Family Resource Center

In late September/early October, University Housing will be relocating to the prior elementary school located in Spartan Village (building name yet to be determined).

University Apartments is comprised of two villages; Spartan Village and Cherry Lane. They provide a supportive atmosphere for a variety of family styles. Reasonable rates, accessibility to transportation and childcare and a community of student parents makes this a great option. Diversity abounds here. In addition to all regions of the United States, our residents come from more than 100 countries.

Living in University Apartments is a wonderful experience for children. Children are usually great “Goodwill Ambassadors” and here they have many cultures to share, explore and learn from.

Costs of Living On Campus
University apartment rent includes all heat, water, gas, electricity, sewer, cable and ethernet, and local phone service. Trash bags, shower curtains, lock-out service, vacuums, telephones and loaner vacuums are also available. Laundry services are available in each village.

The apartments do not permit washers, dryers, dishwashers or freezers. Not all apartments have air conditioners. There is an installation and monthly service fee.

Apartment rental rates vary based on the size of the apartment (number of bedrooms) and current remodeling status. Student rates for 2007-2008 are:

($40 non-refundable
application fee)

Non-remodeled, uncarpeted:
One Bedroom $587
Two Bedroom $650

Remodeled, carpeted:
One Bedroom $630
Two Bedroom $699

Other Advantages
of Living On Campus
• It is close to the main campus and on bus routes.

• Everyone in the village shares a common purpose in pursuing an education.

• Community Centers and Study Rooms are available for programming events, meetings and study groups (call 353-9499 to reserve).

• Each village has numerous play areas for children as well as adult recreational facilities including volleyball courts, basketball courts and picnic areas.

Community Police Officer
1434-D Spartan Village
(517) 355-1103
Call 911 for emergencies

A Satellite Office of MSU Police is located in Spartan Village. The Department of Police & Public Safety work directly in the community, assisting residents with a variety of neighborhood and police related problems.

East Lansing Schools
(517) 333-7420

University Apartments are serviced by the East Lansing School District. For enrollment information call the number above.

Additional Services Available:
• Women, Infants & Children Office
Office Located in 1434-C in Spartan Village
(517) 887-4326

• Learning Center
(517) 353-9499

• Spartan Child
Development Center
(517) 353-5154

MSU Surplus Store
1344 S. Harrison Road
(517) 355-0364

The Surplus Store sells used low-cost furnishings and office supplies as well as bicycles, computers and household items.

Department of Residence Life
1434 B Spartan Village
(517) 353-9499

Residents and their families living in University Apartments have the opportunity to take part in many programs and events that are free to the community. The dates and times of programs are posted on the web site. Events are also advertised in a weekly email that is sent to residents.

Residence Life also addresses resident concerns and oversees facility reservations. For assistance, call or visit the website.

University Apartments
Council of Residents
uacor@msu.edu

The University Apartments Council of Residents (UACOR) serves the students, faculty, and staff residents of Cherry Lane and Spartan Village. The tax collected each semester is used to provide programs for residents as well as assist in funding of special interest activities, such as safety, recreation and sports programs.

UACOR promotes and coordinates these programs, and provides information and services for residents of University Apartments. UACOR also serves as an advocate for residents with other community agencies and the University.
The board aims to make University Apartments a better place to live. All residents are encouraged to attend meetings and participate in all activities. Become an active voice in University Apartments by joining the Council!

OFF-CAMPUS HOUSING
101 Student Services, MSU
(517) 355-8303
www.studentlife.msu.edu

You may prefer living in a house or apartment away from the campus environment. Rental units are listed by type and include: cost, furnishments, square feet, and pet requirements.

Relocation information

Added Costs
Expenses related to apartment and housing rentals may include security deposits/cleaning deposits, extra costs for pets, utilities (all or part), deposits for turning on the utilities, and local/long-distance telephone service.

Renters’ Insurance
Whether you live in University Apartments or off-campus, consider the purchase of renters’ insurance. This may seem costly, but the cost is small compared to large, unanticipated expenses which may result from theft, fire, or negligence. Residents are responsible for damaged property if the damage was caused by their own negligence. The risks of being uninsured are high. Most local insurance agents will give you price estimates over the phone. Comparison shopping will help you obtain the best coverage for the lowest cost.

Subsidized Housing
There are several subsidized apartment complexes within the Lansing area for which you may qualify. Many have lower income limits, require a security deposit in the amount of one month’s rent, and a satisfactory payment record at other residences (no late payments or evictions). Some apartments allow pets and most allow washers and dryers. Often there are waiting lists for subsidized housing, so begin your housing search early. Subsidized rental rates are based on 30% of your income, substantially lowering monthly rates.

Michigan State Housing
Development Authority
735 E. Michigan Avenue
Lansing, MI 48912
(517) 373-8370

The Michigan State Housing Development Authority, established in 1966, provides loans to first time homebuyers that qualify based on their income. Home purchase educational programs are available. Section 8 subsidies (used for free choice of home location/individual houses) are currently not available. However, lists of subsidized housing apartment complexes are available. Call for more information or visit the website.

Lansing Housing
Commission
310 Seymour
Lansing, MI 48933
(517) 487-6550

The Lansing Housing Commission is the Public Housing Authority in Lansing, MI. Through its public housing and homeownership programs, the Lansing Housing Commission provides families, senior citizens, and disabled individuals the ability to seek and retain decent, safe, affordable housing.

City of East Lansing
Homebuyer Purchase &
Rehabilitation Program
410 Abbott Road
E. Lansing, MI 48823
(517) 319-6930

Provides downpayment assistance and rehabilitation assistance to low-income home buyers who are purchasing a house in the target area. Call for more information.
City of Lansing Single Family Housing Rehabilitation Loan Program
124 W. Michigan Avenue
Lansing, MI 48933
(517) 483-4040
www.cityoflansingmi.com

Income eligible families that own a home and live in Lansing may be eligible to receive a 0% interest loan to help with repairs such as furnace, boiler, water heater, roof, windows, siding, sewer, and electrical.

MSU College of Law Rental Housing Clinic
541 E. Grand River
E. Lansing, MI 48823
(517) 336-8088
On the web

The clinic is staffed with second and third year law students who provide legal counseling, representation, and education to tenants and landlords who have rental housing difficulties. The service compliments other local nonprofit organizations’ efforts at informing tenants and landlords about their rights and responsibilities. The service furthers those efforts when the rental housing issue is a legal one. The Clinic operates under Michigan Court Rules 8.120 which permits law students who are supervised by a member of the State Bar to provide legal services to clients.

Golden Guide to Apartments
(517) 432-3745

The Family Resource Center stocks a Lansing area publication called the “Golden Guide to Apartments.” To request a copy, please call the FRC.

Housing Considerations
Several things should be considered when looking into off-campus rental units, such as:

• What amount is required for a security deposit?

• What utilities are included in the cost of rent?

• How much will the cost of utilities run per month?

• Is there a deposit required for the utility?

• Is it convenient to campus, either within walking distance or by bus?

• Are there laundry facilities, study areas, recreational facilities?

• Can a lease be signed just for the academic year?

Cost of apartments in the Lansing/East Lansing area can range from $600.00 to $800.00 for a two-bedroom and more than $800.00 for a three-bedroom. Single home rental rates in East Lansing depend on the proximity to campus and the size of the home. Costs of rentals in Lansing and areas further from campus are considerably lower. However, lower costs for housing is balanced against higher transportation costs, commuting time, etc.

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