Housing

*Please contact University Student Housing at 406-994-2661 or housing@montana.edu with any housing inquiries.
 

University Student Housing is made up of on-campus residence halls and student apartments.  University Student Housing partners with Culinary Services and Residential Networking to provide a comfortable and safe environment for those students and families living on-campus at Montana State University.  We encourage you to look at the additional tabs for more information pertaining to these various departments and entities.

Residence Halls

Montana State University offers convenient and affordable on-campus housing for students. University Student Housing is committed to providing an environment which is socially stimulating while enhancing the academic experience of the students who live on campus. Students with fewer than 30 earned credit hours (while in a residence hall setting) are required to live in the residence halls. Prospective students are urged to submit an application at the earliest possible date since assignments are made in the order they are received. A limited number of single rooms are available.

Living Options

There are many living options available that encompass academic and social enrichment for our residents; however, living options do change from year to year, based on student need, academic interest areas, and national trends. Our current living options are listed below.

  1. All Female Halls (Hannon/Hapner)
  2. All Male Hall (Langford)
  3. Co-Ed Halls: Co-ed living environments are comprised of both men and women living on either separate floors or separate wings of the same hall (Headwaters Complex, Johnstone Center, Mullan, South Hedges, North Hedges, Residence Life Apartments, Roskie, Yellowstone, Hyalite).
  4. Headwaters Complex: The Headwaters Complex (Madison, Jefferson, and Gallatin Halls) offer co-ed style living environments in two, three, and four-bedroom arrangements. This living option provides students with an increased level of privacy while maintaining the convenience of on-campus living. Madison is mixed-gender housing - please see below.
  5. Johnstone Center: Pryor and Colter wings of Johnstone Center are co-ed wings with separate genders by floor. It is one of the living options exclusive to students over the age of 21 and/or Sophomore and Above class standing. This is a popular living option where students return year after year because they feel comfortable and at home. Also, many international students reside here, creating a fun and diverse community. Pryor and Colter wings offer single and double rooms with ample closet space, sinks, a lounge chair and carpet.
  6. Living Learning Communities (LLCs): Dedicated to academic success, University Student Housing offers floors designed to assist students with similar majors or interests. Currently, Business, Creative Arts, Emerging Leaders, Engineering, Honors, Sense of Place, and Well-Being are scattered throughout all of the residence halls. Some of these LLCs may or may not have a course component and more information will be provided or can be found on the University Student Housing website.
    1. Business LLC: The Business Living Learning Community is designed to provide career exploration and exposure to other majors/minors that allow for a career in the business field. Residents will have access to in-hall academic advising, study sessions, and evening presentations by business faculty and local business leaders. This living option is co-ed. (South Hedges)
    2. Creative Arts LLC: The Creative Arts Living Learning Community is open to any student interested in the creative arts. The lounge space was remodeled to accommodate a workspace for creating models and completing art projects. This living option is co-ed. (South Hedges)
    3. Emerging Leaders LLC: The Emerging Leaders Living Learning Community is a space for residents to explore their role as an emerging leader. As a member of this community residents will have the unique opportunity to learn and practice their individual style of leadership. This is a collaboration between University Student Housing and the Leadership Institute to provide programming and mentorship throughout the year. This living option is co-ed. (South Hedges)
    4. Engineering LLC: The Engineering Living Learning Community is designed to give residents an edge in their demanding and competitive engineering majors. Residents are provided with programs and workshops that supplement their in-class experience, as well as in-hall study sessions and faculty presentations. This living option is offered in Langford and Hannon Halls. (Hannon/Langford)
    5. Honors LLC: Housed in The Quads and one floor in South Hedges, Hannon, and Langford, these options are for students enrolled in the Honors College. These spaces provide an ideal setting for the study sessions and spontaneous discussions that foster the growth of an Honors student. (Quads/South Hedges/Hannon/Langford)
    6. Sense of Place LLC: The Sense of Place Living Learning Community focuses on residents establishing an understanding of their self and their place in the world. This community was developed for students unsure about what they want to study and what their futures hold. This living option is co-educational. (South Hedges)

    7. Well-Being LLC: At Montana State University, we encourage students to find a balance between their personal and academic well-being. As a member of the Well-Being floor, students will have the opportunity to explore their own best self as well as have direct access to professionals on campus to deepen their understanding of all aspects of health. Students can connect with peers, explore opportunities for self-care, advocate for health and the well-being with others who share a common passion. (Yellowstone)

  7. Mixed Gender Housing: Montana State University is committed to creating a culture of intellectual and personal growth. Learning is enhanced when topics are examined from diverse perspectives and because individuals possess unique outlooks which reflect the world around us. Montana State University is dedicated to creating an inclusive community that embraces a rich mix in the composition of its student body, staff, and faculty. We have listed some details below about the living option:

    1. Mixed Gender Housing (MGH) allows students to live together in a suite, regardless of their sex or gender. This means that students may be in a suite with other students who identify as a man, a woman, gender-nonconforming, or any other gender expression.
    2. Students will have the opportunity to participate in a number of hall and campus programs including Safe Zone Training, American Indian Heritage Day, Black History Month, India Night, Coming Out Day, International Food Bazaar as well as a number of other campus programs that are hosted throughout the year.

