University of Idaho
Moscow, ID, USA

Reviews

University of Idaho

Nate from Payette, ID

a current student here
16 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
The professors are approachable and friendly, and with small class sizes it isn't hard to get in touch with the teacher for help. Also, with campus wide WiFi internet and the library combined, there is easy access to whatever course data you will need
Am enjoying being here
Apart from the cold winters, the campus is radiant with life year round while the scenery different and unusual on every part of campus. There is never a dull moment with nothing to do at the University of Idaho.
Bang for the buck
While tuition without financial aid can be expensive, the University of Idaho offers dozens of scholarships for those who meet the requirements so that the cost of going to school becomes very reasonable and affordable.
Tips for prospective students
The University of Idaho is a great school to expand your knowledge and social skills. One of the best whether you are straight out of high school or transferring from another college. There is no other school like it in the state of Idaho
Great for these types of students
The University of Idaho has something to offer every type of student that walks through it's doors. Ranging from outdoor activities, comfortable study rooms, greek-life orientated living, intermural sports clubs, and those favoring the arts.

Carrie from Viola, ID

a current student here
9 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
I am learning so much at this school! I love being at a university over a trade school, because the education I'm recieving is more rounded. I get to learn a little about everything, and I love that variety. I've taken classes from history of rock & roll to astronomy to acting. I'm a theatre major, and although the department is small, it's well worth it. I am learning a little bit about everything in the theatre area, and I love it all!
Am enjoying being here
The people at this school are amazing, and the campus is beautiful! My teachers that I've had so far have been awesome, the classes have been fun, and I've made some life-long friends. It does get pretty cold sometimes, but other than that this school is fantastic!
Bang for the buck
The University of Idaho offers so many scholarships and financial aid options. Students just have to keep their eyes and ears open! Plus, the tuition is less than any other school I looked at.
Tips for prospective students
Make sure to apply for scholarships awarded from the University as a freshman, because after that, the ones from the University just get awarded automatically. Make sure to take a variety of classes, so you know for sure what you want your major to be. Also, bring a mini-refrigerator to your dorm room! They're so nifty-especially when you get tired of food from the campus cafeteria, 'Bob's Place'.
Great for these types of students
This school is perfect for students going for theatre-the department is excellent! It's great for any art degree, even music and architecture. There's a law school here. There are a lot of scientific degrees available. It's also perfect for students looking to save some money, and students who prefer a small-town atmosphere, since it's in a small town.

Rachel from Moscow, ID

a current student here
7 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
Being a music major, I have been thrown right into the classes that I need to be a successful music teacher. I am about to start my fourth semester at the University of Idaho, and I feel like I have already learned quite a bit.
Am enjoying being here
Besides the extremely cold winters, I really enjoy being at the University of Idaho. I like the people that I am around, I feel like the teachers really enjoy teaching, and I like the environment of Moscow, Idaho.
Bang for the buck
I feel like I am learning something new every day that I go to class, and that is a good feeling. I don't feel as if any of the dollars that I am spending are being wasted.
Tips for prospective students
Music students need to make sure that they practice every day from the get go. Not only do they need to be on top of their performance pieces, but if they hope to be successful I would suggest that they keep up on their scales as well.

Everyone needs to make sure that even if the class doesn't take attendance, you go to class every day. If you even miss one day, it could mean that you miss a very important topic. Besides, perfect attendance is smiled upon and could get you some bonus participation points. Studying as frequently as possible is also a great idea.
Great for these types of students
Students that are hard working, dedicated, and want to succeed should definitely go to the University of Idaho.

