Finding housing in Moscow is a difficult task, especially with the inflation of housing prices over the past couple years. To add to the struggle, many students don’t know where to start when the time comes to look for housing.
This is a quick guide on where to begin, with options available on and off the University of Idaho campus.
On-campus
UI provides two main types of on-campus housing, residence halls and on-campus apartments. There are several residence halls, including specialized communities based on different programs throughout the university. Prices vary slightly each year and are determined by the Idaho State Board of Education annually. All on-campus housing is billed per semester, however the amounts of what would be monthly rates for apartments are provided to make it easier to compare against other options.
Theophilus Tower – dubbed the “first-year experience” by the university, this eleven story building contains several of the specialized floors for the honors, engineering and computer science students. UI charges $2,270 for a double and $3,120 for a single buy-out per semester for the 2021-22 academic year.
Wallace – As the largest residence hall, Wallace has multiple wings, a central location and shares the building with the Eatery dining hall. Ballard, Willey and Gooding wings are designated for first-year students while the Stevenson wing is for non-first-years. The rates for a double is $2,350, $3,230 for a single and $3,422 for the Stevenson wing for a semester during the 2021-22 academic year.
McConnell – Designed for returning, graduate and transfer students, McConnell has 55 single rooms on floors that are split up by gender and provides a more academic-focused environment for those who want a little more privacy. A semester in McConnell runs for $3,230 for the 2021-22 academic year.
Living Learning Communities – This residence is made up of eight different buildings all with themed communities in them geared toward academic success, student support and social enrichment. These are mostly reserved for students who aren’t first-years. A double room goes for $2,666 and a single is $3,422 per semester for the 2021-22 academic year.
Elmwood Apartments – These apartments are located toward the bottom of Old Greek Row and offer loft, studio and one-bedroom style apartments. Parking here requires a green parking permit and has several utilities included, such as internet, water, sewer and garbage. These apartments are for full-time non-first-year students and are available in six and 12 month leases. For a 12 month lease, a studio is about $640 a month, a one bedroom is $655 a month and a loft is $835 a month.
South Hill Apartments – These apartments vary in size between one and three bedrooms and are available to students with a junior standing or above as well as professors and staff. Internet, water, sewer and garbage are included in rent and parking for these apartments also requires a green parking permit. Washer and dryer hook-ups are available, along with lots of green space and recreational areas outside the apartments. A one-bed is $615 a month, a two-bed is $648 a month and a three-bed is $730 a month.
South Hill Vista – These are similar to the regular South Hill apartments and share the same amenities, but these are available for undergraduate students with dependents as well. They are available with two, three or four bedrooms. The university charges $700 a month for a two-bed, $805 a month for a three-bed and $910 a month for a four-bed.
Off-campus
The Grove – The Grove apartments offer “student-oriented” apartments in two and three bedroom units. Each bedroom has its own bathroom and walk-in closet, but generally spaces like the living room and kitchen are shared. The complex also has amenities like a study space, pool, gym and more. Three bedroom units start at $519 per bedroom and two bedroom units start at $629 per bedroom, with upgraded options available.
Hill Rental – Hill Rental Properties owns a variety of apartment complexes throughout Moscow, with a variety of apartment types available. One bedroom apartments can be found for $568 a month, two bedrooms for between $600 and $682 a month and three bedrooms for $895. All units have water, sewer and garbage included in rent, and most of them have coin-op laundry available.
Palouse Properties – Palouse Properties, similar to Hill Rental, also owns a large range of apartment types. Anything from apartments to condos to houses are available through Palouse Properties. Their spring 2022 price list has studios listed for $425 a month and their larger rentals are listed at prices anywhere between $500 and $1,440.
Identity – This apartment complex is similar to The Grove, where apartments with one to five bedrooms are available. At the lowest prices listed, one bedroom apartments are going for $1,159, two beds for $829, three beds for $669, four beds for $639 and five beds for $619. Identity also has amenities like a fitness center, study lounge and is a pet-friendly living space.
Social Media – Facebook is a treasure trove for finding apartments, you just have to know where to look. Anything from lease takeovers, subleases or property managers looking for new renters can be found on Facebook in groups like “Free & For Sale on the Palouse” and “Palouse Buy, Sell, and Trade.”
Anteia McCollum can be reached at [email protected]