It is not required, but we strongly encourage it. Students living on campus have an excellent 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 roommate. Residence halls provide a strong, community-centered atmosphere where students can connect with one another 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) offers students in Pocatello transportation at half-fare (student ID required) and provides free fares on campus (Routes H and J) during the academic year. City bus schedules are online at pocatellotransit.com. You may also contact Parking & Transportation at (208) 282-2625 for more information.

No. ISU has several computer labs available at many campus locations, including twelve on the Pocatello campus, three on the Idaho Falls campus, and three 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' housing 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 on the GET Mobile app to pay for food on campus. Commuter Meal Plans do not expire.

To speak with someone in person, please call Bengal Dining Services at (208) 282-0211 or University Housing at (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 offer guidance, information, and referrals to help students identify and clarify their career and educational objectives. Students should meet with their primary advisor at least once a semester and as needed. To find their primary advisor’s name, students must log in to MyISU and navigate to the Discover page. Next, search for [the name of the card] and then click [the name of the link] on the card. New students in academic programs are initially assigned to a team of professional advisors in the Office of Academic Advising.

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.