When Abyss Widmann arrived at Boise State as a freshman, they were looking for more than just a place to live. They were looking for community. Living on campus quickly became one of the highlights of their college experience.
“I don’t think I would be having as much fun as I am right now if I wasn’t living on campus,” Abyss shares. From spontaneous hallway hangouts to group dinners at the dining hall, on-campus living makes it easy to connect with others and build lasting friendships. “It kind of feels like Thanksgiving every day,” describing meals spent catching up with a group of friends. As a freshman adjusting to a new academic and social environment, they say on-campus housing provides the structure and support they need to settle in quickly.
Convenience of Living on Campus
One of the biggest benefits of living on campus is how seamlessly it fits into everyday life. Abyss says, “It’s easy to wake up 15 minutes before class and just walk there.”
That convenience matters even more because Abyss doesn’t have a car. Living on campus removes the stress of transportation, bus schedules, and long walks, making it easier to stay on campus between classes, activities, and study time.
On-campus living supports both success in the classroom and a more connected college experience with classes, dining, and campus resources just steps away. Floating between your room (after waking up late, whoops), a staggered class schedule, grabbing a bite at one of the dining halls with friends and taking a walk downtown for a break is easy when you live right on campus.
Finding Community Made Easy
It’s about the little things. “We spend a lot of time in the common rooms on each floor watching movies, playing video games, or doing homework together. Having that quality time really makes you feel like part of a community and at home,” says Abyss.
Living on campus makes it easier for students to build real connections. With friends living just steps away, spending time together feels natural and spontaneous, not something that needs to be planned out. Abyss says, “There’s nothing that beats the convenience of knocking on your friend’s door who’s 20 feet down the hall.”
Abyss knows they want to create that same sense of community and support for first-year students that they received and plans to be an RA. Through their involvement in Hall Council, Abyss has already gained experience planning events and connecting with residents across multiple housing communities. That leadership role gives them a behind-the-scenes look at how housing staff help create welcoming, supportive spaces where students can feel connected and involved.
Built-In Academic Support
The close-knit environment of on-campus housing also supports students academically. Abyss shares a major with their roommate, which makes studying together and walking to class part of their everyday routine.
Living near other students in similar majors makes it easy to ask for help, especially during more challenging courses. Common rooms often turn into casual study spaces, where collaboration helps reduce stress and keep everyone on track. Abyss shares, “If I’m stuck, I can just go ask someone down the hall.”
Being surrounded by other students with similar academic goals also plays a big role in Abyss’ experience. Living among motivated and social peers makes it easier to get involved, stay engaged, and feel comfortable from the start. For Abyss, on-campus living isn’t just about where they live. It’s about feeling connected and supported in everyday campus life.
For students considering their housing options, on-campus living creates a supportive environment that helps ease the transition to college life while keeping students connected to friends, resources, and opportunities across campus.