Frequently Asked Questions - Updated 5/21/2009

NEW STUDENT ORIENTATION
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How do I register for classes?

Registration is done through the online MyMAP system.  For specific advice on which classes to take, contact your College Advisement Center. 

Newly admitted students are asked to register together on separate priority dates for fall semester (see http://saas.byu.edu/depts/registration/regdates.aspx for scheduled times). You are assigned using your Social Security number in a random selection. This delay in registration is to allow enough time for you to receive the proper material and instruction for your college experience.

How am I supposed to choose a major?

The process of choosing a major is a significant decision that requires information about you---your interests, values, goals, and desires---as well as information about your major and career options. Choosing a major is a process, not simply a decision made in a few minutes.

With this in mind University Advisement advisors will help you find the information and obtain the experience you need to make a well-researched decision in the shortest amount of time. Early contact with the University Advisement Center will most likely increase your change for a timely graduation. More information to help you with this important process can be found at http://saas.byu.edu/depts/advisement/cacs.aspx?lms=2

Do I have to declare a major to register for classes?

No, however, the advantage to choosing a major and following a Major Academic Plan reduces the time and expense of your academic career at BYU. The University Advisement Center is ready to help you with the crucial decision. Call (801) 422-3826 or 877-890-5519 to schedule an appointment.

BYU’s library is the size of my high school; how am I supposed to make use of it?

The Harold B. Lee Library (HBLL) is going to be one of the most important resources throughout your college career. Don’t be intimidated by the size, but rather look at the building as a source of information, waiting for you to consume it. There are many ways to learn about the library, such as the library audio tour; guides to computer systems, collections and services; computerized instruction; and instructional sessions through your courses. The library information numbers is (801) 422-2926, or visit their Web site at http://lib.byu.edu/

Do I need a personal computer to survive?

Owning a personal computer is not a requirement for academic success at BYU. All students have access to campus computer labs and kiosks http://it.byu.edu/index.cfm?child_id=198. Also, a computer rental program is available for those living on and off campus. You can find more information by visiting this web site at http://it.byu.edu/index.cfm?child_id=44. The office is open Monday-Friday from 9:00-5:00 (with the exception of devotional time on Tuesday).

How do I get involved in student government and student service organizations?

Students can visit The Center for Service and Learning (2330 WSC) to receive information on the hundreds of involvement opportunities on campus, such as service clubs, student leadership opportunities, etc. Students are welcome to browse printed information or meet with a member of the staff, who will help them assess their involvement needs. The phone numbers is (801) 422-8686, or visit their web site at http://centerforservice.byu.edu/index.cfm.

Students can also visit BYUSA on their web site at http://byusa.byu.edu/index.php?option=com_ezine&Itemid=3217

When, where, and how can I buy my books?

The textbook section of the BYU Bookstore is located on the third floor. Don’t wait until the first day of class to buy books. Preferably, you should purchase them as soon as you get to campus. Bring a copy of the classes your book list with you. It will list the author of each book, which is what you will need  to buy the right books for your classes. Find your book list under Route Y on the BYU homepage. You can pay with cash, check, or major credit card. For more information, see http://www.byubookstore.com/.

Do I need a car?

No, you don’t need a car to survive at BYU. You can reach most university buildings quite easily on foot or bicycle. The UTA (Utah Transit Authority, 375-4636) connects BYU with apartment complexes, shopping centers, and other locations in the Provo-Orem area and has a fast express connection with Salt Lake City. Students can obtain a bus pass to ride UTA buses and the TRAX system. You can apply for a pass by logging on to Route Y and clicking the link to "UTA Bus Pass" under the Miscellaneous Tab. After doing this, you will see a page that will tell you where you can pick up your pass.

The Price of the bus pass varies by School Year.  See the "UTA Buss Pas" Section under the Miscellaneous Tab of Route Y for the most up to date information.

If I do have a car, do I need a parking permit to park on campus?

If you are coming to campus as a student, employee, or dependent of either, you will need a parking pass. (Visitors may park in the visitor lot at the Museum of Art or the Law School.) To register your car on campus and obtain a parking permit, register at http://police.byu.edu/content/view/3752/#schedule or visit the Parking & Traffic Office in 2120 JKB.  If you are a graduate student, you will also need a parking voucher from your college. If you live on campus, you will also need a housing voucher from your head resident.

