How to Apply for Housing

This page will give you a general overview of the steps you'll take to complete your housing reservation.

Step 1: Login

Log into the Housing & Dining Portal via E-Services.

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Login to E-Services using your StarID/password.
Click Housing & Dining in the left menu bar to be redirected to the portal.

Step 2: Click the Housing Application Button

When you log into the Housing & Dining Portal, look for the purple button that says Housing Application. Click it and you'll be able to start the application.

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Step 3: Select the Term You're Applying For

It's important that you tell us which term you are applying for so you fill out the right application.

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If you plan to live with us for the coming academic year, select Academic Year 2026-2027.

IF you plan to live with us for the Spring Term Only, select Spring 2027.

After you have selected your term, click the button that says Begin Application.

Step 4: Select your Gender

On this screen, we want to collect basic information from you.

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On this screen, we will ask for the following information:

First Name
Last Name
Date of Birth
Gender
If you are a LGBT* ally
If you are interested in gender-inclusive housing
Intended major (if you don't know your major, enter undecided)

Step 5: Texting Opt-In

You will have an opportunity to opt-in to text messaging in the application. If you opt-in, we will occasionally send you important reminders.

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When you click the link to opt-in, it will open a new tab in your browser window. Make sure you return to the application after you have opted-in so you can continue the application.

Step 6: Learning Communities

Within the housing application, you'll have an opportunity to select if you want to join a Learning Community.

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If you're looking for a way to connect with students similar to you and adapt to campus quickly, a Learning Community may be a great fit for you.

Benefits of a Learning Community:

Success (students engaged in Learning Communities have a higher GPA and graduate sooner than those not involved).
Instant friendships with people who have similar interests.
Pre-registration for required classes.
Build faculty connections
Access to a Peer Mentor, who is a resource for you
You can live anywhere on campus (there is a Learning Community floor you can choose to live on, but it is not required).

Time Commitment:

Being in a Learning Community should not take any more time than you would expect to spend as a successful student at MSU. It can help you manage your schedule and time by providing you with built-in opportunities for studying and building connections with other students, as well as faculty and staff.

Step 7: Comments

If you have additional information to share with Residential Life, please enter it here. This information will only be available to staff - not to roommates.

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Step 8: Contract

On this screen you will have a chance to read the Housing Contract and sign it. If you are under the age of 18, you will also designate a parent/guardian to co-sign on the contract. Sign the contract by entering your StarID.

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Step 9: Prepayment

Before we can process your application, you must submit a $300 prepayment. Prepayments are applied to your fall bill. Click the purple button to pay your prepayment. Make sure you select the correct school and term for the prepayment (as you will see many options).

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Frequently asked questions about the prepayment

Q: Is the prepayment refundable?
A: $200 of the prepayment is refundable if cancellation is received by July 1, 2026. After July 1, 2026 the prepayment is not refundable.

Q: Can financial aid be applied to the prepayment?
a: No. The prepayment must be paid in advance by credit/debit card, check, or cash. We accept Mastercard, Visa, Discover, Apple Pay, and Google Wallet.

Q: What if I pay the prepayment by mail, over the phone, or in-person? How do I continue with the application?
A: We will open up the remainder of the application to you when we receive your prepayment. You will then be able to continue your application where you left off.

Q: Is this a deposit?
A: No. The prepayment must be paid in advance to secure your housing reservation. Once the semester begins, the prepayment is applied to your housing bill (like a down payment).

Q: Can the prepayment be deferred or paid in small installments?
A: No. Need-based students may apply for a reduced prepayment by following the instructions.

Q: What if I can't pay the prepayment right now?
A: Your application will be considered incomplete until a prepayment is received, which means you will not have a space reserved for you. We will continue to accept reservations until we reach capacity.

Once you have submitted the prepayment, you may close that window and return to the housing application. If the application still does not allow you to continue, check back in a few minutes.