MOSCOW, Idaho – The University of Idaho is experiencing a significant increase in freshman enrollment, leading to housing challenges on campus. Recent data from the university indicates that fall enrollment has risen by approximately 440 students compared to 2023.
Abby Johnson and Jackson Lucas, both from Southern Idaho, shared their experiences of moving to campus. “Not an option, it had to be here it had to be on campus,” they said.
Johnson expressed her initial concerns about securing housing. “Oh my gosh, what if they don’t have anymore, what if they fill up super fast. It was a little bit of a stressful process,” she said. Fortunately, both students managed to secure on-campus housing. “It’s just really convenient to have the housing here,” Johnson added.
The university reports an increase of 437 students this school year, with a record 2,025 new freshmen enrolling. Of these students, 6% more are living on campus compared to previous years.
To accommodate the growing number of students, the university utilized overflow housing in a nearby motel, preventing the fall semester occupancy from exceeding 104%.
University administrators are proposing new housing solutions, including the construction of over 250 new single student housing beds and 150 married/parenting beds in the South Hill Apartments.
Lucas mentioned the need for updated housing facilities. “It would be nice to have new stuff just to update rooms, because mine is pretty ancient,” he said.
Despite the challenges, Lucas emphasized the benefits of living on campus. “It’s a great way to get set up in the community without really doing anything. It’s built in resources,” he stated.
