An eerie silence seeps through the wheat fields, past the Gothic towers. The quiet is enough to slide your neck hairs into heebie-jeebie mode. Hippies and rednecks stand wordlessly together and look toward the south. Only one thing could unite them: The Bronco scourge was on the move.

KNOW YOUR ENEMY
It’s too easy to hate WSU because they’re right next door. As a Vandal you hate Boise State University. You don’t need reason or rationale with this one. Hate them blindly and you’ll do fine.

IT’S NOT ALWAYS EASY TO DO THE RIGHT THING
Avoid CJ’s Night Club. The all-ages dance floor sounds appealing, but the dimly lit meat-swap makes it difficult to tell who and what you’re going to bring home. But she’s 15, and you’re 18 now — that’s illegal.

LEARN WHEN TO BLEND IN
Venture downtown not only to eat and drink, but to explore. As far as the city’s core is concerned, all roads lead to Main Street. You might find out you love tie-dye, yoga is an athletic sport and duck tastes better than chicken.

Check out the roller derby by the Rolling Hills Derby Dames. There’s nothing like picking up a tough chick as an ally. Plus, she’s already got herself a sweet superhero costume, complete with shredded nylons and a black eye.

Frisbee and college go hand-in-hand, so the university made it easier to get your fix. Next to the Kibby Dome is your very own disc golf course. Ask a stranger what type of putter they use and you’ve got yourself a friend for life.

BE THRIFTY
Like any good college town, there’s a swell of thrift stores. The Salvation Army is closest to campus, but the Hope Thrift Shoppe and Goodwill are worth the trip for a beer-pong table for less than $20. If you’re looking for thrift that’s a little trendier, try the Storm Cellar Consignment shop. This boutique is the only place to find purple cowboy boots and a Kool and the Gang record.

SUMMON ALLIES HERE
Taste the rainbow. Find allies and show support at the Moscow Moose Lodge, where drag shows are commonplace. Visit the Kenworthy Performing Arts Center. This independent movie house and theater is cheap and locally owned. They play mind-numbing cult classics like National Lampoon’s Animal House.

One World Cafe is the hub between campus and downtown. Its foam artists and trendy decor complements the study space and live music. If you run out of things to do, ask the friendly barista with muttonchops for advice.

POWER UP HERE
There are a number of fast-food joints, but if you’re aching for an actual meal, take a trip downtown. Mikey’s Greek Gyros takes food cart cuisine, adds soup and salads, and slaps it on a table ($6-$8). La Casa Lopez appears to be your run-of-the-mill Mexican fare, but don’t be fooled. The food is good and cheap ($6-$8).

FORTRESSES OF SOLITUDE
Sister’s Brew Coffee House hosts comfy vintage couches and cool books like The Art of Wizardry. The only sound that might distract comes from the tamping of coffee beans.

Few schools can boast a 63-acre arboretum and botanical garden directly on campus. This is the perfect escape from the anxiety that will plague your college career. Stress management is as easy as taking the time to stop and smell the flowers. It’s much healthier than binge drinking anyway.

The Moscow Public Library is the best little-known study haven. The libraries on campus are too stuffy and overcrowded. Two hours of work at the public library is worth six on campus.

The downtown Prichard Art Gallery hosts a variety of mixed-media exhibits. The walls are so high, the space so white and the atmosphere so quiet your mind will eventually unwind itself.

SECRET PARKING LOCATION
There’s free three-hour parking next to Friendship Square downtown just a few blocks from campus. If you need a little longer, park across at Wendy’s across the street from the university. Just don’t blame us if you get towed.

Better yet, ride your bike. The city is two miles wide and four miles long, with almost no hills. There’s plenty of bike-friendly parking on and off campus. Visit bike shops like Paradise Creek Bicycles.