Black Hills State University

What are the popular events and traditions at Black Hills State University?

Swarm Days is Black Hills State University's homecoming celebration and a recurring point of connection for students, alumni, and the Spearfish community. Homecoming activities typically center on campus gatherings and Yellow Jackets athletics, although the schedule changes each year.

The university also holds recurring performances and academic events associated with its music, theater, and other programs. These offer opportunities both to participate and to attend events outside one's major. Students who want to plan around a particular celebration or performance should use the current university events calendar rather than assume an earlier year's dates or lineup will repeat.

What are the student housing and dining options at Black Hills State University?

Black Hills State University provides on-campus residence-hall housing and meal-plan options for students at its Spearfish campus. Housing availability is different from a guaranteed assignment, so applicants should review current eligibility rules, application dates, and contract terms before making enrollment plans.

Residence-hall choices can differ in room layout and amenities, while dining plans differ in where and how students can use meals or dining funds. Students should compare the full housing-and-dining contract with an off-campus budget that includes utilities, transportation, and groceries. Anyone expecting to study primarily at the Rapid City location should verify whether living in Spearfish would be practical for their class schedule.