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Living in Boise

Downtown Boise at night

Why Boise? In recent years, Boise has been consistently ranked as one of the best cities to live, work, and play in the United States.  Check out this page for information on why Boise is a great city to live in!

Housing

Boise State University has very limited on-campus accommodation, and students get first priority.  Therefore it is unlikely you will be able to rent through Boise State’s housing service.

It is often easier to find housing after you have arrived in Boise.  If you need time to find housing once you’ve arrived in the U.S., you will want to arrange temporary accommodation (hotel, short-term rental, etc.) for a couple weeks.  This page lists some hotels near to campus.

Your host department is the best place to ask for information on housing.  Check with them first to see if they have any suggestions or know anyone leaving an apartment or looking for a roommate.

If you’re here for a shorter period of time, you may want to look for a place that is already furnished with the necessities (bed, couch, kitchen appliances, etc.).  If you rent an unfurnished place (more common), don’t forget to budget for some of those necessary items.  Local thrift stores are good places to browse for inexpensive furnishings and household items.  Search “thrift store” on Google Maps or Apple Maps and many options will appear in the Boise area.

Rental costs in Boise vary greatly depending on the size of the apartment or house, whether its furnished or unfurnished, and its location.  In general, you could spend $900-1400 per month on rent if you’re renting alone.  If you are renting a bedroom in a shared house or apartment (with roommates), you might pay $400-600 per month.

Here are some commercial websites you might use to help find housing or information on housing.  (Be careful to avoid scams!  This link lists some general things to watch out for.)

You can also look at– or post on– campus and community boards, both in campus buildings like the Student Union Building and online.

Schools

In Boise, you have the opportunity to choose between public schools, public charter schools, and private schools for your J-2 dependents.

Transportation

City public transportation routes and schedules can be accessed through Valley Regional Transit.  Boise State also has a free shuttle service that will take anyone around campus and into downtown Boise on certain days and times.  For other transportation options around Boise check out this site.

Amenities and resources near campus

Grocery Stores:

Recreation Centers:

  • Boise State has a Rec Center located on campus.  Check it out for schedules, classes, and membership fees.
  • The YMCA is a family-friendly recreation center with a location in downtown Boise (a five-minute drive from campus).  They offer various year-round activities and summer camps.

Libraries:

Medical Centers:

Banks: