A simple online search can be overwhelming because the options available to students looking for living space are endless.

Students hoping to live on campus in the fall have a new variety of options available to them, many of which might appeal to upperclassmen.

More than 700 singles still are available to students as of last week, said Laura Cole, MSU assistant manager of housing management.

“A new upperclassman community is being created (for the fall) that will include the first through fourth floors of North Wonders, the first through fourth floors of West McDonel and all of Butterfield and Abbot Halls,” Cole said.

“These communities are geared toward older students and will feature Wi-Fi, community kitchens, and enhanced study spaces.”

Cole said a few doubles still were available for students, even in some of the more popular halls for upperclassmen such as Shaw Hall, as well as space in University Village Apartments.

Searching for off-campus living? DTN Management, owner of many area apartment complexes, has various options available for students.

“(Apartments) are going very quickly,” Heather Hunsaker, the leasing manager for Capitol Villa Apartments said.

“Students should come sooner, rather than later.”

Hunsaker said some one-bedroom apartments are left, starting at $750 a month, as well as two-bedroom options, starting at $487 per person each month.

DTN currently has space available in Capitol Villa, Collingwood, Campus Hill, Cedar Village, Waters Edge, Woodmere, Beechwood and Garten Haus apartments.

“We’re currently offering zero security deposit and $100 off of the first month’s rent,” Hunsaker said, speaking for all DTN properties.

Students looking to live cooperatively still can find space in MSU co-ops off campus, said Sara Vitale, Chicano-Latino studies senior and vice president of membership for Student Housing Cooperatives, Inc.

“The thing that is really cool and interesting (about co-ops) is that members control every aspect of the co-op,” said Vitale.

“Members own shares of the house, so we’re not paying a landlord. … We pride ourselves on being one of the most affordable options off campus.”

Vitale said students can get a good start to cooperative living by filling out an application and touring some of the available houses.

Students interested in more information can attend the Spring Housing Fair, held from noon to 4 p.m. Feb. 25 on the second floor of the Union.
The event is organized by the Department of Student Life.

Cathy Neuman, assistant director of student life, said the event provides a wealth of information for students looking for on-campus housing and off-campus housing.

“(The event) will try to help students make good decisions for themselves,” Neuman said.

“We emphasize education as a part of the process. Information is available about recycling, safety and the housing code that students have to follow in East Lansing.”

Housing representatives will have information about off-campus houses and apartments, co-ops, Greek life, and University Housing.

“We want students to know what their choices are before they make their choices,” Neuman said.

“Every student is unique. This helps them think critically about where they’re going to live.”