Housing Selection Process for Current First-Year Students
MSU has a two-year live-on requirement for students enrolling as first-year students. On-campus living provides convenience, an all-inclusive bill and numerous resources to support student success.
We know off-campus apartments begin marketing to students and their families to sign a lease for the following year as soon as they have arrived on campus. It is important to note, first-year students should not be signing any off-campus leases, housing agreements, housing contracts, etc., this fall.
Current first year students will select their on-campus housing for 2026-27 in the spring.
First-year students will have the opportunity to select their specific hall and room, select housing with groups of friends, as well as submit interest in single rooms. We will share more details about housing options, housing exceptions and group housing early in the spring semester.
Living Learning Communities
Students currently in a Living-Learning Community (LLC) may be able to live in designated LLC space for their second year. This space will be different from their first-year space and will have different roommate rules. We will send LLC students a follow-up email with more specific information on second-year options. Please note:
- LLC students DO NOT have to live in an LLC community for their second year.
- LLC students must live with fellow LLC students in the same community for their second year.
- For LLC housing locations, visit: https://liveon.msu.edu/LLC-Guide
Single Room Requests
There will be limited single room options primarily available in Owen Hall and North Neighborhood. To provide an opportunity for everyone interested in a single room to request one, students will complete the Single Room Interest Form and we will randomly assign interested students the ability to select single spaces.
- Students who were selected to choose a single room will be emailed their selection times.
- Students who are not selected will be informed of their status via email and will then select a double room in general sign-up.
- Single-room rates vary by type. Current rates can be viewed on our rates webpage.
Additional Housing Options
MSU has Gender-Inclusive Housing floors in several neighborhoods on campus, and substance-free housing in Abbot and Mason halls. Students interested in these housing options will complete interest forms ahead of general room selection, and will be provided access to select these spaces during their selection time.
Second-Year Housing Exceptions
Students may apply for an exception in My Housing to live off campus and be released from the housing requirement. Students who qualify for an exception but want to live on campus do not have to submit an exception. Exceptions are only for required students with a desire to live off campus.
By submitting an exception, you are requesting to be released from the live-on requirement. If your exception is approved you will no longer be required to live on campus and will not be able to sign-up in future years. This action cannot be undone.
Please make sure you've discussed this with your family and supporters, and only submit the form if you are sure you would like an exception. This decision cannot be reversed.