Will I have a telephone?

Each room in Helaman Halls and each apartment in Heritage Halls has a telephone. Your housing agreement includes local telephone service. You may arrange your own long distance carrier, or you may choose the university long-distance service. This service is very economical, and you have your own private access number.

What should I bring?

You’ll need your own pillow, sheets, blankets, towels, washcloths, alarm clock, iron (ironing boards are available), sewing kit, laundry bag, study supplies, umbrella, backpack, flashlight, camera, etc. You’re welcome to bring your personal entertainment equipment, but please be considerate of others. Check with your assigned residence hall for speaker size restrictions. If you prefer loud music, you should also bring earphones. Cleaning products should be purchased after you arrive, when a list of recommended products will be given to you.

Residents of Helaman Halls may participate in a weekly linen service by using BYU linens. This service is optional and provided at no additional charge.

Residents of Heritage Halls will also need to bring cooking and eating utensils and small appliances. The Heritage Halls Central Building offers occasional cooking utensils (woks, large pans, etc.) and other kitchen items such as tablecloths, matching dishes, and recipe books that you can check out for special occasions.

What things should I not bring?

State and community laws prohibit fireworks or other explosive/flammable materials in the residence halls. Small appliances and space heaters are not allowed in the bedrooms, with the exception of personal refrigerators.  Incense, candles, or any open flames are not allowed in the residence halls. Weapons—including firearms, BB guns, paint-pellet guns, wrist rockets, large knives, and ammunition—must be checked in at your area central housing office.

Skateboards, long boards, and in-line skates are not allowed on campus because of an increasing number of accidents and damage to university facilities. Pets (including fish), are not allowed in the residence halls.

Am I required to attend devotionals/forums?

You are not required to attend, however, university devotionals, held throughout the year on Tuesdays at 11:05 a.m., provide an inspirational and integrative part of the university experience. These assemblies are occasions to celebrate the shared sense of values and community in the university. Participation in these gatherings renews spiritual commitment and extends knowledge of significant religious, intellectual, and cultural matters.

Devotional speakers, selected from the General Authorities and other leaders of the Church and university, come to teach the gospel and affirm the spiritual dimension of the university experience for students, faculty, and staff. An additional opportunity is provided by regular Church Educational System firesides, usually held at 6:00 p.m. Experts from different fields speak about topics of interest to a general audience. Check out the forum and devotional schedule at http://unicomm.byu.edu/devotional/ to know who upcoming speakers will be.

Most campus offices and services are closed during university assemblies so that members of the university community may participate.

Where do I attend church?

There are 23 student stakes and 260 wards for LDS students. Student wards are not separated between BYU and UVSC students; the designation that sets them apart is that they are student wards, rather than singles or conventional family wards. Any student living in the boundaries can attend, regardless of the educational institution with which they are affiliated. For a complete listing of meeting times and locations visit http://plantwo.byu.edu/churchweb/index.htm.

How can I get a job on campus?

The BYU Employment Services Student Office, 2024 WSC (801) 422-3561, recommends the following if you are interested in working part-time during your freshman year: have a scheduled block of time every day for three to four hours and have a resume prepared for the departments you apply to. Don’t get discouraged if you can’t find immediate employment; just continue to check with the office. You can check for jobs and apply online at http://www.byu.edu/hr/ses/.

I am interested in financial aid. How can I find out more?

Applying for and receiving financial aid, whether in the form of government assistance or student loans, can be confusing and frustrating. If you are willing to learn the system and provide all the proper information, much of the hassle can be avoided. By calling or visiting the Financial Aid Office, A-41 ASB (801) 422-4104, you will be assigned a counselor who can help you with particular questions relevant to your situation. For more information, see http://financialaid.byu.edu/.

I think my AP credit should waive a class; how can I find out?

Call the Academic Advisement Office, (801) 422-3641. They will assist you in determining if any classes can be waived due to AP scores.

Am I able to “test out” of certain classes?

Exemption examinations for some GE courses are given in the Testing Center. You can check the Class Schedule for a schedule of exemption and challenge examinations.

For more information on general areas of interest (e.g., getting around campus, how to get involved, registration, etc.) see http://newstudent.byu.edu.