Bradley from Nampa, ID

a current student here
4 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
The University of Idaho can't be beat. Its unfathomably immense network of generous Alumni ensure its students an opportunity for growth in every way. If the University disappoints, you're doing something wrong.
Tips for prospective students
The first semester of college is often a cultural shock. Never again in your life will you be surrounded by students your age striving to become something greater. Take advantage of what your future university offers, be studious first, but reach out to your peers and community in spare time. You would be surprised to see how much you will grow over the next few years.
Academic Rigor
The University of Idaho provides top quality education. Classes, specifically within STEM and Business categories, provide students with advanced hands-on learning processes. UI does a great job integrating senior-level students into lower classes in an effort to aid academic achievement through mentorship and study groups. I have yet to come across a class which does not provide an abundance of external help resources.
Dorm Life
Having joined a Greek community, I cannot speak for the quality of dormitory living, although many of my friends enjoy what the University has to offer.

In regards to personal living conditions, Greek housing at UI is very affordable and comfortable despite common belief. More often than not, Fraternities on campus offer a cheaper alternative to dorm life, accompanied with many perks that may be often overlooked. Greek life at UI strives to serve as a stereo-type breaker. Part of that includes clean living conditions monitored by leadership in each house, as well as an enhanced networking of family between fellow brothers and sisters of the entire Greek Community.
Food and Dining
Having never attended Bob's (the dormitory's primary food hall), I cannot attest to its services. With that being said, I have heard rather neutral comments towards it from those who have. On a personal note, Greek dining is often very good. Each house has its own professional chef or kitchen crew responsible for creating home-style meals for the members.

Eateries around town, however, are diverse and growing. Being primarily a college town, Moscow is very oriented around the interests of half of its population: the students. New restaurants are continuously popping up. General fast food businesses are located within walking distance of campus, and Mom-and-Pop shops are always available for unique local twists. Multiple date-night restaurants are located around town, and are usually quite affordable for a college budget.
What to do for fun
Off campus or on, UI offers an abundance of leisure-hour entertainment.

Being nestled within the rolling hills and mountains of Northern Idaho, Moscow serves as a pristine location for outdoor enthusiasts. In every direction, students can find wilderness areas to explore via mountain bikes, kayaks, on board, or on foot. The University's Rec center also rents out the respective equipment necessary to carry out such ventures at an affordable rate to students.

The campus Rec Center, Intramural Board, and the University itself provide activities than can easily fall within regular scheduling of a busy student. The Rec Center offers students a full-range training gym, multiple basketball courts, yoga rooms, an immense rock climbing wall, roller hockey rink, and and indoor track. Intramurals are also available to students of all caliber. Competitive or recreational brackets for all skill levels are integrated into a broad range of activities. Traditional sports, like football, basketball, and volleyball are popular to many, but UI's intramurals also include unique events like laser tag, disc golf, and shuffleboard.
Bang for the buck
For majors in STEM and Business, there is no better alternative in the Northwest. Many out-of-state students travel to become Vandals due to quality of education and the opportunity to hold back on student loans. UI's affordability beats out much of the competition. With initial costs like tuition, and room and board already being competitive to other universities in the area, UI also automatically enters students into a registry for hundreds of scholarships each semester. A 3.0 student with decent budgeting skills, and a summer job should have no difficulty making it through a Bachelor's with minimal damage to their wallet.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
Our entire campus is unusual. Its architecture makes every walk to class feel like visiting an Ivy League campus. Its 63 acre Arboretum provides an opportunity for students to travel the four corners of the world in a 20 minute walk. Its Serpentine student march and homecoming rally bring students of all background together as one school and one team. Being on campus doesn't even feel like Idaho. It's its own place altogether.
Great for these types of students
UI is the dream destination for students with a drive to become the best in their field, while pursuing an infinitely large network of learning, friend, and professional communities.

