Political science and pre-law junior Lindsay Vogelsberg poses at her computer in her Haslett Arms apartment. Vogelsberg lives with three other girls and enjoys having her own space away from school. “There’s a lot of Haslett Arm’s love here,” Vogelsberg said.
In making the transition from the sometimes-cramped quarters of a dorm to the wild new world of an apartment or house, students can rest assured they’re taking another step toward adulthood.
“There’s more freedom,” said Ashley Fischer, assistant manager of Campus Village Communities, 1151 Michigan Ave.. “You don’t have a R.A. You have your own bedroom and bathroom. You have your car and parking.”
But with the freedom that comes with having an apartment or house also comes the responsibilities of being independent.
Upon signing a lease, tenants are constrained to a payment plan that could range anywhere from $300 to $500 a month. Often it does not include utilities and is hard to get out of once a tenant has signed. If a late payment is made, there is a chance the tenant could be charged even more money.
“We send (tenants) a notice that they need to pay,” said Edward Curth, manager of College Manor Apartments, 102 Albert Ave. “If they don’t pay in a reasonable amount of time, there would be a fee.”
Political science senior Dan McConnell, who lives in Ferris Park Towers Apartments, 323 N. Walnut St., in Lansing, admits apartment living can be pricey, but it offers him a little more flexibility.
“For me, it’s good that I have the freedom,” he said. “But I do have a little bit less cash on hand and the bills do tend to stack up.”
Students that live in apartments also face the maintenance problems that arise. Tenants have to call maintenance to fix any problem they may have with their living space, and often times in bigger complexes it can take a while for service.
“I like living in the smaller complexes,” McConnell said. “I actually know my landlady and the maintenance guy. In the bigger places, there could be 30 people in the office. You don’t know when things are going to (get) done.”
Although there are negatives, most apartment owners believe there are more benefits to living on their own than in a dorm. One important aspect is the idea of security. Many complexes have extensive security systems, which could include security guards, cameras or receptionists.
“I’ve always felt very safe at any apartment I’ve lived at,” said civil engineering senior Terry Stines, who lives in the Oaks Apartments, 136 Reniger Court. “There is always good security.”
Above all else, there is one key element that stands out to students. Having an apartment or house means also being able to host parties. Because there are no restrictions on alcohol in private residences, students can throw a party without MSU’s constrictions of noise control or alcohol infractions. However, some noise can still be an issue if the decibels reach a certain level.
“We don’t really have parties here,” said political science and pre-law junior Lindsay Vogelsberg, who lives in Haslett Arms Apartments, 135 Collingwood Drive. “The cops only come if a neighbor complains. So if you get along with your neighbors alright, they usually won’t call you in; they’ll just ask you to quiet down.”
Despite the added responsibilities, most upperclassmen still flock to find the perfect apartment.
“It’s not too bad with the bills and everything,” Stines said. “Just to have my own room and be able to study in a quiet place by yourself; it’s nice to close your door.”
Support student media! Please consider donating to The State News and help fund the future of journalism.
