Boise State University is an amazing school residing in a beautiful and blooming metropolitan city. Everyone in Idaho is super friendly, and we like to keep it a little weird here in the PNW, but before you come home in August... you need to know a few things:

1. It's pronounced Boy-see not Boy-zee

Learn it now... learn how to pronounce Boise now! If you come here saying Boy-Zee, you will instantly be stared down into oblivion by at least 15 people (and one of them will remind you that "There is no Z in Boise"). It annoys us to the point where you will see people wearing shirts that say "Boy-see" on them. I actually have a bumper sticker on my car to remind my fellow Broncos.

2. Fry Sauce is king

For those of you that live outside of the Pacific Northwest, you have been missing out. Imagine a world where you mix ketchup and mayonnaise together in sweet harmony (and maybe a little mustard if you're feeling fancy). Being an Idaho native, this is common knowledge. However, I know that some of you have been deprived of this delectable treat. Let's be real... Idaho is known for their potatoes, and honey, we know how to dress our fries. Pay attention.

3. WinCo is open 24 hours

Not only is WinCo dirt cheap, and right next to campus, but it's also open 24 hours. You heard me right. All the Arizona Ice Tea and Cheddar Jalapeno Cheetos you could imagine, available to you at any time of day. You will either be here or at the library during finals week.

4. Ratemyprofessors.com is your best friend

Not sure if you want to take a class? Don't know if the professor will take attendance? You heard from a friend that the instructor doesn't communicate well? Ratemyprofessors.com is a godsend. I can't count how many times I have referred to this website when picking out my classes.

5. The Taco Bell Arena does not sell Taco Bell

And we are just as disappointed as you are. Looks like you will be walking to Broadway for your quesadillas.

6. On campus parking is a nightmare

We are fortunate enough to be able to walk across campus in only 15 minutes, but that means there aren't a lot of parking options throughout. If you are driving to class, consider adding 10 minutes to your commute to search for a parking spot.

7. The weather goes from 0-100 in 4 seconds

You think I am joking.

I am not.

Be wary especially during the spring semester. One day the sun will be shining and you will break out your shorts and Birkenstocks... but by the time you're out the door a hail/snow storm will ensue.

8. Your Instagram is going to be full of #idahome

Idaho is beautiful in all different meanings of the word. Wether you are adding a short video of the foothills to your Snapchat story, or taking a picture with your friend after dinner in BoDo, Boise has got you covered. We know that #idahome is cheesy, but we love it. Just accept that you are a part of this lifestyle now!

9. Pie Hole and Los Betos are your homes away from home

I cannot count the times that I have been saved by these amazing local food establishments. If you are looking for a good ol' fashioned Potato Bacon pizza or a nice cool glass of Horchata, you can find it here.

10. Socks and sandals are all the rage

If you couldn't already tell, Boise has it's own vibe, especially on campus. As students, we have 4 million things to do and getting dressed up for class is not one of them. Don't get me wrong though... we can still clean up good.

11. We all hate the Capitol Boulevard and University Drive Intersection

It's like waiting at the DMV while sitting in your car. This intersection is BANANAS, and of course it is the last major turn before you get on campus! You will be spending some time here if you are commuting to campus, so you might as well make a good playlist to listen to while you wait for the light to change.

12. A bike (or longboard) will take you farther than any car

Having a car is nice, but Boise is such a bike friendly city that you might as well take the scenic route! Who knows? You could even start a Boise Biker Gang.

13. We aren't all potato farmers, but there is a Potato Drop

Okay, so we really do love potatoes here in Idaho. I am not going to pretend that I don't. We actually love them so much that every New Year's Eve there is a Potato Drop in Downtown Boise.

14. Saying "the other day" doesn't mean it's actually from the other day

Just know that if you are listening to an Idaho native tell you a story about the other day... it could mean that this happened earlier in the week, or a couple years ago. Time is an illusion here.

15. There are geese everywhere

The Hierarchy goes goose, squirrel, and then sleep deprived student. You will see a lot of wildlife on campus, and when I say wildlife this could range from Killdeer to Does. More often than not it will be geese... and they hate us just as much as we hate them. You will see them all over the place, but usually they are either honking aggressively at a student or standing in a group in the MIDDLE OF THE ROAD.

They are the worst, but they are ours.

Overall, Boise has plenty of quirks and I love them all.

We are excited that you chose Boise State, and we can't wait for you! Go Broncos!