Living on Campus

There are a few important requirements to take into consideration when applying for housing at Ferris State University:

POLICY
Ferris State University policy requires all single students to live in University Residence Halls for two full academic semesters, unless they have reached the age of 19 prior to September 1, of the current academic year, or plan to continue living in the permanent home with parents, and the home is within 50 road miles of the University. Students who are eligible to live off campus may qualify for certain residence hall housing incentives.

All housing contracts are binding for the entire academic year (both fall and spring semesters). These contracts require an appeal for cancellation or exemption once signed. The only exceptions are for students with internships, graduating students, or students who are transferring.

Students who lived on-campus at another university, but are under 20 should be aware that Ferris State's residency requirement is independent of the policies of other institutions. Despite previous living arrangements, our students must meet the specific Ferris State guidelines to be eligible for off campus living.

1. Live close, sleep more.
Because you can get up at 7:45am for your 8:00am class.

2. It’s like an all-inclusive resort!
Laundry facilities. Heat. No shoveling.

3. Eat well.
Our many dining locations offer an incredible variety of healthy, fresh foods and indulgent favorites for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. And you don’t have to do any dishes!

4. Don’t stress.
Everything is included in one bill: rent, utilities, cable TV and high-speed internet. There’s no chance your power will get turned off.

5. Live smart.
National studies show students who live on campus tend to earn better grades. That’s a good reason by itself.

6. Feel safe and secure.
Campus safety is our top priority. Our housing facilities are locked and require Ferris ID card access in addition to a door key. Our desks are staffed around the clock.

The Department of Public Safety is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Student foot patrol officers help safeguard campus and provide escorts to students who request them. Emergency blue light phones that enable students to contact 911 at the touch of a button are installed in all residence halls and in strategic locations on campus.

7. Easy access to support.
Academic and support resources are right at your fingertips, from the Academic Support Center and Writing Center to FLITE and the Center for Leadership, Activities and Career Services.

8. Stay healthy.
The Student Recreation Center has fitness equipment, a rock wall, swimming pool, basketball courts and fun classes to stay fit and relieve stress. Some of our residence halls have exercise equipment as well.

Got the sniffles? Birkham Health Center can help you feel better.

9. Refuel.
Starbucks is at both the University Center and the Interdisciplinary Resource Center.
Coffee. Snacks. Survival.

10. Be connected.
We are proud to be a globally diverse university and campus. We believe that learning from each other is one of the best parts of the college experience. Live here and be part of our community.

Join student organizations, intramural teams, and attend concerts, lectures and plays. Get an on-campus job. Walk over to Top Taggart Field for a football game or Ewigleben Sports Arena to cheer on the hockey team from the Dawg Pound.

One thing’s for sure, you’ll meet a lot of people and make a lot of friends right in the middle of the action.

Each of our housing options on campus have different features and benefits. Some are closer to academic buildings where others are closer to dining facilities. You might want to know which buildings have quiet areas or which have workout rooms.

Explore where to live to determine the best fit for you.

Housing & dining map (pdf)

Now that you are getting ready to move into the residence halls, you are probably wondering what you should bring.

What to bring is a list of what you can and cannot bring to campus.

Bed lofts can be brought to certain rooms on campus.

Visit our Facebook page for Roommate & Suitemate Matching where you can learn more about other new students and share about yourself. If you find a match, request each other using MyHousing through MyFSU.

Students can also log into MyHousing to fill out their personal profile, search for others with similar lifestyles, and submit roommate requests.

Getting to know the Hall Director for your residence hall is highly recommended. Contact information for each hall director can be found at Meet the Staff.