Alex Mosher

Staff Writer

Idaho is known for its ever-changing weather, especially during the winter months. Our mountainous state can go from sunny, to pouring rain followed by massive snowflakes and a blizzard storm all within thirty minutes time.

We here at Idaho State University are all too familiar with these weather changes. This past winter has been filled with snow days and icy roads that has left us glued to our dorm room couches with hot chocolate in one hand, the remote in the other and a Netflix original on the T.V. For some, this is an ideal situation, but for others, the thought of being stuck in the dorms during a snow day is less than ideal.

So what exactly is there to do around campus on a snow day?

If you are someone who enjoys the brisk cold winter air, then a day building an array of snowman on the Quad or sledding on Bartz Field are both activities that are made just for you. If you prefer to stay inside then attending one of the many food services or activity centers available that are offered on campus are definitely the ideal choices for you.

The Pond Student Union Building is home to three of the many food services at ISU. They have Einstein Bros Bagels who are famous for their crispy egg-washed bagels, Burger 2018, a retro and quick dining facility that brings nostalgic flavors and combos to its menu that is new to ISU this year and finally Mandalay Bay Express, a Pocatello favorite offering up Asian fusion cuisine.

Located in Rendezvous is a variety of food services as well. They have grab-and-go foods such as sandwiches and salads produced by Outtakes, Sono Latin Food that makes delicious burritos, tacos, rice bowls and more with an array of house-made salsa and sauces, Revolution Noodle, authentic Asian cuisine prepared-to-order, Smoked by BengalQue, where you can enjoy sauced, pulled and sliced mesquite smoked meats on their own or in a tasty vessel, baked potatoes, mac ‘n’ cheese and baked beans and finally Mondo Subs, where you can choose from a variety of tasty gourmet signature subs made with an array of fresh ingredients and regional produce.

Then of course there is the Turner Hall Dining Commons. Right in the heart of residential dining, the Turner Dining Commons is an all-you-care-to-eat dining experience with a variety of eclectic cuisines and healthy options. From Italian to comfort food and salad to grill, this venue showcases variety and sustainable dining and a great price.

During the most recent snow day, there was confusion as to whether or not some of these facilities would be open or not, despite the cancellation of classes. Idaho State University is required to provide food for those who live on campus. Turner Hall will remain open, despite any closures that may be announced, unless they say otherwise.

After you ate a satisfying meal, make your way down to the basement of the Pond Student Union building where they have a game center filled with classic arcade games, billiards, foosball, ping pong and bowling as well as a craft center. To find out more about the PSUB Game Center and their hours of operation, visit them on site or visit their website at isu.edu/union/student-life/games-center.

Aside from the game and craft center, the PSUB is also the home to the Bengal Theater, a movie theater that is free with a valid Bengal ID with discounted prices for staff and the rest of the public. The Bengal Theater offers a new movie every week. There you can enjoy movies and a snack without feeling like you’re stuck in your room because of the snow day.