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BSU to build new dorm
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When students come to college, they traditionally live in dorms, at least for their first year.
Yet here at Boise State, the vast majority of students live off campus, and many have never lived in the dorms at all.
Boise State provides on-campus dorm rooms for only 894 students, a small percentage of the student body. Chaffee Hall accommodates 430 students, Driscoll Hall and Morrison Hall each house 82, and Towers has enough rooms for 300 students.
Even though student housing will be expanded, the additional rooms will still fall far short of the need of student housing.
Dana Kelly, assistant director of Student Housing, reports that the dorm rooms are almost entirely full this semester.
“We are still receiving applications. We have had quite a few who have already applied to live on campus this spring… about 96.”
The new residence hall is expected to be built within close proximity to Chaffee, Morrison, and Driscoll Halls. With this new dorm, Student Housing is hoping to be able to accommodate 340 additional students.
Kelly adds that there has been an, “increase in applications each year. Which, I think, mirrors the increases in enrollment [of new students] that we have.” Kelly also believes that in a few years, student housing will be in even more demand.
“I just found out today, there is expected to be a big blurb in students in about six years.”
There is a large percentage of the population that is currently in grade school and junior high, but in about six years they will be heading to college, creating a massive flow into universities around the nation.
“There may be an increased need for university housing in a few years… Idaho is leading in the number of students who are in K-8 right now.”
Students pay between $400-$500 a month, with food and utilities included, for on-campus housing. However, their leases are only for nine months, and the students are unable live in the dorms during Christmas break.
On the other hand, students living off campus pay less rent, depending on how many roommates they have but usually must pay for utilities and food.
Students also have the option of living in student apartments off campus.
Mike Logue, a sophomore engineering major, lived in the dorms for a year before moving back off campus.
“It’s cheaper to live off campus. Living in dorms is about $500 a month. But I liked both [on campus and off]. The thing I miss about the dorms is I actually like Table Rock food, it’s better than Ramen.”
Becky Clawson, a senior Communication major, lived in the dorms for two years.
“I moved out of the dorms because after your freshman year it’s cool to get your own apartment.”
Amy Wegner, The Arbiter