It is not required; however, we strongly encourage it. Students living on campus have a great support structure available to help them transition to and through college. University Housing has trained staff to help students navigate the campus including assistance with speaking with professors, offering programs and activities to foster academic and interpersonal success, and learning how to live with a roomate. Residence halls offer a strong, community-centered atmosphere where students can meet people through educational, social, and cultural programs. More information is available on the Housing website.

No. Having a car is convenient, but not necessary. Pocatello's regional transit system (PRT) transports students in Pocatello at half-fare (student ID required) and provide free fares on campus (Routes H and J) during the academic year. City bus schedules are online at pocatellotransit.com. ISU’s Commuter Express bus service is available for Idaho Falls and Blackfoot students.You may also call Parking Services (208) 282-2625 or Transportation Services (208) 282-4460 for information.

No. ISU has several computer labs available at many campus locations including; eight on the Pocatello campus, three on the Idaho Falls campus, and two on the Meridian campus. If your student does have a personal computer, Information Technology Services technicians are available to offer support and provide technical assistance to students using software, hardware, and other IT systems. IT staff can provide guidance or troubleshoot problems through diagnostic tests and remote access to a student’s computer. Contact the IT Service Desk by phone at (208) 282-4357 (HELP) or visit their information and service request system, TigerTracks.

Some campus housing contracts require the purchase of a residential meal plan. For the most part, meal plans include both meals and Flex Dollars. Flex Dollars are used like a debit account or pre-paid card at all Dining Services locations. The balance of Flex Dollars on a meal plan carries over from fall to spring semester if your student purchases a meal plan for the spring semester. Unused meals expire at the end of each semester. However, both Flex Dollars and Meal Plan Meals expire at the end of the spring semester. If a student moves from 'on campus' housing to 'off-campus' during a semester, their meal plan will expire. 

Students who do not live on campus may purchase a Commuter Meal Plan. They may also add Flex Dollars to their Bengal ID card account. Most students add money to their account at the Chartwells Dining Services office in the Pond Student Union or online to pay for food on campus. Commuter Meal Plans do not expire.

 To speak with someone in person, you may call Bengal Dining Services (208) 282-2120 or University Housing (208) 282-5831.

Information on tuition and on-campus housing options is available online.

If you fly into the Salt Lake City (SLC) International Airport, you may need a rental car or shuttle service to bring you from Salt Lake to Pocatello. If you use the shuttle, you can call a taxi to travel from the local drop-off location to the ISU campus. The drive from the Salt Lake City airport to Pocatello is a scenic 2 ½ hours.

You may also fly into Pocatello (PIH) Regional Airport or the Idaho Falls (IDA) Regional Airport. The Idaho Falls Regional Airport is approximately an hour drive north of Pocatello.

Salt Lake Express is the main shuttle company offering transportation between the Salt Lake International Airport and Pocatello. You can find information online or call (800) 356-9796 to make a reservation.

Pocatello offers taxi and Uber services to transport you from the local airport or regional shuttle stop to your local destination.

ISU has more than 250 programs of study ranging from certificates to doctorates. The ISU campus provides many academic services and resources to help students be successful during their time here. The Central Academic Advising office at (208) 282-3277 is great place for students to find out more information on fields of interest and requirements.

ISU offers degrees to prepare students for a wide variety of health professions. ISU also has one of the top ranking Pharmacy Programs in the nation.

Academic advisors provide guidance, information, and referrals to help students discover and clarify career and educational goal. Students should meet with their primary advisor each semester and any other time as needed. Students can find their primary advisor’s name in MyISU, Academic Tools tab, Student Records channel, General Student Information link. New students in academic programs are initially assigned to a team of professional advisors in Central Academic Advising (CAA).

To change a major, declare a dual major, or declare a minor, your student should contact the academic advisor for the new major or minor. Advisors can be found through Central Academic Advising (CAA) or though the department in which the major is being declared. The new advisor will discuss degree requirements and help your student complete the necessary paperwork to officially change their major at ISU.