Our Philosophy
The Department of University Housing plays an important role in students’ learning, whether supporting the formal academic process or informal “life lessons.” In response and anticipation of the learning that will occur, University Housing has as a major goal to “Implement initiatives that focus on the transitional needs of first-year and other students new to Boise State." In order to achieve this goal, first-year students are given assignment priority in traditional residence halls including Chaffee, Morrison, Driscoll, Taylor, Keiser, and the Barnes Towers.

First year students
First-year students are followed in priority by those returning to campus living for a second consecutive academic year; although University Housing does not guarantee that all interested, continuing students can be accommodated. University Housing presently reserves the University Suites and the University Inn for second-year students. Other students, who request on-campus housing, including transfer students, will be accommodated if space is available.
University Housing maintains about 1,500 on-campus beds with just fewer than 1,200 held for first-year students. Given the popularity of Boise State’s on-campus residence halls, more students will apply to live on campus than can be accommodated. University Housing will maintain a wait list of those who cannot initially be assigned in the event that space does come open. Students can opt to not be on the wait list but will lose “their place and priority” should they do so.

Transfer students
Transfer students are likewise welcome to apply for available space to live on-campus. Since first priority is given to first-year students and students who currently live on campus, University Housing cannot guarantee that space will be available for transfer students. However, every effort will be made to help transfer students find alternative options through the off-campus housing data maintained by University Housing. Returning students do have a priority deadline to reapply in early spring, after which transfer students receive priority over those returners that apply after the deadline.

Graduate students
University Housing does not have a designated graduate student residential community. Graduate students are welcome to apply for available space, particularly in our apartment communities since priority for other on-campus residential facilities is given to undergraduate students. However, every effort will be made to help graduate students find alternative options through the off-campus housing data maintained by University Housing.

Campus Housing expansion
Over the next several years, Boise State University plans to expand its on-campus living options for students. The first expansion is anticipated to open as early as fall of 2011