Housing and Campus Life

MSU offers a variety of housing options with accessible units and apartments throughout campus. Specific questions about accessible housing options should be discussed with an RCPD Specialist to determine which housing option will meet your needs.

More information about campus accessibility is found on our Accessibility at MSU page.

If you require air conditioning in your campus residence, there are two different processes. Students who only require air conditioning to manage their medical condition should follow the MSU Live On procedures. Students with a disability that require air conditioning and additional services to manage their disability should work with the RCPD.

MSU LiveOn Air Conditioning Request Process:

Residents with a confirmed medical condition who require air conditioning, and who will not require other accommodations and/or do not wish to register as a student with a disability, can request an air conditioning unit for their campus residence through MSU LiveOn. More information about the steps to request an air conditioner are found on the MSU Live On Room Information page. There is a specific form for LiveOn's process - you will get access to the form after completing the initial request in My Housing.

RCPD Air Conditioning Accommodation Request Process:

Residents with a disability that require air conditioning in order to manage any adverse impacts that would be experienced without air conditioning (such as impacts to breathing or inability to regulate body temperature) must identify and register with the Resource Center for Persons with Disabilities (RCPD) in advance, at least 45 days before the air conditioning is needed and provide the following documentation

1. Submit relevant disability documentation completed by treating/diagnosing medical professional.
2. Submit the Air Conditioning Accommodation Request Form completed by treating/diagnosing medical professional and resident.

Students with dietary concerns will find a range of opportunities in the MSU culinary system via MSU Eat at State. MSU offers a variety of food options at all campus residential dining halls and retail food venues, including menu items to support ovo-lacto vegetarianism, vegan, dairy-free and gluten-free diets. Our Culinary Services team identifies 11 allergens on our campus menu items – coconut, eggs, fish, milk, peanuts, sesame, shellfish, soy, tree nuts, wheat and gluten  – as well as dietary restrictions of alcohol, beef, gelatin, pork, vegan and vegetarian. 

The MSU Eat at State team makes every effort to thoroughly train staff and label food allergens in each dining hall and retail food venue.

If you have dietary concerns, such as allergies or ingredient concerns, you should begin by consulting with the University Registered Dietitian. It may not be necessary to register with RCPD for dietary concerns, as the campus dietician can provide many resources to students to mitigate these concerns. 

I'm an incoming student starting next semester, what do I need to know? 

When requesting housing accommodations, it is important to follow and complete the MSU Live On sign-up and selection process:  

1. Complete housing contract through the Live On MyHousing account  

2. Fill out preference forms   

3. Optionally select a roommate.  

As housing accommodations are approved (before or after your room assignment occurs), RCPD will work with students and MSU Live On to make the necessary housing adjustments. 

Visit the MSU Housing Live On website for more information on campus housing. 

Individuals interested in accessible housing options off-campus may contact the Disability Network Capital Area to inquire about housing resources in the community.

If you require specific housing modifications (single room, specific location, bathroom needs, etc.) due to your disability, please complete the following:

Step 1: Register with RCPD and provide the appropriate disability documentation.

Step 2: Submit a letter written by your diagnosing/treating medical professional on their professional letterhead explaining in detail why the housing accommodation is necessary due to your disability. If requesting a housing accommodation due to your psychiatric disability, the letter must come from a provider who is licensed to treat mental health conditions.

Step 3: The student resident submits answers to the following questions. These responses should be detailed and provide enough information to help a committee at RCPD understand exactly what is needed and why it is needed due to your disability. If your responses are submitted via email, it should come from your MSU email account.

1. What Housing Accommodation are you requesting?
2. What disability impacts are you experiencing that necessitate your requested housing accommodation?

Step 4: Once your RCPD specialist has all the necessary information, the RCPD housing committee will review the request and make a determination. Your RCPD specialist will relay the committee's decision back to you, and if approved, provide information to the housing office regarding the approved housing accommodations.

Michigan State University provides reasonable accommodations to housing residents with a documented disability, which could include the use of a Service Animal and/or Assistance Animal (emotional support animal) in University housing.

Assistance Animal Policy in University Housing

The University provides reasonable accommodations to housing residents with a documented disability. The Assistance Animal Policy in University Housing governs the use of Assistance Animals in University Housing. The Fair Housing Act (FHA) identifies two types of assistance animals: (1) service animals, and (2) other trained or untrained animals that do work, perform tasks, provide assistance, and/or provide therapeutic emotional support for individuals with disabilities. 

Review the Assistance Animal Policy in University Housing for the complete details and more information.

Service Animals in Housing

A person may reside with a Service Animal in housing if the person has a disability and the animal meets the definition of a "Service Animal", found in the Assistance Animal Policy in University Housing and Service Animal Policy. The service animal is permitted to accompany the resident to all areas of housing where residents are normally permitted to go. A resident who will utilize a service animal in housing is strongly encouraged but not required to identify and register with the RCPD.

Review the Service Animal Policy for the complete details and more information.

I'm having an issue with my current roommate. Can I receive accommodations? 

RCPD does not make housing accommodations for student residents who are experiencing roommate and/or interpersonal related conflicts within their residence hall.  

If you experience roommate or friendship concerns, you are strongly encouraged to contact your Resident Assistant (RA) or Community Director for assistance. To find contact information for the Community Director, select the campus neighborhood and choose the residence hall name. 

What happens if my housing selection period comes prior to meeting with an RCPD specialist?

It is important to follow all steps within the MSU Live On housing assignment process. If you are approved for a housing accommodation we will then be able to make necessary adjustments after your needs assessment and/or your housing accommodation is approved.

How long does it take to process my housing accommodation?

It depends on many factors including the requested housing accommodations and the time it takes you to submit required/additional documentation. Housing accommodations should be requested at least 45 days prior to move-in or when the accommodation is needed.

Can I receive housing accommodations in my living learning community?

Yes. You are able to request housing accommodations within your living learning community (LLC). You would follow the same process outlined above to request housing accommodations. Typically, RCPD tries to be respectful of the rules of the LLCs. Each LLC has different rules in place regarding housing selection, roommate options, and curriculum. Students within the LLCs are expected to follow the rules set forth by their community. Please reach out to your LLC for specific guidance on rules and requirements.

Can I request a housing accommodation after the start of a semester?

Yes. You can submit a housing accommodation request after the start of a semester. Students can submit a housing accommodation request at any time, though they are strongly encouraged to submit the request at least 45 days prior to the start of the semester. MSU Live On assists RCPD and the student with implementing accommodations as they are approved.

Can I receive housing accommodations due to my allergy or chemical sensitivity?

Yes. The RCPD Chronic Health Specialists can work with you to determine a reasonable housing accommodation and discuss options for a suitable living arrangement. You should identify and register with a Chronic Health disability if you feel you will need housing accommodations.