First-Year Student Housing

The residential experience is an essential component of social and academic success at University of Idaho. All first-year students are required to live on campus with very few exceptions.

On-campus living provides unique resources and connections that help students create a successful and well-rounded college experience. Research has shown that living in student housing during the first year has numerous academic and social benefits for students. In particular, students who live on campus during their first year typically experience the following benefits.

Students living in the residence halls will see a higher:

• Graduation rate than students who live off-campus
• Level of satisfaction with their college experience
• Level of involvement in clubs and activities on campus
• Level of interaction with faculty members and peers

More information about this requirement can be found on the Live on Campus Requirement Page.

College is an exciting time of life, one filled with many profound transitions in preparation for an exciting and fulfilling future. The beginning of college provides opportunities for growth, new interests and rich interpersonal experiences. However, adjusting to campus living can bring some challenges. You may be living away from home for the first time, or possibly, sharing a room with someone you have not personally met.

Our Housing and Residence Life team helps make this adjustment smoother with a wide array of academic, social and health resources.

Events and Activities

All students living on campus can expect a high-quality residential program that provides a fun, supportive and challenging environment where every student can live, learn and develop academic and social skills.

Every semester, our residents participate in numerous events ranging from social, get-to-know-you activities, to programs and services designed to help students become more successful in the classroom.

Student and Professional Staff

Housing and Residence Life places a major emphasis on the care and well-being of all students. Both our professional staff and student staff are trained to support students who may be experiencing various challenges (e.g., mental health, academic), so we can connect students to campus resources so they may navigate challenges. Support is always available from all levels of our distinguished team.

Student Staff

• Resident Assistants (RA) — RAs are student staff members who help mentor and guide their peers. RAs promote a safe and supportive living environment where residents can thrive.
• Program Coordinators (PC) — PCs create programming for students to engage with others on their floors and in their buildings.
• Academic Peer Mentors (APM) — APMs help students succeed by achieving their academic and personal goals through ongoing support and encouragement.

Professional Staff

• Resident Directors and Area Coordinators are student affairs professionals who live within the different residence hall communities to ensure that the student's on-campus experience is successful.
• Asst. Director of Leadership Development and Community Standards works with all student leadership avenues within the residence halls. As well as oversees conduct and community standards.
• Asst. Director for Residential Support — Oversees the Student Success Program for approximately 1400 students.
• Conduct Coordinator — Responsible for the coordination and administration of student conduct within the residence halls.

Community Service

Community service is important to our students. Give back to the community by participating in our annual events like the popular Tower Trick-or-Treat program. For over 40 years this annual event hosts over 1000 families in our fully-decorated 11-story Theophilus Tower, giving local school-aged children a fun and safe place to trick-or-treat.

Our Student Success Program provides in-house resources specifically for students living in the residence halls. Students have the convenience of staying inside their residences to find peer mentoring, academic assistance and flexible study spaces.

Learn more about our Student Success Program.

Though our residence halls are open to all academic majors, we offer a fantastic opportunity to live and learn students who have similar interests or academic pursuits.

Learn more about which Specialized Communities are available.

The Residence Hall Association strives to improve the University of Idaho student experience through advocacy, involvement and leadership. With a Community Assembly for each residence hall, RHA provides many opportunities and levels of involvement and leadership.

Learn more about the Residence Hall Association.

Talk to a professional right here in the Residence Halls. Counseling and Mental Health Center staff will be in the Wallace basement 4:30-5:30 p.m. every Wednesday.

Don’t miss this free opportunity to connect with a counseling professional. Counseling services are free for students.

Looking for advising help? Drop into the Wallace Basement Lounge on Thursdays from 3:30-5:30 to visit with Kaylena, your Vandal Success Advisor. Come by to talk through general advising questions and problem solve your academic needs.

Fall 2022 Flyer

As a part of University of Idaho’s Auxiliary Services, residents can find employment in various departments beyond housing including dining, the university bookstore (VandalStore), custodial, summer conferences, parking and even the university golf course. A full listing of available jobs can be found on the university’s website.

Learn more about Student Employment Opportunities.

Meal plans are required for all first-year students regardless of building chosen.

• The Idaho Experience: Unlimited meals in dining hall + $225 dining dollars + 4 weekly Gold Meals = $2,715/semester
• Joe's Choice: 14 meals/week in dining hall + $325 dining dollars + 3 weekly Gold Meals = $2,360/semester
• Vandal Fuel: 8 meals/week in dining hall + $425 dining dollars + 2 weekly Gold Meals = $1,980/semester