Boise State University's campus along the Boise River centers on the historic 1940 Administration Building, designed by the same architectural firm behind the University of Idaho's own landmark, with most incoming students housed in Chaffee Hall and Barnes Towers, both confirmed first-year residence halls.
Enrollment
18,729
Total Students
Freshman Class
4,682
Approx.
Move-In Dates
August 19 - August 20, 2026
Fall 2026
Acceptance Rate
84%
Most recent cycle
Move-In
Fall 2026 Move-In Dates
Arrive at your designated lot at your scheduled time - the arrival system is built around specific times and zones to keep things running smoothly. After parking and checking in at the nearby tent for your key packet and dashboard parking permit, you'll have about an hour in short-term parking before needing to relocate to your assigned long-term lot. Large vehicles such as trailers or RVs cannot be accommodated in the designated arrival zones.
August 19 - August 20, 2026
Check your assignment in the housing portal for your specific date and time.
Move-in day tips
- Arrive during your assigned window - early arrivals often just wait longer.
- Bring a rolling cart or hand truck; loading-zone carts run out fast.
- Parking near freshman halls fills up quickly - have a backup plan or drop-off spot.
- Loading zones usually enforce a strict time limit (often 30 minutes) before you're expected to move your car to long-term parking.
- Activate your student ID online before you arrive - many schools require it for building and elevator access from day one.
- If you want your bed lofted or the frame height adjusted, check whether your school needs that request submitted online in advance - most won't do it on the spot.
- Check your school's specific package-acceptance window before shipping anything ahead - most won't hold early deliveries outside a set date range.
- Unpack essentials first: bedding, toiletries, and chargers, before anything else.
Housing & Dorms
- Photo coming soon
Chaffee Hall
Traditional · Coed
First-year only - Photo coming soon
Barnes Towers
Traditional · Coed
First-year only
Housing Links
Links open Boise State University's website - not always the exact page, but a real starting point.
Orientation
New Student Orientation (required)
All new students are required to attend one orientation session.
June 1 - August 20, 2026
Orientation tips
- Register as early as your class allows - popular session dates fill up first.
- Bring a parent/guardian if separate family programming is offered.
- Check whether placement testing or advising sign-ups happen the same day.
Costs
Room & Board
$11,250
Estimated / Year
Nearby Essentials
Nearby data coming soon.
More Links
Checklists
Get the Ultimate College Move-In Checklist
A free, printable packing checklist covering everything from bedding to important documents - built for any freshman, including yours at Boise State University.
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