Michigan State University - Off-Campus Housing

Quick Stats

College Prowler Take

Like any housing option, living off campus has both advantages and disadvantages. Off-campus housing allows students more freedom than living in the dorms, but this freedom does have its downsides: Many students who live off campus struggle daily with finding parking spots near their classes, paying rent and utility bills on a monthly basis, and finding roommates who won’t drive them crazy and will clean up after themselves. Off-campus students have the option of buying a small on-campus meal plan to use when they don’t want to cook for themselves. Most students agree that the closer a building is to campus the more expensive rent will be, and many students share bedrooms to cut costs.

Students who want to live off campus need to start looking for a place to live and people to live with as early as possible—this is the only way to get the best places near campus with the best facilities. Many students sign their lease for the next year in mid-October. Ask around for people who are looking for someone to sublet their apartments, or are looking for a roommate. Also check online for MSU’s off-campus housing list. There are some pretty reasonably-priced apartments in East Lansing, but there are also a few to steer clear of. Make sure to research everything and check out the apartment or house thoroughly before signing a lease. Leasing agents are always willing to answer questions, and often give apartment tours.

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Students Speak Out

Anonymous says:

It’s definitely not cheap if you... It’s definitely not cheap if you want to live very close to campus. Be prepared to pay for parking and walk a lot. 12345 Off-Campus Housing Report

Anonymous says:

A wide variety of off-campus... A wide variety of off-campus housing exists surrounding campus. Most students choose to live on campus for two years and move to the Northern Tier area, a couple miles north of campus, where newer apartments were built. 12345 Off-Campus Housing Report

Anonymous says:

I think that living off campus is... I think that living off campus is a better bet depending on what kind of place you’re in. It’s cheaper, sometimes more fun, and can be just as close to campus as you were in your dorm. I also enjoy getting to cook my own food. If you break down the cost of living in the dorms and getting a meal plan, off campus is better. 12345 Off-Campus Housing Report

Anonymous says:

People at MSU have their own... People at MSU have their own preferences when it comes to choosing whether to live on campus or off campus. Some love living in the dorms because they can meet more people that way, but there are too many rules to follow in the dorms. Some prefer to live off campus because you get your own place and there are more parties, but you have to worry about paying for things like food. 12345 Off-Campus Housing Report

Anonymous says:

I think living in the dorms is the... I think living in the dorms is the most convenient option. 12345 Off-Campus Housing Report

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