Starting college in Orem comes with a lot of exciting firsts — from your first hike up to a waterfall in the foothills to your first Wolverine game at the UCCU Center. Whether you’re headed to UVU for a semester or all four years, getting to know the area can make the transition a whole lot smoother.
This student guide covers everything from affordable food and things to do to study spots, jobs, transportation, and wellness resources. With the right setup, Orem can start feeling like home before your first semester even ends.
Things to Do
Orem sits right against the Wasatch Mountains, which means outdoor adventure, live entertainment, and a busy campus calendar are all just minutes from your front door. Whether you’re into hiking, catching a Wolverines game, or finding something fun to do on a Friday night, there’s rarely a slow weekend once you settle in.
Orem’s location makes it easy to get outside without a long drive. Students often walk or run sections of the Bonneville Shoreline Trail right along the east side of town, or head up to Stewart Falls and the Y Mountain Trail for Instagram-worthy views of the valley. The Provo River Parkway Trail offers a flatter, paved option that follows the river past Bridal Veil Falls. In the winter, Sundance Resort up Provo Canyon is a favorite for skiing and snowboarding, and warmer months bring paddleboarding and kayaking at Utah Lake State Park.
Orem’s evening scene leans more toward entertainment venues than a bar crawl, and there’s plenty to do. Provo Beach Resort at the Riverwoods packs in bowling, laser tag, an arcade, and indoor surfing on the FlowRider, while the SCERA Center for the Arts hosts concerts, plays, and its beloved Shell Outdoor Theatre in the summer. University Place rounds things out with a Cinemark theater, restaurants, and shops for an easy night out with friends.
Unlike some of the schools nearby, UVU fields full NCAA Division I athletics as the UVU Wolverines, and school spirit runs high. Basketball and volleyball take over the UCCU Center in the winter, while soccer fans head to Clyde Field in the fall. Students can also stay active themselves at the Student Life and Wellness Center, UVU’s on-campus recreation facility with intramural leagues, open gym time, and a climbing wall included in tuition.
UVU keeps a packed events calendar year-round. Traditions like Wolverine Bingo, the UVU International Festival, and the Homecoming Emerald Ball bring students together each semester, while Wolverine Wednesdays offer weekly discounts around campus just for wearing green. Off campus, the SCERA Shell’s outdoor summer concerts and movie nights are a Utah Valley staple that plenty of students look forward to all year.
Food on a Student Budget
Orem’s food scene punches above its weight for a city this size. Students looking for something different from the usual college spread head to Bangkok Wasabi for sushi and curry, Maria Bonita for authentic Mexican, or Pho Plus for a warm bowl of pho between classes. Joe’s Cafe is the go-to for a hearty breakfast, and Costa Vida and Brick Oven are both easy on the wallet with a student ID discount.
Plenty of students stretch their budget further by meal prepping during the week and saving the sit-down spots for weekends. Having a full kitchen at home makes it a lot easier to cook instead of eating out every night.
Saving Money as a Student
Budgeting in college can feel overwhelming at first, but a few good habits go a long way. Most students in Orem spend the bulk of their money on rent, groceries, and going out, so keeping an eye on those categories early can save a lot of stress later in the semester.
A student ID goes further here than in most college towns — think a free drink with your meal at Chick-fil-A, half-off pizza at Brick Oven, education pricing at the Apple Store, and 15% off with Target Circle. Riding UTA buses and the UVX is also free with a valid UVU ID, which adds up fast over a semester.
Shopping Essentials for Students
Everyday shopping is easy near The Green. Walmart Supercenter, Sprouts Farmers Market, Trader Joe’s, and Costco cover groceries, while University Place handles clothing, shoes, and dining all in one spot just up the road.
For furniture, decor, or clothing on a budget, Goodwill, Savers, and Deseret Industries are all within easy driving distance and popular with students furnishing an apartment without spending a fortune.
Jobs & Career Opportunities for Students
Orem offers a solid mix of part-time work and career-building opportunities for students balancing classes with a paycheck. Popular student employers nearby include Topgolf, Cinemark, Macey’s, and Starbucks, most of which are used to scheduling around class times.
For students looking to build a resume before graduation, Utah County’s Silicon Slopes tech corridor is home to companies like Adobe, Qualtrics, and Vivint, all of which regularly recruit student interns, while UVU’s own Student Employment office posts on-campus positions across nearly every department.
Fitness & Staying Active
Staying active in Orem starts right on campus. The Student Life and Wellness Center is free with tuition and covers everything from weights to a climbing wall, while off-campus options like VASA Fitness and Planet Fitness offer student-friendly pricing close to UVU. The Green’s own on-site fitness center is also just steps from your apartment for a quick workout between classes.
Studying & Staying Productive
Finding a study routine that actually works is one of the biggest keys to surviving college. Most UVU students end up at the Fulton Library at some point, whether for the silent study rooms on the upper floors, a reservable group study room, or the on-site Starbucks for a coffee break between chapters. Breaking big assignments into smaller pieces and sticking to a consistent routine can make finals week feel a lot less overwhelming.
Mental Health & Wellness
College comes with a lot of new pressure, and it’s normal for that to catch up with you at some point. Balancing classes, work, and a social life takes real effort, which is why taking care of your mental health matters just as much as keeping up with coursework.
UVU’s Student Health Services offers walk-in mental health support on campus at no charge, and students also have free 24/7 access to virtual counseling, health coaching, and chat support through TimelyCare — no insurance required.
Moving Out & Your First Apartment
Moving into your first apartment is a big step toward independence, but it comes with a learning curve — coordinating move-in day, splitting bills with roommates, and budgeting for the first time. A moving checklist and a clear read on your lease can make the whole process a lot smoother.
Since The Green’s apartments come fully furnished, students usually only need to shop for personal touches rather than major furniture, which makes move-in day a lot more manageable.
Student Housing Made Simple
Where you live has a bigger impact on your college experience than most students expect. Housing close to campus can save time, simplify your routine, and keep you connected to classes, friends, and everything else going on around UVU.
The Green on Campus Drive is designed specifically with student living in mind, sitting directly across the street from campus with fully furnished apartments, a pool, hot tubs, pickleball and volleyball courts, study rooms, and free parking. This setup makes it easier to focus on classes and still have a life outside of them.
Getting Around Without a Car
Plenty of students in Orem get by just fine without a car. The UVX bus rapid transit line runs straight through UVU’s campus and connects to Orem Central Station, while FrontRunner commuter rail and several local UTA bus routes extend that reach across Utah County and up toward Salt Lake City.
Because The Green sits directly across the street from campus, residents are within easy walking distance of the UVX’s UVU Station, and all of it — UVX, FrontRunner, and local buses — is free for students with a valid UVU ID.
College is about more than just classes. It’s about building routines, friendships, and experiences that stick with you long after graduation. Having the right home base can make all of that easier to enjoy.
Whether you’re getting ready for your first semester or looking for a better student housing experience near UVU, The Green on Campus Drive is here to help you make the most of your years in Orem.
