As the fall semester begins on September 3, 2025, BYU campus is gearing up with a mix of timeless traditions, fairs, lectures and spirited gatherings. Here's everything students need to know to rise and shout this semester.
- BYU Football begins August 30
The Cougars launch the semester with their first home game at LaVell Edwards Stadium on Saturday, Aug. 30, against Portland State. The season opener will set the tone for fall and give students a head start on school spirit before classes begin.
- Academic opportunities: Career and school fairs
- Civil and Construction Career Fair (September 17, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., WSC Ballroom): The focus of this fair is to connect employers with students in Civil Engineering and Construction disciplines.
- STEM Career Fair (September 18, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., WSC Ballroom): The focus of this fair is to connect employers with students in the STEM disciplines.
- BYU Major Fair (October 8, 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m., WSC Ballroom): Come find the major you’ve been looking for at the Major Fair.
- BYU Career Fair (October 9, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., WSC Ballroom): The focus of this fair is to connect employers with students in a variety of disciplines.
- Graduate School Fair (October 16, 11 a.m.–3 p.m., WSC Ballroom): Find the graduate school that is best for you. This fair is open to all majors.
- Homecoming Week: “Light the Way Forward” (October 14–18)
Rise and shout! BYU’s Homecoming Week is packed with tradition and school spirit. Key highlights include:
- Opening Ceremony (October 14, 11 a.m., Marriott Center): Kick off Homecoming week with energetic performances from on-campus groups!
- Pizza in the Plaza (October 14, 12 a.m., Brigham Square): Head to Brigham Square after Opening Ceremony for this student-exclusive event.
- Hike & Light the Y (October 14, 5:30 p.m., Y Mountain trail): Celebrate BYU's longest-standing tradition of hiking and lighting the Y, enjoying other students, faculty and alumni's company as you go. You may even see Cosmo along the way! The Y will be lit each night during Homecoming week.
- Noonday Activities: Daily gatherings in Brigham Square with music, snacks, games and swag giveaways.
- Lectures: Lectures including Truman G. Madsen Homecoming Lecture by Sheri Dew and Alumni Achievement Award lectures will be happening across campus throughout the week.
- Additional fall events
Enjoy various activities all semester long to keep up that school spirit!
- True Blue Foam (September 12, 3:30 - 5:30 p.m., Helaman Fields): True Blue Foam is an annual campus tradition and a must-have experience for every BYU student. Kick off the year with the biggest, bluest, and slickest slides you‘ve ever seen!
- Brimhall Essay Contest (Deadline September 23): Win prizes and cash in the annual essay contest.
- Cougar Skate (September 24, 7-10 p.m.): Get ready to roll! Come join us for our roller skate night in the WSC Ballroom.
- Etiquette Dinner (Oct 30): Business etiquette instruction over a four-course meal with alumni.
- Spookify the Y (October 31, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.): Get ready to see the Campus Quads as never before. Visit each Quad for activities, treats, and to see all the amazing costumes.
- Fright Lights (October 31, 8:30-11 p.m., JFSB Quad): Come party at BYU's glow-in-the-dark Halloween bash full of fun, activities, treats, dancing and costumes.
- Cougstival (November 10-15): A service-themed scavenger hunt across campus.
- Fall Freeze (November 15, 8 p.m.-12 a.m., Peaks Ice Arena): Activities will include ice skating, broom ball, a fall festival with fun games, treats, prizes and more.
From the roar of the stadium to the quiet hum of campus traditions, this fall at BYU is shaping up to be full of opportunities. Whether you’re cheering from the stands, exploring career options, or making new friends, make sure to mark your calendar and make the most of the semester ahead.