbelievable collection of different pieces, which rotate through the year. The museum hosts different activities including lectures and musical performances. Check moa.byu.edu for more information about featured exhibits and events.
5. Provo River Parkway Trail. This 15-mile trail starts at Utah Lake and winds alongside the Provo River up to Vivian Park in Provo Canyon. The trail has a paved path for running, biking and walking. It is a perfect excuse to grab some friends and enjoy a beautiful day in Provo.
This list is just a starting point for many of the free activities offered by BYU and the surrounding community. Make sure to look for seasonal events like Homecoming Week. Many students feel BYU’s social scene is filled with a variety of fun activities.
“Freshman year is the best because there is always something going on and you get to live with friends 24/7,” said Andrew Bertha, a freshman from San Diego, Calif.
