Living in Big Rapids

Some KCAD students may select to live on Ferris State University’s campus in Big Rapids, MI (55 miles north of KCAD’s campus) alongside other college students in residential housing.

Students will be able to enjoy all of the amenities on-campus housing has to offer, while still being immersed in KCAD’s supportive creative community. Transportation to-and-from the KCAD campus is provided Monday through Friday throughout the academic year.

Who is this option for?*

The option to live on the Big Rapids campus is best suited for incoming KCAD freshmen without incoming transfer credits. This is because:

There tend to be less sections offered of each program's required sophomore, junior, and senior-level courses
This makes it difficult for students who need to take these courses to schedule them within the window of time transportation to and from the Big Rapids campus is provided (see "How do students living in Big Rapids commute to/from KCAD?" below for more details).

*This option may be available on a case-by-case basis for individuals that do not meet the criteria above but is not guaranteed.

How do students living in Big Rapids commute to/from KCAD?

Students living in Big Rapids can commute to KCAD either by:

Riding the Bulldog Line for the Rapid shuttle that makes four runs daily, Monday through Friday
Keeping a personal vehicle at Ferris State University and driving back and forth to KCAD (NOTE: KCAD does not have student parking on campus, so additional costs need to be considered for parking in Grand Rapids)

*Students commuting via the Ferris State Express bus must have their course schedules coordinated to fit within the fixed bus route that travels between campuses. (Courses must be scheduled between 9am – 4:50pm at KCAD, Monday through Friday).

Parking

For those looking to commute to KCAD via car, a variety of paid parking options are available in the downtown area near our campus.

Where can I find more information/ask questions?

Contact the Ferris Housing office at [email protected] or 231.591.3745 with any questions you might have. You can also learn more about Ferris State University Housing on the Ferris website.