BYU dorms are a popular first-year choice because they put you on campus with built-in community. Helaman Halls also includes a required meal plan, while Heritage Halls offers apartment-style kitchens. Off-campus apartments often make more sense once you want more space, in-unit laundry, and a home you can stay in longer. For 2026–27, a shared room at Helaman Halls costs $4,146 for fall and winter, plus a required meal plan of $3,500 to $5,680. A shared room at Heritage Halls costs $5,045, with meal plans optional. Single undergraduates must live in BYU housing or BYU off-campus contracted housing for their first two semesters. After that, they can live anywhere.
Blueridge offers BYU students spacious off-campus apartments about a 10-minute walk from BYU’s south campus and close to the campus shuttle. Newly renovated one-, two-, and three-bedroom floor plans include an in-unit washer and dryer in every unit.
What Are BYU’s Housing Requirements?
Before comparing options, it helps to know what BYU requires. Single undergraduate students must live in BYU on-campus housing or BYU off-campus contracted housing during their first two semesters at BYU. After completing those two semesters, they can choose to live anywhere. Students who move to non-contracted housing must still follow the Church Educational System (CES) Honor Code and BYU’s student housing policies.
That means your first-year choice is between BYU’s residence halls and contracted off-campus apartments. Choosing an off-campus apartment from the start can make it easier to stay in the same place as you move into your second year and beyond.
How Much Do BYU Dorms Cost in 2026–27?
BYU publishes its official housing rates for each residence hall. For the fall and winter 2026–27 semesters combined, costs include:
| Housing Option | Fall–Winter 2026–27 Cost | Meal Plan |
|---|---|---|
| Helaman Halls, shared room with sink | $4,146 | Required |
| Helaman Halls, shared suite | $4,465 | Required |
| Helaman Halls, single suite | $5,665 | Required |
| Heritage Halls, shared room | $5,045 | Optional |
| Heritage Halls, single room | $6,115 | Optional |
Helaman Halls residents must choose an approved meal plan. For fall–winter 2026–27, the Dining Plus and Open Door plans cost $5,680, and the 19+ plan costs $3,500 for eligible students. BYU also charges a $100 deposit and a one-time $50 processing fee when you contract. Fall–winter payments are spread across 10 monthly payments from July through April. Spring and summer terms are billed separately.
What Are the Pros and Cons of Living in a BYU Dorm?
BYU’s residence halls are designed to help students transition to college life, and they come with real benefits along with some tradeoffs.
Benefits of Living in a BYU Dorm
- You’re steps from classes, the library, and campus events.
- Helaman Halls’ meal plan means meals are handled at the Cannon Commons.
- Floor and hall activities make it easy to meet people right away.
- Resident staff are close by to help you adjust.
Drawbacks of Living in a BYU Dorm
- Most rooms are shared, so privacy is limited.
- Helaman Halls’ required meal plan adds thousands of dollars to your housing cost.
- Heritage Halls residents share a kitchen with up to five roommates.
- On-campus housing is limited, so getting a spot isn’t guaranteed.
What Are the Benefits of an Off-Campus Apartment Near BYU?
Off-campus apartments give students more independence and often more space for the money.
More room to live. Apartments typically include larger living areas and kitchens than residence halls, making it easier to cook, study, and host friends.
In-unit laundry. At Blueridge, every unit has a washer and dryer, so there’s no hauling laundry across campus or waiting for an open machine.
Cook what you want. Without a required meal plan, you can shop for what you actually eat and keep food costs under control.
Stay put after your first year. If you choose a contracted apartment as a first-year student, you won’t need to move again when your dorm year ends.
Easy access to campus. Many off-campus apartments are within walking distance of BYU, and students ride UTA buses and the UVX for free with their BYU ID.
How Do You Choose Between a BYU Dorm and an Apartment?
These questions can help you decide which option fits you best:
- Is this your first or second semester? First-year single undergraduates must live in BYU housing or contracted off-campus housing.
- Do you want a meal plan? Helaman Halls requires one, while Heritage Halls and apartments let you cook for yourself.
- How much privacy do you need? Compare shared and single dorm rooms with the space an apartment offers.
- What’s your total budget? Add housing, meal plans, and fees, then compare with apartment rent and groceries.
- Do you want to stay in one place? An apartment can be home for several years, while dorms are often a one-year stop.
- Is the apartment BYU-contracted? If you’re a first-year student, confirm the complex is on BYU’s list of off-campus contracted housing before signing.
Should You Choose a BYU Dorm or an Apartment?
BYU dorms are a great first step for students who want to be in the middle of campus life, with meals handled through Helaman Halls’ required plan or kitchen access at Heritage Halls. Apartments offer more space, in-unit laundry, and the freedom to cook and live on your own schedule. Comparing the total cost, including meal plans, is the best way to make the right call.
Blueridge offers spacious, newly renovated one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments about a 10-minute walk from BYU’s south campus and close to the campus shuttle. Every unit includes an in-unit washer and dryer, giving you more room and convenience than a typical dorm.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do BYU freshmen have to live in the dorms?
No, but single undergraduates must live in BYU on-campus housing or BYU off-campus contracted housing for their first two semesters. After that, they can live anywhere while following the Honor Code and BYU’s student housing policies.
How much does Helaman Halls cost for 2026–27?
A shared room with a sink at Helaman Halls costs $4,146 for fall and winter 2026–27. Residents must also buy a meal plan costing $3,500 to $5,680.
Is a meal plan required at Heritage Halls?
No. Heritage Halls residents are encouraged but not required to buy a meal plan, and they share a kitchen with up to five roommates.
Is it cheaper to live in a BYU dorm or an apartment?
It depends. Helaman Halls rooms can look affordable, but the required meal plan adds thousands of dollars. Apartments let you control food costs by cooking at home.
What is BYU off-campus contracted housing?
Off-campus contracted housing is privately owned housing that’s contracted with BYU and approved for students during their first two semesters. Students should confirm a complex’s status before signing.