Pocatello, ID · Bengal Country
Idaho State University Freshman Dorms 2026
Idaho State University does not require first-year students to live on campus, though it strongly encourages it, and even applying does not guarantee a spot given limited availability. Freshmen typically land in Turner Hall or South Complex, with The Rendezvous suites and Schubert Heights apartments also available. Every ISU residence hall room is provided a Twin XL mattress on a fixed bed frame that can be bunked but not lofted, and — an unusual gap for a campus that sees hot, dry Pocatello summers — none of ISU's residence halls are air conditioned, so a fan is standard packing-list advice straight from Housing's own guidance.
- Bed size
- Varies by hall
- Air conditioning
- No halls — pack a fan
- Residence halls
- 4 verified
Pick your residence hall
Every Idaho State University residence hall below has verified bed dimensions, AC status, and a checklist sized to that exact room.
Turner Hall
- Bed
- Twin XL, bunkable only — no lofting
- Under-bed
- Fixed frame, 36in high, bunkable only
- AC
- No
The Rendezvous
- Bed
- Twin XL (36in mattress), fixed frame
- Under-bed
- Fixed frame; bunk status unstated
- AC
- No
Schubert Heights
- Bed
- Twin XL provided; mechanism unpublished
- Under-bed
- Not published by ISU
- AC
- No
South Complex (Dyer Hall)
- Bed
- Twin XL, bunkable only — no lofting
- Under-bed
- Fixed frame, 36in high, bunkable only
- AC
- No
What to bring to Idaho State Universitydorms — and what’s already there
Every Idaho Statefreshman hall includes the same base furnishings. Skip anything already in your room, pack what’s missing, and leave the banned items at home.
⚠ None of ISU's residence halls are air conditioned — Housing's own packing list states it directly: "Fan (Residence Halls are not air conditioned)." Bring a fan; do not count on climate control.
⚠ Extension cords are banned outright in residence halls; bring a power strip with a built-in fuse and at least 6 feet of cord instead.
⚠ Any appliance with an open heating coil — toasters, hot plates, toaster ovens, grills — is prohibited and can trigger Student Conduct charges, not just a fine.
⚠ "ISU" as a school abbreviation is ambiguous in this database — it's already claimed by both Iowa State and Illinois State — so Idaho State is identified here without that shorthand.
⚠ On-campus housing is not guaranteed even for students who apply — limited availability can mean a waitlist.
✓ In every room
- Bed frame (Twin XL
- bunkable
- not loftable)
- mattress
- desk
- desk chair
- wardrobe/closet
- dresser
- Wi-Fi
- cable TV access in common areas
- front desk
- 24-hour computer lab
- study rooms
- laundry facilities
✗ Not provided
- Twin XL bedding
- towels
- pillows/blankets
- desk lamp
- extra light bulbs (CFL/LED only)
- power strips with built-in fuse
- small refrigerator
- microwave
- coffee maker
- cookware/dishware
- iron and ironing board
- fan (explicitly recommended since halls are not air conditioned)
⊘ Prohibited
- Extension cords (not allowed in residence halls — use a fused power strip instead)
- any cooking appliance with an open coil (toasters
- hot plates
- toaster ovens
- grills)
- candles with a wick
- battery-powered mobility devices cannot be stored inside University Housing
- ceiling fans
- unauthorized window/portable AC units outside of the apartment-only exception
Top things every Idaho State freshman needs
The essentials that aren’t in your room — our verified picks, each with a full comparison. Affiliate links; prices and availability shown on Amazon.
Twin XL sheet setDorm beds are extra-long — a standard twin sheet won't fit.
Mattress topperDorm mattresses are thin and firm — a topper is the biggest comfort upgrade.
Surge protectorRequired at most schools — plain extension cords are banned.
Shower caddyCommunal bathrooms — you carry everything to and from the shower.
Under-bed storage binsThe space under the bed is the only real storage a dorm gives you.
LED desk lampNot provided in most halls — you'll want your own light for late study nights.
Common questions about Idaho State University dorms
- Is it required for first-year students to live on campus at Idaho State?
- No. ISU's own FAQ says: "It is not required; however, we strongly encourage it."
- Is on-campus housing guaranteed if I apply?
- No. Per ISU Housing: "Due to limited availability, we cannot guarantee on-campus housing to everyone who applies."
- Do I need a meal plan if I live in an ISU residence hall?
- It depends on the hall. Freshman and sophomore residents of Turner Hall and South Complex are required to carry a meal plan; Schubert Heights is the exception — no meal plan requirement there, consistent with its full kitchens in every unit.
Planning your move-in? See the full Idaho State packing guide →
More guides: Dorm move-in checklist · Best dorm fans (no AC) · Best shower caddy
Dorm shopping guides: Mini fridge · Surge protector · Storage bins · Mattress topper · Desk lamp · Bedding sets · Twin XL sheets · Shower caddy · Towels · Shower shoes · Laundry hamper · Area rug · Mirror · Over-door organizer · Closet organizers · Fans (no AC) · Loft bed setup