First-Year Application FAQ

In the past, the housing application process was based on a first come, first served model, which created stress and access challenges for students. This change is in response to direct feedback from applicants and aims to reduce the competitive nature of the process.

First-year students are invited to apply before 11:59 p.m. (MDT) on April 5 to be included in the housing lottery. The housing lottery form opens the week of March 18.

Early applicants who submit their application before the lottery deadline will be included in the lottery pool. After the lottery deadline passes, housing assignments will be determined through a random lottery draw. This means that being among the first to apply does not guarantee a housing assignment.

Historically, early applicants among first-year students do receive housing assignments. However, when lottery announcements are made on April 17, some students may receive a “you’ve got a spot” email, while others may be placed on the waitlist based on their lottery ranking. Our team works to assign students from the waitlist as assignment openings occur throughout the summer.

With the housing lottery process, you’ll have more time to carefully consider important details, such as your preferred on-campus living location. Take advantage of this opportunity to make an informed decision about where you want to live during the upcoming academic year.

Yes, students applying after the lottery is announced will still be able to submit housing applications. They will be added to the waitlist, following early applicants, in the order they apply. However, it’s advisable to apply during the designated application window to increase your chances of securing housing.

Housing assignments and lottery results will be communicated to you through official Boise State communication channels, so be sure to regularly check your Boise State email and the housing portal for updates.

Apply before the lottery deadline on April 5 at 11:59 p.m. (MDT).

Depending on housing availability, you will either receive a housing assignment or a number on our waitlist. Updates will be sent every Thursday to your Boise State email.

Due to limited availability, we cannot guarantee on-campus housing to everyone who applies. The Boise State Off-Campus Marketplace is a resource that will help students, faculty, and staff with their search for apartments near campus if you are on a waitlist or want to secure housing now.

Once the application opens the link to the housing portal will be posted on our homepage and will also be linked HERE. Make sure you are using the same login information as your My.BoiseState page. If that is not working for you, please contact the Help Desk for assistance at helpdesk@boisestate.edu or (208) 426-4357.

Your student ID number can be found on your Student Center, accessed through My.BoiseState.edu. It is found on that front page on the Update Personal Info Box.

• A $75 nonrefundable application fee is due when you apply for university housing
• Your application will not be processed until the application fee is received

This is possible and may be based on financial need. Please contact the Housing Business Office for more information at housingbusinessoffice@boisestate.edu.

Payments must be made via Credit or Debit card. Our office does not take payments. For more information regarding payments, please contact the Student Financial Office at sfinfo@boisestate.edu or (208) 426-1212.

Under the Americans with Disabilities Act, Boise State is considered a public accommodation and may not discriminate against people with disabilities.  Boise State must provide equal access to all people by removal of physical barriers, provision of auxiliary aides, and “make reasonable changes in policies, practices and procedures to avoid discrimination.” – Source: Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

By law, students with disabilities do not have to self-disclose or register with the Educational Access Center or Housing and Residence Life. However, if you are seeking reasonable housing accommodations or adjustments, you must contact the Educational Access Center.

All housing accommodations are determined on a case-by-case basis as follows:

• Contact the Educational Access Center and follow their documentation process
• Educational Access Center will contact Housing and Residence Life with their recommendations of reasonable accommodations to be made for you
• Housing and Residence Life will notify you of your specific assignment and accommodation via your Bronco email account within two business days
• If accommodations cannot be made due to space availability, you will be notified about the delay and what to expect next.

Reasonable housing accommodations will be applicable for one academic year or lease period. You will need to request accommodations for each subsequent year or lease period.

Make your request for accommodations as soon as you apply for housing so we have the information we need to make the accommodations as early in the assignment process as possible.

The Living Learning Program includes eight communities in the residence halls that are focused on either an area of study or interest. They blend academics and daily life through classes, activities and live-in professors. You’ll get more from your Boise State experience in a Living Learning Program: more adventure, more community and more learning opportunities. Participate in retreats and activities outside of the classroom, develop strong relationships with other students and professors, and have access to additional academic resources, study groups and mentoring, right where you live. Choose any one of the communities for a built-in community of students who share common academic interest and a full-time professor living just down the hall.

• Adventure Idaho (AIC) Located in Sawtooth Hall For first year students interested in outdoor activities including hiking, biking, camping, etc.
• BroncoFit (BFIT) Located in Keiser Hall For students interested in personal well being

• Business and Economics (COBE) Located in University Suites For first year students with business majors

• Communication and Exploration (CEC) Located in Sawtooth Hall For first year students looking to prioritize academic success, meet friends, and explore resources.
• Engineering and Innovation (EIC) Located in Morrison Hall For all class year students interested in majoring in engineering, or computer science
• Health Professionals (HPC) Located in Keiser Hall For first year students seeking degrees in healthcare
• Leadership and Engagement (LEC) Located in Taylor Hall For first year students interested in leadership activities and community service

• To Be Declared (TBD) Located in Taylor Hall For first year students who are interested in exploring major and career options

First-year students will receive their Community Assignments on May 15 unless notified otherwise. Community Assignments will be sent to your Boise State email accounts.

