Moscow, Idaho is home to the University of Idaho, a land-grant school with about 11,000 students. We have an incredible agricultural program, patient & prestigious staff members, super successful sports teams and overall, one of the most community-driven campuses I've ever seen. But like every other college campus, there are behind-the-scenes, smaller moments that make your campus so special, that never get highlighted in the enrollment catalogs. Here are 10 things that you know to be true if you're an Idaho Vandal:
1. It's almost impossible to walk to the TLC, Renfrew or the library without being winded.
My first week of school I just thought it was because I was out of shape, but we're going on week 12 and things have not improved in the slightest. It doesn't matter where you live on campus, all three of these buildings are uphill. I've just started giving myself an extra ten minutes to make it to the top and sit in a sweat so that I don't have to walk into class looking (and smelling) like I just ran a marathon.
2. You've almost had your life ended by someone riding their bike WAY TOO FAST.
There are SIGNS, PEOPLE. "This a shared walkway." You have to bike at walking speed, but does that ever happen? Nope. So, you'd better get used to dodging for the rest of your collegiate career.
3. You've ordered pizza, even though you have -$14 in your bank account, because some nights you just can't handle Bob's.
You may have no money, but you have your pride and sometimes you just can't do Bob's all 7 days a week. Don't get me wrong, 90% of the time Bob's is pretty okay. Yeah, it's not fine-dining, but it's enough to satisfy you. But every so often, you walk in there and you just have to walk back out and spend money you don't have.
4. You have a class in the Admin Building and you have to reevaluate if getting a college degree is actually worth it.
It's. So. Far. Away. Having a French class at 8:30 am in the Admin Building four times a week sounds kind of hard but it doesn't seem as absolutely impossible as it is. Usually, you can find a suitable replacement in the TLC or some other substantially closer building, but if you have a required class in the Admin Building, you genuinely have to contemplate if your degree is worth it.
5. You've been to the Moscow Farmer's Market.
As someone from the Seattle area, I know a good farmer's market when I see one. And the Moscow Farmer's Market is one to write home about (I quite literally wrote my mom a postcard). It feels like the entire population of Moscow comes out for this event and it's easy to see why. For as small as our town is, we have the farmer's market that feels comparable to a way larger city.
6. You go to class in sunny, 70-degree weather and come home in a monsoon.
Again, as someone who came from Seattle, I know a thing or two about unpredictable weather. At least in Seattle, you can expect rain, like, 95% of the time. But in Moscow, it'll be sunny in the morning but who knows what will happen in the afternoon? It could be rainy, windy, temperate or maybe, if you're lucky, even still sunny. You should bring a rain jacket, shorts, flip flops, sunglasses, and an umbrella just to be safe.
7. Everyone you meet is in a different fraternity/sorority.
UIdaho is an insanely Greek driven school. Before I was acquainted with all of the different houses, I swear I never heard the same one twice. We have 13 sororities and 21 fraternities and for a school our size that's massive. It's a huge part of our culture here and it's incredible how sizable it is.
8. You've driven to Spokane because you miss big city amenities.
When I go home for the summer, I'll make sure not to take my Target, Red Robin, Olive Garden, or bowling alley for granted. Spokane always seems like a great idea, because it's only an hour and 45 minutes away, but after a day of shopping, eating and enjoying life, the drive home on a two-lane road with zero street lights sucks. But you have $1 Target socks and lots of new clothes to come home with so it's always worth it.
9. You make sure to treat yourself to Gambino's or Red Bento every once in awhile.
When neither Bob's nor pizza is cutting it for you, you treat yourself to the best that Moscow has to offer. Gambino's is my personal favorite (their garlic bread alone is enough to make you fall in love) but we've got Red Bento, the Moscow Alehouse, Patty's, and many more yummy spots.
10. You fall in love with your campus more and more every day.
Regardless of the season, University of Idaho's campus is stunning. Main campus' trees when fall hits is picture perfect and should be on the cover of every UIdaho brochure. The arboretum is the king of it all, though. A walk through there in the spring/summer and you'll be sold on our school forever.
Want to join our team and create your own content? Head here to fill out your request!