In general, students in Business, Engineering, Agriculture, Math, and various Science fields prove to be the dominant population on campus.
Clubs and Activities
There are groups for any one individual. The clubs offered at UI are vast in opportunity and variety. They range from Earth Club, for those environmentally concerned, to a Formula Racing team, for those mechanically inclined. If an interesting club can't be found, a driven individual with student support can easily bring a new one forth.
Greek Life
Greek life at UI is something I thought I would never experience. The orderly conduct, intertwined network of family, and outreach to community present in every day life on Greek Row is something TV gets all wrong. Never would I have thought that I'd join a Fraternity, but UI takes great measures to assure that its Greek life is something unique to itself. Young men and women of every background and calling have a place on Greek Row. Once they've found it, they've just begun to scrape the surface on friendships, values, and personal worth yet to be found over the next stages of life.
Campus Safety
Campus security and Moscow P.D. never sleep. Officers of each rank patrol campus constantly. They are friendly and conscious of College-happenings. The men and women protecting UI are there as a great safety resource and support system for those in need.

Tyler from Moscow, ID

a current student here
4 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
At the University of Idaho, many students find themselves learning about scuba diving, archery, rock climbing, film music, the history of Rock&Roll, and so much more. The university has many exploration courses to get you out of your rut.
Am enjoying being here
The University of Idaho has a very relaxed environment. All of my professors have been very nice and approachable. They care about your well being and want to see you succeed.
Bang for the buck
Scholarships are awarded to the students as the are registered. It is extremely hassle free, you look at your account and there is suddenly scholarships waiting for you. There are obviously still going to be others you can pursue and compete for as well.
Tips for prospective students
Eat healthy and exercise. When you live without your family cooking for you and making sure you are eating balanced meals for 4 or 5 years, you can really start to feel it in your body by your sophomore year. Learn how to cook balanced meals cheaply. They have an amazing recreation center; use it.
Great for these types of students
Arts, Music, Law, Dance, Chemistry, Business, and these are just the ones I know of!

Jordan from Moscow, ID

a current student here
4 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
The professors teach only what they know. For instance even when the teacher is absent from class and a replacement is there to take their place, that substitute is also a teacher of the subject they are covering for. I remember in high school when a substitute was whoever the school could find to teach whether or not they majored in the subject. The teachers are very understanding and are always open to work with each student, even when it's a class of 400. A lot of teachers are open to communicating when you miss a class and that makes it a little bit easier when it comes to emergencies.
Am enjoying being here
I love being here most of the time. However, Moscow is a small town so it can get boring some days but overall a college town is nice to live in. The campus has a busy lifestyle but it's always fun. I love being able to get to and from classes (no matter the distance) within 5-10 minutes. I also love that there are coffee shops set up all over campus. Being able to get anywhere in such little time is ideal for those days when you forget to set your alarm or stayed out too late the night before.
Bang for the buck
Tuition and books can really cut into your budget but with all the opportunities of earning grants and scholarships it's really not that bad. If you take the time to fill out applications for scholarships you'll appreciate all that time you spent on them in the end when they start paying you to go to school. The money put into your schooling now will be worth every cent in your future.
Tips for prospective students
Start searching for the funding you'll want to have for college now. Don't wait until you're digging for change in the couch to pay for a last minute fee. When you get an early start it'll save you from future stress when it comes time to pay for tuition and books.
Great for these types of students
The University of Idaho is great for the students that want the best education they can get in Idaho. This school is ranked #1 college in Idaho and it earns that ranking. Everything is easy to learn and if it's not, it's easy to find the help you want.