If placed on the waitlist, you are on the waitlist for all on-campus housing. Our priority for students on the waitlist is to get them into on-campus housing. This means that if a spot becomes available and it does not match the preferences listed in your application, we will assign you to the space. Changing your preferences in your application will not affect your waitlist position.

Please send us an email to housing@boisestate.edu and we can submit a request to have your community assignment changed. Please include your name, student ID number, current assignment, and requested assignment. Note that we cannot guarantee that we will be able to move you. Community assignments are made based on the timestamp of the application (first come first serve basis). If a spot opens in your requested community, we will notify you via email.

After completing the roommate process, all students will receive their official room assignment on June 19 unless notified otherwise. Be sure to check your Boise State email for updates.

Roommate selection will be available from May 22 to June 5 for first-year students.  This roommate matching tool will enable you to see, meet, and request other students who have the same preferences as you. Please frequently monitor your Boise State email and you’ll get more information regarding when and how to log in to roommate matching. Note that you can only match with students who were assigned to the same Community Assignment as you.

No. You can only match as roommates with individuals assigned to the same community as you. If space becomes available, and your friend is offered a spot in the same community, you and your friend can email us at housing@boisestate.edu to request to be roommates.

Gender-inclusive housing is an option that you can select as a preference when you apply to live on campus.

“Gender Inclusive” housing means that you can be housed with any other student regardless of their gender identity. For example:

• If you want to live with a friend who is not the same gender as you, you can both select “Gender Inclusive” housing on your applications. The Housing department will reach out to you at a later date (via student email) to determine roommate choices.
• If you don’t have a roommate preference but would like to live with people of different genders

There are a lot of reasons why you may choose gender-inclusive housing as an option, but here are some things to remember:

• Gender-inclusive housing is offered, as space is available, in several of our suite-style residence halls including the Honors College and Sawtooth Hall, Lincoln Townhomes, University Square, and University Suites. Please contact our office if these halls don’t meet your budget but you are interested in gender-inclusive housing.
• As with all of our housing options, for the best chance of getting your housing preference, it’s essential to apply early.
• If we don’t have space for all applicants who request gender-inclusive housing, we will house people who request gender-inclusive housing according to the gender identity listed on their application
• In order to be assigned to gender-inclusive housing all students in the unit must have requested “Gender Inclusive” as a preference on the housing application

If you have questions regarding gender-inclusive housing, please contact housing@boisestate.edu or (208)447-1001 to answer your questions. If you have questions about gender identity or support for gender-related topics visit the Gender Equity Center website or contact them directly.

You have two options, you can pay in full for the semester at the beginning of the billing period or you can enroll in a payment plan. The payment plan is opt-in. Here’s how to set up a payment plan. There is no fee to enroll, however, you must enroll by July 24 to have your semester fees split into 5 payments. The first payment for the Fall semester is due on July 25.

Boise State University has a variety of dining venues across campus, from Buster’s Kitchen in the Student Union Building (SUB) to convenience stores and some of your favorite restaurants like Subway, Starbucks, and Chick-fil-A. You’ll even find late-night options such as the Sous Vide Kitchen in Chaffee Hall and SouthFork Market, located in Honors College and Sawtooth Hall. First-year students who live in the residence halls are required to have a weekly meal plan. Meal plans are optional for sophomore and above students. Please direct all other questions regarding the Meal Plan to Boise State Dining Services at boisestatedining@boisestate.edu.

The Residence Hall, Suites, Townhomes, and Meal Plan Agreement is a legally binding agreement that covers the full academic year (fall and spring semesters). Students must be enrolled full-time (12 credits or more) to be eligible to continue to live on campus.

The housing costs for the agreement do not include the winter break. Often the cost of staying in the halls during winter break is waived when a student lives on campus for the full academic year. However additional costs may apply if a student leaves on-campus housing mid-year or is no longer enrolled in enough credits to remain in housing. If you plan to stay on campus during any break period, please notify us by completing a break request. If you plan to leave your housing assignment before the end of the academic year, you may be liable for additional cancellation fees.

We hope this FAQ answers your questions about the housing lottery process for Fall 2024 – Spring 2025. If you have any further inquiries or need assistance during the application process, please don’t hesitate to contact our housing team for support.

Last Updated: 01/08/2024