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
Aug 19-20, 2026
Fall 2026
Acceptance Rate
84%
Most recent cycle
Move-In
Fall 2026 Move-In Details
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.
Check your assignment in the housing portal for your specific date and time - your exact move-in date is shown above in the Overview.
Move-in day logistics
- Arrival window
- Move-in runs Aug. 19-20, with each student assigned an individual appointment time and arrival zone by email between mid- and late July.
- Check-in location
- Head to your assigned parking lot first, then check in at the nearby tent for your key packet and parking information.
- Parking
- You'll get about an hour in short-term parking to unload, then need to move your vehicle to your assigned long-term parking zone - each residence hall has its own designated arrival zone and lot.
- What you'll receive
- Your room key, a short-term dashboard parking permit, and your long-term parking zone assignment.
- Vehicle restrictions
- Bring a maximum of two vehicles total. Trailers and RVs aren't accommodated in the arrival zones - students who bring one are redirected off campus to unload.
Move-in day tips
- Arrive during your assigned move-in window - arriving early may mean waiting until your time slot.
- Bring a rolling cart or hand truck - campus carts can run out quickly during busy move-in periods.
- Have a parking backup plan - spaces near residence halls can fill up quickly, so know where you can unload if your preferred area is full.
- Watch the loading-zone time limit - many campuses require you to move your vehicle to longer-term parking after unloading.
Housing & Dorms
- Photo coming soon
Chaffee Hall
Traditional · Coed
First-year only - Photo coming soon
Barnes Towers
Traditional · Coed
First-year only
Housing Links
Each available link goes directly to Boise State University's own specific page, not just its general homepage.
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
- Walgreens0.5 miles
- CVS Pharmacy3.7 miles
- Walmart4.1 miles
- Target4.2 miles
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.
Share
Send this page to a roommate, a parent, or anyone else helping plan the move.