Your health — physical and mental — is the foundation everything else at college sits on. Grades, social life, dating, spiritual growth, career preparation — none of it works if you're not taking care of yourself. Both BYU and UVU provide health resources that are significantly more accessible and affordable than what you'd find outside the university system. The challenge is that most students don't know what's available until they need it urgently.
This guide lists everything so you know before you need it.
Campus Health Centers
BYU Student Health Center
BYU Campus · (801) 422-5156
Primary care services at reduced student rates. The Health Center handles general medical visits (colds, flu, infections, injuries), immunizations, lab work, women's health services, and basic pharmacy needs. Wait times are typically shorter than off-campus clinics, and the staff is accustomed to student schedules and concerns.
What it covers: Routine medical visits, prescriptions, basic lab tests, allergy shots, TB testing (required for some international students), and referrals to specialists when needed.
What it doesn't cover: Emergency care (go to the ER for true emergencies), dental, vision, or complex specialist care.
Cost: Visits are subsidized through student fees. Copays and medication costs vary depending on your insurance plan.
UVU Student Health Services
UVU Campus · (801) 863-8876
Similar services to BYU's center — primary care, immunizations, health screenings, and referrals. UVU's health services are available to currently enrolled students. The scope is slightly more limited than BYU's due to campus size differences, but the core services are comparable.
Mental Health & Counseling
BYU Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS)
BYU Campus · (801) 422-3035
Free short-term counseling for enrolled BYU students. CAPS provides individual therapy, group therapy, crisis intervention, and psychiatric services. The counselors are licensed professionals experienced with the specific challenges BYU students face — academic pressure, faith transitions, relationship difficulties, post-mission adjustment, anxiety, depression, and identity questions.
How to access: Call or walk in to schedule an initial appointment. Crisis appointments are available for urgent situations.
The honest reality: CAPS is excellent but has capacity limitations. During high-demand periods (midterms, finals, beginning of semesters), wait times for initial appointments can stretch to 1–2 weeks. If your need is urgent, communicate that clearly when scheduling — crisis slots are held for same-day or next-day access.
For ongoing therapy: CAPS typically provides 6–10 sessions. For longer-term therapy, they'll refer you to community providers. Ask about sliding-scale therapists if cost is a concern.
UVU Student Counseling
UVU Campus
Free counseling services for enrolled UVU students, including individual and group therapy. Similar to CAPS in scope and accessibility.
Crisis Resources
If you or someone you know is in crisis:
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline — Call or text 988. Available 24/7.
- BYU CAPS crisis line — (801) 422-3035 (during hours); after hours, campus police can connect you with crisis services.
- Crisis Text Line — Text HOME to 741741.
Fitness & Physical Wellness
BYU Richards Building
Free for BYU students
One of the best university fitness facilities in the country. Indoor swimming pools, basketball courts, volleyball courts, racquetball, weight rooms, indoor track, and group fitness classes — all included with your tuition. There's genuinely no excuse not to use it. The facility is clean, well-maintained, and large enough that you can always find space.
UVU NUVI Basketball Center & Fitness Facilities
Free for UVU students
UVU's fitness facilities include gym space, fitness equipment, and recreational programming. The facilities are newer and have expanded significantly in recent years.
Outdoor Fitness
Free and always available: hiking Y Mountain, running the Provo River Parkway, biking the trail network, and using the outdoor exercise stations at several city parks. Provo's outdoor access is one of the best fitness resources available — no gym membership required. See our Best Gyms Guide for paid options.
Nutrition & Eating
Eating well as a student is challenging but essential. The basics:
On campus: BYU's dining options include the Cannon Center (all-you-can-eat buffet with salad bar), the Cougareat food court, and the Creamery. The salad bar and fruit options at the Cannon Center are your best bets for consistent nutrition.
Off campus: Cooking at home is cheaper and healthier than eating out. Stock basics — eggs, rice, frozen vegetables, chicken, oats, peanut butter — and build simple meals. See our Student Budget Eating Guide and Best Grocery Stores Guide.
If you're struggling with disordered eating: Both BYU and UVU counseling centers can help, and community resources exist for students dealing with eating disorders. The National Alliance for Eating Disorders helpline (1-866-662-1235) provides support and referrals.
Sleep
Sleep deprivation is the most common and most underestimated health issue among college students. The research is clear: chronic sleep loss impairs academic performance, emotional regulation, physical health, and immune function more than almost any other single factor.
The practical advice: Aim for 7–8 hours. Protect your sleep schedule even during busy weeks. The all-nighter study session almost never produces better results than sleeping and reviewing in the morning. If you're consistently unable to sleep, talk to a provider at the Health Center — insomnia is treatable.
Related Guides
- The Complete BYU Student Guide
- UVU Student Guide
- Post-Mission Guide
- Making Friends in Provo
- Best Gyms & Fitness in Provo
- Eating on a Student Budget
Last updated: April 2026. Contact information and services are subject to change — verify with your university's health services office.