For most first-year students at the University of Idaho, choosing where to live comes down to three options: Wallace Residence Center, Theophilus Tower or the Living Learning Communities. On paper, the differences, such as price, layout and amenities, can seem straightforward. However, students say the day-to-day experience in each space can feel drastically different.
All full-time first-year students under 21 are required to live in university-recognized housing, including residence halls and Greek housing. For those opting to stay in the residence halls, the decision often comes down to what kind of environment they want to live in.
Wallace remains one of the most popular options for first-year students, offering suite-style living with shared bathrooms between rooms and co-ed floors across its four wings: Willey, Gooding, Ballard and Stevenson.
This year, Wallace has undergone renovations. The Stevenson wing was renovated in the fall semester, with students from Ballard relocating there in the spring while Ballard undergoes its own renovation. The renovations shift the bathroom layout, placing it between two rooms rather than inside one, a change that improves privacy but, according to some students, subtly alters the social dynamic.
First-year student Makaylin Snelling experienced both versions firsthand after moving from a non-renovated Ballard room to a newly renovated Stevenson room midyear.
“I would much rather have the non-renovated dorm,” Snelling said. “You don’t really need to go into their room to go to the bathroom anymore, and that’s kind of how I got close to my suitemates.”
Despite that shift, Snelling said Wallace still makes it easy to build connections, especially with the Eatery located inside the building.
“Since the Eatery is in Wallace, you meet a bunch of people from all the other wings,” she said.
Weekly traditions, like game nights and crafts in the lounge, also help foster a sense of community. Snelling described the layout as feeling “like I have my own little apartment,” with built-in storage, a vanity and a shared suite setup.
“I like Wallace a lot more than the Tower because I like the layout so much better, and I like that the floors are co-ed,” Snelling said.
For the 2026-27 academic year, pricing will vary depending on renovation status, with Willey and Gooding rooms costing $2,870 per semester and newly renovated Ballard and Stevenson rooms costing $3,060.
For students looking for a more traditional dorm experience, Theophilus Tower offers 11 gender-specific floors with community bathrooms and a central, social atmosphere.
First-year student Emmett Maxwell said his first impression of the Tower was positive, especially on the recently renovated upper floors.
“I thought the rooms were super nice on my floor, and I was super happy to be on a renovated floor, especially because of how nice the bathrooms were,” Maxwell said.
The Tower’s layout encourages interaction, particularly in the first few weeks of the semester.
“I just left my door open to meet everyone, and most of my best friends here are from the first couple days,” Maxwell said.
Rooms in the Tower can also feel more customizable than expected, especially with lofted beds that open up space for desks or seating areas.
Still, the building comes with some drawbacks. Maxwell pointed to maintenance issues, particularly with elevators and laundry access.
“The elevators break at least once a week,” he said. “Also, there are so many people for not very many washers.”
For next year, renovated floors (six through 11) will cost $3,060 per semester, while non-renovated floors (one through five) will cost $2,790.
The LLCs offer a different approach entirely, with apartment-style suites that include private bedrooms, shared living areas and kitchens. While not limited to first-year students, they remain a popular option for those looking for more independence.
Second-year student Cameron Beaver said the difference is noticeable immediately.
“My first impression was that the LLCs were very well put together and in tip-top shape,” Beaver said.
Unlike traditional dorms, many LLC suites include single bedrooms, something Beaver said makes a significant impact.
“I don’t think people expect how different it is to have your own room,” he said. “It makes a huge difference at the end of the day to be able to go in your room and close your door and be by yourself.”
At the same time, the layout still allows for social interaction.
“It’s very easy to meet people in the LLCs, whether it’s the people in your suite or on your floor,” Beaver said.
Common areas, like the lobby filled with couches and study spaces, also serve as gathering points for residents. Beaver’s suite includes a shared living space with a TV and kitchen.
Beaver said the LLCs stand out compared to other housing options on campus.
“I’ve been in every other dorm on campus, and the LLCs blow them all out of the water,” he said.
However, the setup isn’t without minor drawbacks. Beaver noted that heating and cooling are controlled at the building level, limiting individual room adjustments.
Regardless of where they live, all first-year students are required to purchase a meal plan. Options for the current academic year range from $2,135 to $2,965 per semester, with varying levels of dining hall access, dining dollars and weekly “Gold Meals” that can be used at on-campus restaurants like Qdoba, Firehouse Subs and Chick-fil-A.
Each option offers a different version of the first-year experience, and for many students, where they live ends up shaping much more than just where they sleep.
Liam Bradford can be reached at [email protected].