Although many students choose to live off campus at some point during their college career, not all students have the chance to live in neighborhoods around the university. At the same time, those who choose to live in a neighborhood outside of campus, for the most part, only do so on a yearly basis, diminishing any chance at a lasting student-resident relationship.

Permanent residents also could face the problem of having calm, quiet student neighbors one year, then rowdy, noisy neighbors the next. If students and permanent residents had more of a chance to establish a long-term relationship, the chance of contention between the two groups would deteriorate.

Relations between students and families in local neighborhoods have been positive for the majority of the school year, with few minor noise and litter complaints from local residents, according to a recent State News article. The improved relationship can be partially accredited to the work of the Community Relations Coalition, a nonprofit organization formed in East Lansing in 1999 composed of representatives from the city, the university, the student body and city residents. This organization is essential in maintaining the positive relationship between the university and permanent city residents, mitigating any tension caused between the two groups.

It is imperative for the city and the university to uphold a positive relationship because the city of East Lansing is a small town containing a large university, meaning students and residents are involved with each other on a daily basis. Because the East Lansing and MSU population are approximately even, the chances of a permanent resident living near a student are much greater than they would be in a more populated city.

It’s also necessary that students and permanent residents have respect for each other. Many students believe residents should be more appreciative of the university, and that without it, East Lansing would not be as well-known of a city as it is because of its college town reputation. But students also have to be conscious that the university is not the entire population of the city, and students must respect the preferences of families who choose to live near the university. Younger families who are moving into the city should know to avoid areas mostly populated by students, but permanent residents who have lived in East Lansing for 20 to 30 years in student-populated areas should work to develop a relationship with their student neighbors to help extinguish the chance of altercations.

It is promising to see the relationship growing in a more positive fashion between permanent residents and students. But in order for us to maintain a positive relationship, a greater respect for the other must be felt on both sides.