Bronco Day: Experience Boise State

When Larissa Corbett, mother of current Boise State business marketing student Alexandra, reflects on her family’s journey to Boise State University, she highlights a particularly transformative experience— the campus visit during Bronco Day that helped solidify Alexandra’s final decision to attend Boise State.

During the summer after Alexandra’s junior year, the family’s journey began with a cross-country tour of various colleges. After a long trip from their hometown in Anchorage, Alaska, “The last stop that we made was Boise,” Larissa recalls– and it was worth the wait.

When they arrived, Alexandra and her mom both immediately fell in love with the location, nestled along the greenbelt with the backdrop of the foothills, and just minutes from downtown Boise. “It felt like such a robust campus,” she says. Visiting during an active school session gave them a genuine feel of the university’s lively community and dynamic growth.

“Boise State’s events and workshops for visitors are a great way to get your questions answered and learn about what’s coming down the pipeline for your student,” says Larissa, “It’s a lot of information– naturally, I had lots of questions about financial aid matters and enrolling in classes, and the staff were so helpful…One of the things I learned was how early you need to start the process.” This early preparation can prevent last-minute stress and ensure that students and parents are fully prepared.

Check out the Bronco Day event schedule!

Larissa’s advice for families is clear: “If possible, attend events like Bronco Day.” However, she also emphasizes the importance of exploring beyond the campus event or walking tour. Taking the time to experience the local community and understand how it aligns with the student’s interests and lifestyle can be incredibly beneficial.

“If you have the opportunity to take a few moments to explore the rest of the town or the campus on your own, it can really help,” Larissa recommended. She suggested that families explore local amenities and activities such as Bogus Basin Recreation Area or catching a live show at the Botanical Gardens. This can be a significant part of the college experience, especially for those coming from different states or regions.

See our top picks for things to do in Boise and places to stay!

“I think it’s so important to be able to see the campus and experience the community. It’s not just about the campus tour and the workshops; Whether you’re a downhill skier or a hiker, or a biker, or a flyfisher, whatever it happens to be, there’s really something to finding a few extra moments to discover that this place really is a fit for you [and your family],” Larissa said. The visit allowed Alexandra and her family to connect with the university beyond what she’d been able to see from promotional materials and deep dives online.

For Larissa, Bronco Day was just the start of becoming part of the Boise State community. She joined the Parent and Family Council at Boise State, which provided additional support and a deeper connection to the university. “Being part of the Council has made me feel more involved and connected to the school, beyond just my student’s experience,” she said. Now Larissa enjoys taking part in planning Bronco Day for future students and their families so they get a warm Bronco welcome for their first visit to campus.

Check out resources for Bronco Families

So, don’t miss out on Bronco Day, taking place Saturday October 19, 2024. It’s a great first step for future Bronco families to see if Boise State is a match for you!

Register for Bronco Day

Can’t make it to Bronco Day? Check out our other campus visits!