Consider the Basics


What’s your budget?
Determine your budget of monthly expenses to start your search with places that won’t stretch your budget. Struggling to know where to start with creating a budget? Check out our resources:

Will you have roommates? How many?
Decide on the number of roommates you want to live with and communicate with them to ensure you're all on the same page regarding preferences, responsibilities, and budget.

What amenities are you (and your roommates) considering in your search?
Create a checklist of desired amenities and features you want in a house, such as the number of bedrooms, bathrooms, parking space, laundry facilities, etc.

Where to Look for Off Campus Housing

Our preferred resource is OffCampusHousing.msu.edu - this is an official partner of MSU and safely connects Spartans to local housing options, including apartments, duplexes, houses, and co-operative housing.

Attend housing fairs or information sessions organized by the college or university to gather information about off-campus housing resources and regulations.

When using OffCampusHousing.msu.edu, remember to think about the following:

What’s your zip code?
With recent construction and more off campus students, many of our apartment complexes and some housing are no longer located within the East Lansing 48823 zip code.

Why does my zip code matter?
Local municipalities have additional or varying ordinances, as well as resources available. While you may have an East Lansing mailing address, you may actually be residing in Bath Township, Lansing Township, Meridian Township or the City of Lansing. You can determine this by viewing this map. Your landlord or property manager can also inform you of this information. If you are living in one of the townships outside of East Lansing, you can view their websites and resources here:

MSU Housing Address Compliance
Make sure to update your local address in the MSU’s Registrar’s Office system. All MSU students are required to report any address changes while a registered student; failure to do so is considered a falsification of university records. Change your address at the Registrar’s Office website: student.msu.edu.

Essential Steps in the Search Process

Take the time to visit in-person
Schedule visits to potential houses and take detailed notes about each property, including its condition, location, and any issues that may need addressing. Here’s our Off Campus Living checklist when you’re considering potential places to live.

Location, location, location
Consider the neighborhood's safety, proximity to campus, availability of public transportation, and amenities like grocery stores, restaurants, and recreational facilities.

Pause and read before signing
Before signing a lease, carefully read and understand all terms and conditions, including the duration, rent amount, security deposit, utility responsibilities, and any additional fees or clauses.

Get a lease review
ASMSU Student Legal Services offers free legal services to all MSU students. Make an appoint and their legal team will review your lease prior to your signing. They will also review leases once you’ve signed, but leases are a legally binding document.

Finding Roommates

Off Campus Housing also offers a safe and secure way to find roommates. Create a profile using your MSU NetID and be connected with other Spartans searching for housing options! You can create a profile with your living preferences to ensure living capability.

Roommate matching services: Larger apartment complexes near campus that lease by the room also offer roommate matching services. Please note, these roommate matching services are not affiliated with MSU in any way. Technically, you could be matched with non-MSU students living at the complex. Please be cautious and document the names of apartment complex employees that you speak with if you choose to use their roommate matching services.

Lease Terminology

Check out our resource for important leasing terms to know.

For other leasing resource, please visit our friends at Student Legal Services.