BSU 101: A college student’s guide to navigating Boise

Student riding a bike in front The Cycle Learning Center on Boise State campus.
Photo by Claire Keener

Boise State University offers a vast number of services for its students to enjoy, but with fast-changing pandemic conditions afoot, our newest Broncos may be feeling uncertainty around their entrance into campus life. 

Knowing where to begin can be a difficult process to navigate during these uncertain times, so we’re here to help kick-start your Bronco experience with helpful information every new student on campus should know. 

Whether you need help with assignments, career planning or creative projects, Boise State provides students with a selection of facilities and programs to suit their needs. 

The Boise State Writing Center is a great free resource for students who want help with their academic, professional and personal writing projects. Whether you’re working on a podcast script, lab report or resume, there are knowledgeable consultants ready to help every Boise State student regardless of major and enrollment status. In-person services are suspended indefinitely for the Fall 2021 semester, but remote consultations will remain available. 

Student riding a bike in front The Cycle Learning Center on Boise State campus.
[Photo of a student riding a bike past the Cycle Learning Center on Boise State campus]
Photo by Claire Keener | The Arbiter

Albertsons Library may be a hub of academic activity on campus, but this building offers more than just book rentals and private study rooms. In addition to the selection of microphone kits and cameras available for rental, students can reserve the library’s audiovisual room and video production suite at no cost. If you’re interested in hands-on projects, the Albertsons Library Maker Lab hosts 3D printers, engraving and cutting tools, sewing machines, soldering irons and a range of other equipment.

For many of the newer Broncos, education is their main focus as they get settled into their college routine. However, if you’re looking for a head start on gaining professional experience, Career Services will provide you with all the resources you need — crafting the perfect cover letter and resume, scheduling practice interviews and discovering local jobs and internships. Whatever your next step may be, Career Services will give you the necessary guidance.

Need a break from the school environment? Campus Recreation’s Outdoor Program hosts a series of trips and events for Boise State students at a low cost including mountain biking, hiking, whitewater rafting, rock climbing and paddle boarding. If you prefer a self-guided adventure, the Outdoor Rental Center has equipment for almost every outdoor activity. Rental costs vary. 

If you’re facing food insecurity as so many students do, you can find the Campus Food Pantry in the Campus School Building, Room 103. By presenting their student ID, students can gain access to any meals, snacks and personal hygiene products they might need. 

Boise has no lack of opportunities to explore, but some students might be unaware of how to navigate it due to lack of consistent transportation. Although downtown Boise and the Boise State campus can be traversed on foot, there are alternative transportation options worth noting. 

The Bronco Shuttle is a free and accessible mode of transportation for Boise State students. Currently, there are two available route options: the Blue route, which circles campus, and the Orange route, which stops downtown. The Blue and Orange routes operate Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. during the school year; hours are modified during Thanksgiving and Winter Break.

Did you know that Boise State is one of only 18 campuses across the nation to hold a gold designation from the League of American Bicyclists? 

Our campus has a variety of bike-friendly features including the Cycle Learning Center, where students can rent and buy bikes and other accessories. Whether you need a bike for an entire academic year or a single day, there are a selection of rental periods to select from that can accomodate your transportation needs. 

The Cycle Learning Center also gives students access to self-service stations and bike barns across campus to ensure your equipment stays safe and in good condition.
More information about bike routes and parking is available on the Boise State Transportation and Parking website.

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