Your student ID is worth more than you think. Between free public transit, gym access, software discounts, and local restaurant deals, BYU and UVU students can save hundreds of dollars a month — if they know where to look. This guide covers every discount worth knowing about in Provo.
Two of the biggest student savings aren't discounts at all — they're decisions. See how to not overpay for textbooks and whether you actually need a car here.
The Big Ones (Don't Miss These)
Free Public Transit
UTA Bus & FrontRunner · BYU & UVU Students
This is the single most valuable student perk in Provo. Both BYU and UVU students ride all UTA buses and the FrontRunner commuter rail completely free with a valid student ID. FrontRunner connects Provo to Salt Lake City in about 70 minutes, which means free transportation to concerts, Jazz games, airport runs, and weekend trips to SLC. For a student who would otherwise be driving and parking daily, the value runs to a meaningful chunk of a monthly budget — the exact figure depends entirely on how much you'd actually drive.
Discounted Gym & Recreation Access
Provo Recreation Center · BYU & UVU Students
The Provo Rec Center is not free for students — it runs a discounted student membership rate, and the terms change. In May 2026 the city ran a promotion offering BYU and UVU students a $25/month month-to-month membership, which we covered at the time; whether that rate is still on offer is a question for the rec center, not for us. Bring a current student ID or class schedule and ask at the desk (320 W 500 N) for the current student rate.
What you get for it is substantial: a leisure pool, a lap pool, weight rooms, courts, and fitness classes. Separately, BYU students have access to the Richards Building fitness facilities on campus through tuition — though "through tuition" is not "walk in with a student ID": Student Wellness requires a facilities membership and a signed waiver, sorted at the Member Services desk in RB 112, and wristbands are checked inside. UVU's on-campus fitness offering is more limited, which is what makes the rec center rate more relevant for students on that campus.
Sundance College Day Pass
Young-adult season pass · Ages 18–26
Sundance's student-facing deal is no longer a cheap single-day college ticket — that product is gone, and older guides still quoting it will send you to the window for a surprise. What replaced it is a young-adult unlimited season pass for ages 18–26, which pays for itself in roughly five or six ski days, plus the S-Card: a one-time fee that gets you the card and a first day, then a discounted direct-to-lift rate on every visit after. Day tickets themselves are dynamically priced, so buying ahead online beats buying at the window. Checked August 2026 — confirm current products and prices at sundanceresort.com.
Software & Tech
| Discount | Details | Savings |
|---|---|---|
| Adobe Creative Cloud | 60% off with .edu email | ~$35/mo saved |
| Spotify + Hulu Bundle | $5.99/mo student plan | ~$12/mo saved |
| Apple Music | $5.99/mo student plan | ~$5/mo saved |
| Amazon Prime Student | 50% off ($7.49/mo) | ~$7.50/mo saved |
| Microsoft 365 | Free through BYU/UVU | ~$100/yr saved |
| GitHub Pro | Free with student pack | ~$48/yr saved |
| Notion | Free Plus plan for students | ~$96/yr saved |
| Canva Pro | Free with .edu email | ~$120/yr saved |
Pro tip: The GitHub Student Developer Pack includes dozens of free tools beyond just GitHub — cloud hosting credits, domain names, and development tools. If you're in any tech-related field, sign up at education.github.com.
Food & Drink Deals
Restaurants with Student Discounts
- Guru's Café — 10% off with student ID. One of Provo's most student-friendly spots anyway, the discount makes it even better.
- Costa Vida — Student discount varies by location. Ask at the register.
- Cubby's — Occasional student promotions and combo deals.
- Jimmy John's — Student deals on select sandwiches.
Best Value Meals Under $8
These aren't formal "discounts" but they're the best budget meals in Provo for students watching every dollar:
- Street Tacos Don Joaquin — 3 tacos for under $6
- El Gallo Giro — Burrito plates under $8
- Café Río — Student-sized portions at the counter
- Guru's Café — Açai bowls and wraps in the $7–9 range
For the full budget eating guide, see Eating on a Student Budget in Provo.
Transportation
Free Provo Bike Share
Free 30-minute rides with a .edu email registration. Bikes are stationed at docks across downtown and near both campuses. Perfect for quick trips between classes or running errands downtown.
UTA Transit (Repeated Because It's That Important)
Free buses throughout Provo/Orem and free FrontRunner to Salt Lake City. Download the UTA app for real-time schedules and route planning.
Zipcar
Available near BYU campus for students who need occasional car access without owning one. Hourly and daily rates include gas and insurance. Cheaper than owning a car if you only drive a few times a month.
Entertainment & Activities
- BYU International Cinema — Free foreign and indie film screenings on campus throughout the semester
- BYU Performing Arts — Student-priced tickets for dance, theater, and music performances
- Covey Center for the Arts — Student rush tickets available for select shows
- Provo City Events — Free concerts, festivals, and community events throughout the year (check the Events Calendar)
- Nickel City Fun Center — Discounted rates for students on select nights
Outdoor & Fitness
- Sundance Resort — young-adult season pass (18–26) and the S-Card (ski season)
- Provo Rec Center — a discounted student rate, not free entry (see below)
- REI Co-op — Membership ($30 one-time) gets you dividends on all gear purchases, plus garage sale access for deeply discounted outdoor gear
- BYU Outdoors Unlimited — Rent camping gear, kayaks, skis, and bikes at heavily subsidized student rates through BYU's outdoor program
Services
- BYU Creamery — Student pricing on groceries and the famous BYU chocolate milk
- UVU Print Services — Free printing allocation each semester
- BYU Library — Free access to databases, research tools, and interlibrary loan services that would cost hundreds outside of university
- Student Health Centers — Both BYU and UVU offer discounted health services for enrolled students
How to Maximize Your Savings
Always ask. Many Provo businesses offer student discounts that aren't advertised. A simple "Do you have a student discount?" at the register works more often than you'd expect.
Use your .edu email. Many software and online service discounts are tied to your university email address. Set these up as soon as you have your .edu account.
Download the apps. UTA transit, your university app, and deal apps like Honey and Rakuten can stack savings.
Time your purchases. Back-to-school season (August–September) brings the best deals on furniture, electronics, and apartment essentials at local stores.
Related Guides
- Eating on a Student Budget in Provo
- Best Apartments Near BYU
- Surviving Your First Semester
- Cost of Living in Provo, Utah
- BYU vs UVU Comparison
- How to Find Student Housing in Provo & Orem (2026 Guide)
- Married & Family Student Housing at BYU (2026 Guide)
- Student Health & Wellness Resources in Provo (2026)
Last updated: April 2026. Discounts are subject to change — always verify directly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do BYU students get free public transit?
What student discounts are available in Provo?