With the strength of the incoming class, the demand for on-campus housing has increased enough to create the need for transitional housing. MSU has utilized transitional housing in past years as needs arose. We estimate up to 15% of new and transfer students will be impacted by this need for fall 2022.
Transitional housing is an arrangement in which rooms are converted to house one additional student, typically on a temporary basis. As cancellations come in, transitional rooms are broken down and students are placed in permanent housing assignments as soon as possible.
Each year we work with our partners across campus to plan for the incoming class and the space necessary to ensure both first-year and second-year students have a positive on-campus living experience. This year, enrollment deposits were much higher than anticipated for both new and transfer students. This also has been the experience at other Big Ten peer institutions.
Over the summer and at the start of the academic year, we experience what we refer to as a melt. This is when students decide not to come to MSU or discover that it is not the place for them after they have gotten to campus and make the decision to leave. When this melt occurs, which is typical at universities across the country, we are able to make permanent assignments for students who may have been temporarily housed in transitional housing.
REHS will work hard to ensure that students who may be placed in transitional housing have a positive on-campus experience. Assisting students in transitional housing assignments is one of our highest priorities. REHS will communicate directly with any students placed in transitional housing to provide necessary support and to address any questions or concerns.
View the transitional housing webinar recording.
Common Questions
Which halls are impacted by transitional housing?
In fall 2022, transitional housing will be in a portion of rooms in Akers, Hubbard, Armstrong, Bryan and Wilson halls.
Do students pay less money if they are in transitional housing?
Yes, each student in a transitional housing assignment will pay a reduced room rate during that transitional period. They will pay the standard room rate once they are out of transitional housing. Students should expect to see their bill adjusted once they move. View housing rates.
How long will a student be transitionally assigned?
We will continue to process cancellations throughout the summer and into early fall. Some students will be reassigned to a standard room before move-in (processing through August 15), other students will be moved throughout fall semester as space becomes available (after September 26 once room verifications are complete).
Transitionally housed students will receive a notification if they are placed into a standard, non-transitional space prior to move-in.
How does MSU decide who moves rooms?
Before move-in, the Housing Assignments Office will place the student who was transitionally housed into a standard, non-transitional space and will notify that student via email. We will keep mutually selected roommates together.
After move-in, there are two options. One, roommates can all agree to maintain the arrangement, locking in the lower rate. If there's not agreement, the transitionally housed student will be contacted individually and provided a new assignment.
Does the student moving get to choose where?
Before move-in, the Housing Assignments Office will assign students to standard, non-transitional spaces as they become available, most likely in their current neighborhood.
After move-in, students will be notified via email of the available space and moving instructions. Students moving will be provided with move-in carts if moving within their neighborhood, or staff will drive their move-in carts to their new hall if moving outside of their neighborhood. Where available, students remain in their current neighborhood.
Can students stay in transitional housing if they so choose?
Yes, some students may choose to remain in transitional housing assignments voluntarily, but all roommates must agree to this. Students will continue to pay the transitional housing room rate for as long as they are in a transitional housing assignment.
How will rooms be set up?
These are regular residence halls rooms with the same services and amenities. The double room configuration will be one bunk bed set, one lofted bed, three desks and chairs, and the one standard dresser. The quad room configuration will be one bunk bed set, three lofted beds, five desks and chairs, and the two standard dressers.
Transitional housing rooms meet all safety codes and assignments are within the designed capacity of the room.
View the transitional room floorplans at the following links:
And view photos below!
Why is there transitional housing this year?
Enrollment deposits were much higher than anticipated for both new and transfer students. This also has been the experience at other Big Ten peer institutions.
