For humanities and pre-law senior Chris Kroll, apartment living is about more than having a place to sleep at night.
Kroll, president of the University Apartments Council of Residents, said he wants his neighbors to get to know each other, and he hopes his work on the council will achieve that goal.
The council was founded in the 1950s and serves those who reside in Cherry Lane Apartments, Spartan Village Apartments or University Village Apartments.
"We're like ASMSU or RHA," Kroll said. "Only we're made up of students, faculty and employees."
About 60 applications have been received so far this year. Last fall, 458 people applied to live in the 2,500 apartments on MSU's campus.
Officials are expecting more applications in the summer months.
Drawing residents together and developing a sense of community through events and activities is the group's main focus. Monthly meetings also allow residents to discuss concerns.
"Personally, I always wondered what the hell these groups do," Kroll said. "As president, I can get the word out."
Tameka Lee, a former representative to the council and current president of the University Apartments' Black Caucus, said resident participation at council meetings could improve.
Only 40-50 people show up for the meetings on a regular basis, Lee said.
"People are busy," she said. "It's more of a community thing when people can meet those neighbors they don't know."
Lee said even in her current position she maintains involvement with the group and takes an active interest in elections and events.
The council's Beautification Program, held in May, is its largest event of the year, and Lee said it really gets people together.
Last year, the council handed out flower and grass seeds and loaned gardening tools to residents.
"I figured that gardening would encourage talking, interacting and just getting outside," Kroll said.
Gabriela Saldana, vice president of the council, helped to coordinate the beautification project and other family-oriented activities such as the Chess Club and Tae Kwon Do.
Saldana said her four years with the group have a been worthwhile addition to her life in the apartments.
"I feel good when I can give a part of my services to the community," she said.
For more information, visit www.msu.edu/~uacor.
