111 Carkoski Commons
Phone: 507-389-1011
Fax: 507-389-2687
E-mail: reslife@mnsu.edu
Web site: Department of Residential Life
The Department of Residential Life oversees all on-campus residence hall housing and dining activities. Contact this office for further information concerning on-campus housing and dining or to acquire contract forms.
Students can select their own living situations from a variety of options. While there is no on-campus live-in requirement, first-year and transfer students are highly encouraged to live on campus to help with their adjustment to Minnesota State University, Mankato. New students will find living in residence halls a good idea: GPAs are higher and students who live on-campus are more likely to graduate. About 3,000 students are able to take advantage of on-campus living. It gives them an opportunity to meet other new students and get involved in social and academic support activities; they don't have to worry about cleaning, making meals, light, phone, cable or heat bills and can concentrate on school; and best of all, they live right on the campus.
Students desiring the convenience of living on campus may live in either Crawford, McElroy, or Gage Complex. Maverick Hall, a housing option designed especially for first year students, is housed in Gage Complex.
Residence Hall Living. The residence life program at MSU is designed to provide a variety of opportunities and experiences that enhance and support students' academic experiences. There are a number of living-area choices available, including floor environments focusing on quiet-study, upper-class students, intercultural students, engineering, and substance-free areas. All MSU residence halls are smoke free. Residence hall staff are carefully selected and extensively trained to meet the needs of residents, and a large number of educational and personal development activities are planned by the staff and student governments throughout the year. There are also many social and recreational programs offered.
Furnishings and Services. Rooms are equipped with single beds, mattresses, blinds, drawers, closets, desks, telephone lines, cable service and internet service. Most rooms also have a sink. Bedding and telephones are not provided. Most students live in double rooms with only one roommate, although some triple rooms, single rooms and suites are available.
Dining Service. Five meal plans are available. Students may opt for the 19, 14, 10, 75 or 115 meal plan. The 19, 14 and 10 meal plans allow students to eat 19, 14 or 10 meals, respectively, of the 19 meals served each week. The 75 and 115 meal plans allow students to eat any 75 or 115 meals respectively per semester. A small percentage of assignments are also made to students desiring only a room contract; however, most students have found that eating in the dining hall is more convenient and cost-effective. All contracts include a minimum of 75 Flex dollars each semester. Flex dollars allow you to purchase anything you like at any time at any campus dining outlet. You may also opt for the larger Flex plans of 125 or 175 Flex dollars per semester.
Residence hall costs vary according to the type of room, meal plan and length of semester.
As a guide, the cost of a double room with 19 meals per week and 75 Flex dollars for 2005-2006 will be $4,814.00.
Please contact the Department of Residential Life for more information on the cost of available room and meal options.
All rates are set each spring for the following academic year. The rates are subject to change by the MnSCU board or the state legislature at any time.
Residence Hall Reservations. Admission to the University does not include reservation in a residence hall nor does a receipt for room deposit indicate admission to the University. Reservations are made in the order in which they are received.
Students who have applied for admission to Minnesota State University will receive a housing application form from the Office of Admissions along with the letter of official acceptance to the University. To reserve housing on campus students should complete the housing application and return it along with a $100 prepayment to the Department of Residential Life. Admitted students may also apply on-line.
NOTE: Students with disabilities who have specific housing needs should identify their particular need on the application agreement.
Currently enrolled or previously enrolled students should contact the Department of Residential Life for housing application materials.
Policies and Regulations. All applicable policies and regulations are published in the Residence Hall Student Guide. A copy is given to each student who moves into the residence halls.
Semester Break/Summer Occupancy. Students who need to stay on campus during academic year vacations may stay in their own rooms during the breaks. Students should be aware, however, that they are responsible for their own meals during these times. Additional charges apply to remain on campus for winter break and summer session.
A residence hall on campus is always open for students attending summer school. Specific information about summer housing is available beginning in the spring of each year. Current resident students may have to move to another location for summer housing.
Residence Hall Fee Payment. Residence hall payments are due upon receipt of the billing invoice. Payments can be made on an installment basis and/or by credit card. A hold is placed on the academic records of any student with past-due obligations to the University.
Off Campus Housing. For the MSU students who do not live in the residence halls there are numerous off-campus housing available in the Mankato area, much of it very near to campus. Student Activities, 173 Centennial Student Union, 507-389-6076 or the Housing website, can provide a listing of nearby apartment complexes, representing more than 1,500 living units, with information on amount of rent, deposit and length of lease. There is also a database of other rental options in the surrounding area, including houses, rooms, and more apartments for rent accessed by calling or visiting Student Activities in person. Monthly rental fees generally run $375-525 for a one-bedroom unit, $460-680 for a two-bedroom unit, and $590-1300 for a three- to five-bedroom unit. Student Activities also maintains a file of students seeking roommates. In addition to providing information on housing vacancies, staff can answer a variety of questions on off-campus living, or refer students to other sources on campus and in the community.
