BOISE, Idaho — Incoming freshmen and other students move into their residence halls at Boise State University this week during their three-day move-in period.
BSU is welcoming about 2,800 students into their residence halls this year. Due to COVID-19, the school has to implement new safety protocols like wearing a mask and social distancing in the dorms and around campus to protect students and faculty.
"We have de-densified our residential life inventory in order to accommodate those who need to either quarantine or self-isolate," Vice President for student affairs and enrollment management, Leslie Webb says.
According to BSU officials, 115 beds across the residence system are being saved for students who may contract COVID-19 and need to self-isolate.
BSU also hired additional health staff, including a Public Health Expert who will be responsible for relaying information between public health districts and the school.
Some freshmen at BSU say that with these protocols implemented in the dorms, they feel comfortable and are excited for school to start safely.
Incoming freshman, Caden Lewis from Brentwood, California, says he can't wait to start school, and he hopes other students will follow these protocols as well.
"I definitely feel safe, and I'm confident that we can try to do our part and to keep it open," Lewis says.
Shelby Overhoff from Spokane, Washington, says she's glad the school is making changes that will keep her and her classmates safe.
"They really do care about the students, and I really love how they are really considering everyone's safety. I'm just going to do my part and hope for the best," Overhoff says.
Next week, classes begin on campus, and BSU officials say they believe they have implemented the best safety measures for a successful start to the school year.