Matt from WA

a current student here
3 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
University of Idaho I think is a great school that should be considered seriously. I have personally met many professors and students that were both friendly and brilliant that attend this school. Even with the large class sizes, it has never stopped my goals of success with my education.
Tips for prospective students
I would recommend rushing in the greek system. There is a house for everybody to fit into, with like minded men and women. Being greek creates opportunities to make friends and save a lot more money compared to the dorms and food plan. It also has set me up to be more successful with my education. Most houses require study hours with other members. And other members are always willing to help you when you get stuck on a problem. And the most important advice I can give is never skip class.
Academic Rigor
Majority of the professors treat you with respect and are always willing to help when you have questions. The intro level classes are laid back with the right amount of content to help you understand what you need to know before moving on to higher level classes. It is great because it really helps with the transition from high school level work. The higher level classes do expect an understanding of all the content previously taught. But most classes offer TA and tutors to help when it becomes difficult.
Dorm Life
I have never lived in the dorms because I rushed when I first came to Idaho. I have been in the dorms and they are decent. Most dorms are updated and fit two people in one room. With four people sharing a large bathroom. I would recommend living in the greek system because the living and the food is way better and is also cheaper than the dorms. And greek still considered on-campus living.
Food and Dining
The chefs that cook for the greek system are all really good. They make a variety of meals and desserts. Most of the house's cooks don't cook on the weekends. But the cooks always make extra left overs to be able to eat if you choose to go the cheaper route and stay home. A really popular place for people living in dorms is a school restaurant called Bob's. This restaurant is buffet style eat what you want. It isn't the greatest food but it keeps you full and healthy.
What to do for fun
Idaho is a great place to get out and do outdoor activities. Hiking is what a lot of people like to do when the weather is nicer. Moscow also hosts an amazing farmers market every Saturday. This event has live music, a road long of tents, and vendors of food. There is a lot of coffee houses that are great places to relax and study. And when you turn 21 years old there are a lot of great bars to go out with the friends to watch live music and met new people.
Bang for the buck
I feel like my education is worth the money, And all the amazing people I have met and call friends is worth the time and money at University of Idaho.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
University of Idaho has a indoor football arena named the Kibbie Dome. This is a great location because it brings together the campus community to cheer on our athletics. And at the same time not being cold from the weather.
Greek Life
Greek life is great at University of Idaho. Plenty of houses to pick from. Each one different from the other. I have met a lot of great people in the greek system, who care about their education and becoming better people in society in general. Greek in Idaho does like having a good time. But is nothing like the film "Animal House". All the students are about improving grades and each other.
Campus Safety
Campus safety is great on campus. Idaho has a police unit that protects and patrols campus. But they are great officers that are only there to help and protect students. They are not out looking for people to put in the back of their cars. They like the students and the students appreciate and respect the officers we have. Men on campus also all stand up to make sure women are safe. This school takes pride on walking girls home when it is late or if they had a little too much to drink.

Jenna from Georgetown, TX

a current student here
3 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
I took college classes in high school, so I was able to dabble in my chosen field my first year of school, which was really great. I have a very specific major (Geography with GIS certificate), and the teachers here are very knowledgable and helpful. There is an wonderful variety of classes here; everyone should be able to find something they enjoy. University of Idaho also gets a lot of points from me because their Geography Department is impressive enough for me to come all the way from TX for this education!
Am enjoying being here
I love it here! I found a really great Christian group (Chi Alpha Christian Fellowship, if you are interested), who are amazingly welcoming. I didn't know a single person when I came to this school, but most people are friendly and helpful. It's also so beautiful in Moscow, and the school and town grew up together - so the bulk of the town is close and accessible.
Bang for the buck
University of Idaho is wonderful with giving people scholarships. They try to make it easy for you to come to school here. Out-of-state tuition is always an absurd price, but this university made it well worth my while to go to school here. I thank them for taking the financial burden off my parents by giving out scholarships I don't even have to apply for! They automatically consider you for any scholarship whose requirements you meet.
Tips for prospective students
PLEASE take classes in your major field your first year, even if it means you don't get all university basics done. It's better to know right out of the gate whether it's the major you still want to pursue. Be ready to walk. It's really the only way to see the campus, and it's small enough where it's not a big deal. It's also very dry here. I come from a very humid climate, and it was a bit of a shock.
Great for these types of students
People who aren't afraid to be themselves will do wonderfully here. Even followers will find a group of people they like. There is amazing variety at this school.

