Whether it’s your first year or your fifth, here is some advice from BYU’s Student Service Association members, as well as other resources to help make the most of your time at BYU.
Annie Walker, BYUSA’s vice president who oversees the Student Advisory Council, said students should “say yes” to every experience and cultivate passions and hobbies outside of classes.
“Whether that is going to a game with friends or a research opportunity, you will never regret doing something new and it will help you grow,” Walker said.
BYU students can find and engage in a variety of activities through Clubs Night held every Tuesday from 7-10 p.m. at the Wilkinson Student Center. More information on how to get involved in BYU’s student organizations is available at clubs.byu.edu.
Julia Pun, BYUSA’s vice president over events and activities, invited students to locate spaces on campus where they can take breaks and unwind throughout the semester.
“Find a good space on campus where you can decompress, whether it’s a certain building like the library or an office like BYUSA, … you’ll want a place that you can rest during class breaks or if you’re having a hard day and need some time to recover,” Pun said.
The Wilkinson Student Center houses a variety of offices and seating areas, such as the Office of Belonging and Cougareat, where students can relax, fuel up and prepare to continue their busy schedules. BYU’s campus grounds also offer multiple spaces students can use to either rest or study outdoors.
Pun also advised students to reach out and make friends by talking to everyone, everywhere.
“Be on the lookout for those that may feel overwhelmed or alone … The person sitting right next to you in class or the person in front of you in line at the Wilk microwaves could be your next best friend but you won't know if you don't strike up a conversation,” she said.
Getting involved may seem daunting, especially to incoming students, but BYUSA Executive Vice President Tala Alnasser said students should surround themselves with those who inspire them and remember the habits they build will, or will not, lead them to accomplish their goals.
“My advice would be to remember that you never get the urge to do something unless, in some part, it's meant for you. So no dream or goal is ever too big,” Alnasser said.
Whether it’s trying out for a dance team, becoming a part of student leadership or looking into a study abroad, BYU intends for its students to become well-rounded and successful individuals. Thus, the university offers a wide range of resources, including the office of First-Year Experience where incoming freshmen can learn how to best utilize the services and opportunities available on campus.
New and returning students can continue to explore BYU and its resources throughout the semester by checking off and participating in some of the items below.
- Attend campus events. Students can reference BYU’s events calendar and BYUSA’s instagram page to stay in the loop about upcoming events on campus, such as dances, True Blue Foam and other student activities.
- Go bowling in the Wilkinson Student Center. Hitting the lanes on campus is a great way to bond with new friends and practice a skill.
- Explore BYU Arts. Incoming freshmen can get a Students Arts Card for discounts and special access.
- Take advantage of Utah’s outdoors. BYU Outdoors Unlimited offers a wide range of gear students can rent to explore the outdoors throughout the different seasons.
- Volunteer with Y-serve. Y-Serve at BYU offers many opportunities to serve, give back and feel more connected to the community.
- Find a student job on campus. There are plenty of on-campus job opportunities to fit your schedule and earn some extra cash while you study.