Harold B. Lee Library

Brigham Young University Housing

Introduction

Brigham Young University is a private university that seeks to develop students of faith, intellect and character who have the skills and the desire to continuing learning and to serve others throughout their lives. Tracing its roots to Utah’s rich pioneer heritage and to Brigham Young Academy, the original school established in 1875, the university continues to provide an outstanding education in an atmosphere consistent with the ideals and principles of its sponsor, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Brigham Young University’s remarkable history can be uncovered through many of the collections held in the University Archives. Official student housing began at Brigham Young University in the late 1930s with the building of Allen Hall (men’s dormitories), and Amanda Knight Hall (women’s dormitories). Today, on-campus housing alone provides accommodations for roughly 4,800 single students and 900 married couples. BYU has contracted with more than 1,500 landlords to gain 5,500 living units for single undergraduate students to live in off-campus. The following source materials can get you started on your exploration of Brigham Young University’s housing.

Secondary Sources and General information

Collections held by the University Archives will be more useful to your specific research topic after you understand more about the general history of the university. The following resources are available to help you develop that understanding.

• Histories of Brigham Young University
  • Wilkinson, Ernest L. Brigham Young University: The First One Hundred Years (4 volumes). Provo, UT: Brigham Young University Press, 1975.
  • Wilkinson, Ernest L. and W. Cleon Skousen. Brigham Young University: A School of Destiny.  Provo, UT: Brigham Young University Press, 1976.
  • Barrett, Bruce A. Brigham Young University housing through the years. Orem, UT: BAB Publishing, 1994.
  • Hatch, Ephraim. Brigham Young University: A Pictorial History of Physical Facilities 1875-2005. Provo, UT : Physical Facilities Division, Brigham Young University, 2005.

Primary Sources

• Sample materials dealing with the Brigham Young University Housing: A sample of the materials that contain information about BYU housing follows. To map out a research strategy, please schedule an appointment with the University Archivist at 422-5821 or gordon_daines@byu.edu for additional help in discovering what other collections we may have that pertain to your research topic.
  • UA 444 Joseph Nelson blueprints of Amanda Knight Hall, 1939 Collection includes 5 blueprints of Amanda Knight Hall created by Nelson in 1939.
  • UA 537 Records of the director of married student housing, 1949-1971 Includes sampling of correspondence, memos and other materials relating to the operation of this office.
  • UA SC 60 Student Housing Pamphlets, 1950-1966 Includes pamphlets issued to students about the housing policies and etiquette.
  • UA 409 Records of naming and dedicating Heritage and Helaman Halls, 1956-1958 Includes internal correspondence about the naming and dedication of Heritage and Helaman Halls. Also includes correspondence with the family organizations representing those individuals whose names are associated with each Hall.
  • 378.2 A1 no. 56 Approved Student Housing A pamphlet issued to BYU students by the Office of Student Housing, including information about rental rates, rental agreements, codes of conduct, etc.
  • MISS 2083 Biography of Jean Elizabeth Fossum May, 1990-1998 Compiled by James A. May about his mother, Jean Fossum May, drawing heavily on her letters, journals, and notes. Also included is a brief history of her service as head resident of Stover Hall (men’s housing) on the campus of Brigham Young University.
  • 378.2 A1 no.55 Student Housing A pamphlet regarding University Housing policies, general housing information, and a description of facilities available to both men and women and Brigham Young University. Issued to students during the 1865-66 school year.
  • AC 901 .A1 no.2169 Deseret Towers, Helaman Halls, Wymount Terrace : [dedicatory program] Program for dedicatory services held Oct. 6, 1970 for new campus housing facilities.
  • UA 1221 Helaman Halls Renovation Renderings, 1999 Two renderings of the planned renovations of Helaman Halls that began in 1999.

This Popular Search Topics page offers only samplings of materials included in the University Archives that document the evolution of Brigham Young University housing. Be sure to visit Special Collections to discover other material.