Brooke from Moscow, ID

a current student here
3 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
As the saying goes you learn something new everyday however when I'm here I feel as if I'm learning something new every second. I'm not only learning academically I'm also learning about myself. I'm learning who I am while changing and growing even more as a person.
Am enjoying being here
The University of Idaho is a fun academic environment. The teachers make classes interesting by teaching in different ways from high school. The teachers do not sit there and lecture you for hours. Instead they involve you in your learning process by asking you questions and making you actually think about what you are learning. Most of the students are young which creates a fun energetic environment. There are many campus activities to get involved in. Personally I am on the color guard in the band which is a lot of fun, hard work, and dedication. Being on a team or just in the band has given me a sense of being in a family here at college. Everywhere you look there will always be someone you know. All of the students and professors at U of I are very open and friendly. If you have an issue in a class your professor encourages you to talk to them one on one about it unlike other much larger universities where professors do not have time to have one on one communications with their students. Overall it is a wonderful university with many opportunities to be involved in campus life and so many wonderful people to meet.
Bang for the buck
So far I have gotten exactly what I am paying for, a wonderful education. My education here is worth way more than any material possession could ever measure up to.
Tips for prospective students
Apply for as many scholarships as possible. Get involved in student activities! It will make you happier than sitting in your dorm room all alone on a Saturday evening. Don't do drugs and drink while you're here because you will just fail out and all that money that you spent on an education that you get nothing out of because you were stupid will not come back. Be smart, do your work, and have fun in moderation.
Great for these types of students
U of I is wonderful for students who have financial need like me. I am paying for my college all by myself. This university is great for students who can balance their academic and social lives. In other words it's good for people who can have fun but also buckle down and work hard when they need to.

Danielle from Moscow, ID

a current student here
3 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
So far I have been impressed with the range of subject matter for classes available to take here. Those classes that I have taken (apart from my least favorite subject of math- it was required) I have enjoyed and have gained much from. The English department is wonderful and the Spanish is as well. I absolutely love my Spanish professor and have gained a greater understanding of the language from her and am also planning on going on a year abroad in Ecuador thanks to her.
Am enjoying being here
The student body is very diverse and allows for many different personalities to cohabitate nicely within the campus community. I am living in one of the sororities on campus and would highly recommend the Greek system to any incoming freshmen considering the U of I. The Greek community specifically gives a instant support network and the availability of a large network of friends. That being said, there is also the awesome opportunity to find those few people that you will become very close to over the course of your college career in the house.
Bang for the buck
With the WUE program the tuition is wonderfully manageable for an out of state student- only 150% of in state tuition. I have learned to avoid the bookstore if only because you save by buying books online, but they are very friendly and helpful if you do need to go to them for your texts. The ease of upward advancement and being placed in the right level has been pleasing. After taking the AP/IB classes that I did in high school, I have been well prepared for the workload and expectations of the professors here. I was able to get credit for those classes and jumped right in to a 200 level class for English based on my SAT scores. Also, because of the credits I received for my upper level classes in high school, I had already achieved the status of sophomore by the end of my first semester of college. That being said, I am well on my way to graduating early, and saving a great deal of money in my college experience overall.
Tips for prospective students
I would recommend the University of Idaho in Moscow to anyone who likes being able to walk to virtually anywhere of consequence in town with little trouble at all. The campus is well laid out and from one end to the other its a ten minute walk at the maximum. If you don't want to walk all the way to WinCo, there's a bus that goes into town every day that's easy to use. I would recommend talking to your advisors about the classes you wish to take to complete your major, but most of all take advantage of the degree audit option on VandalWeb so you know whats going on as well!
Great for these types of students
If you like the look of an Ivy Leauge campus but don't want to pay an arm and a leg U of I Moscow is a wonderful place. The recreational availability of the rec center (which sports a rockwall, tons of excersize equiptment and tons of extra classes like yoga and zumba you can sign up for) as well as both the old and new arboretums is great. The new arboretum is absolutely gorgeous, and the old arboretum is great if you like the feel of a typical woodsy stroll. The library is a great place to study, which includes a 24 hour section called 'the fishbowl' where students can study well into the night. The town is small and incredibly friendly, its a great place to be!