    3. The community has additional optional programs and resources provided throughout the year around various topics of diversity including race, gender, age, language, socioeconomic status, religion, political affiliation, geographical background, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, and ability status.

    4. Students that live in this community will be required to provide feedback to the University Student Housing department and the University about their overall satisfaction and suggestions for improvement to the living option in the future.
    5. Please feel free to contact Kim Carlson, Program Coordinator for University Student Housing, at (406) 994-2661 or at krcarlson@montana.edu to understand all of the living options available to you or to discuss any questions that you may have. Our goal is to provide a welcoming community for all students and the earlier we can discuss and address any of your concerns, the more flexibility we will have in assisting you with exploring different housing options.
  8. Julia Martin Apartments: These apartments are single-gender apartments situated in the Julia Martin complex situated near Miller Dining Hall and the Hedges Complex. Julia Martin Apartments offer the independence and space of an apartment with the convenience, RA staff support, and programming of a traditional residence hall and is offered only for sophomore & above, 21+ students, and transfer students.

Please visit the University Student Housing website, contact the University Student Housing Office at 406-994-2661, or email housing@montana.edu for the specific halls and floors which provide the living options outlined above.

Facilities

Room Equipment and Furnishings

All rooms have closets, extra-long twin beds (except Quads and Roskie), chests of drawers, study desks, wastebaskets, chairs, and window coverings. Each room is wired for secure wired, and wireless internet connections. It is the responsibility of the residents to maintain order and cleanliness in their rooms.

Laundry

Laundry rooms are in every hall with the exception of the Madison and Jefferson Halls in the Headwaters Complex (laundry can be washed in North Hedges Hall) and are equipped with Cat Card-operated automatic washers and dryers.

Residence Hall Association (RHA)

All students residing in the residence halls are members of the Residence Hall Association. Organized on floor, hall, and inter-hall levels with programming and governmental committees, RHA strives to uphold and promote the interests of students residing in the residence halls and to provide an active voice in residence hall administrative policy and operating procedures.

Personal Funds and Property

Students are urged to help safeguard their personal funds by establishing local checking accounts. All other valuable personal property should be adequately protected by the student. Montana State University is not insured nor responsible for the loss or destruction of any personal property of students. Students are encouraged to carry their own personal property insurance. University Student Housing has selected a preferred Renters Insurance company, GradGuard, and has additional information on the University Student Housing website.

Montana State University has strict regulations regarding firearms on campus; contact University Police for details.

Board Charges and Meal Plans

All residence hall students are required to have a meal plan. Meals are served in the dining halls during Thanksgiving Break and Spring Break on a modified schedule. Meals are not served in the dining halls during Winter Break, which is reflected in the meal plan charges.

Student meal plans can be viewed on the Culinary Services website.

In addition to these meal plans, off-campus students (only) have the option to purchase a variety of commuter meal plans, which can be viewed on the Culinary Services webpage.

Semester Charges

Prices for the current academic semester can be obtained through the Residence Hall Room & Board rates page.

Note: Charges listed are estimates for the semester and are subject to change without notice.

Payment of Charges

Room and board fees, ResNet, and the RHA social fee are paid in full at the beginning of each semester during the fee payment period. Installment payments for room and board must be arranged in advance with the Office of Student Accounts. There are no deductions for room or board for late arrivals (at the beginning of the semester) or for early departures (at the end of the semester).

Application for Housing

Apply online on the University Student Housing Portal.

Prepayment

A $300 non-refundable prepayment is required when submitting a Residence Hall Application. The University will not process housing requests until the student has submitted a completed housing application and the $300 nonrefundable prepayment. The $300 will be applied to the total housing costs upon payment of fees.

Prepayment Forfeiture

Failure to occupy the room or cancellation of the contract before or during the contract period will result in the forfeiture of the $300 prepayment.

Refunds of Room and Board Payments

Students who withdraw from courses or have an approved Contract Release during a semester will receive a prorated refund of their room and board payments based on check-out date and based on the University Student Housing Refund Schedule unless they are suspended by the university or evicted for conduct.

Rooms are held until the first hour of classes on the first class day of the semester.

A student who is absent from his/her residence hall for one or more weeks of consecutive meals due to his/her own illness or participation in University-sponsored activities will be refunded based on a pro-rated system, provided the student notifies Culinary Services in advance of the University-sponsored activity. Requests for refunds based on absence due to illness must be submitted in writing to Culinary Services, accompanied by a statement from the Director of Student Health Services, or the student’s own doctor, indicating required hospitalization or home care.

Exemptions from On Campus Living

All incoming students with fewer than 30 credits (not including AP credits) in a university residential setting are required to live on campus for their first two academic semesters. However, there are some criteria that, if met, may qualify a student for an exemption from living on campus. Qualifications for exemption are as follows:

  1. Marriage.
  2. Physical custody of a dependent child.
  3. Have completed one full academic year at another college/university while living in a residence hall.
  4. Will be taking 6 or fewer credit hours.
  5. Financial Hardship
  6. A medical or disability condition that precludes a student from living in the residence halls.
  7. Will be living at home with an immediate family member (mother, father, brother, sister, grandmother, grandfather) or legal guardian.
  8. Current active military or veteran's status.
  9. Have other extenuating circumstances.

To initiate the exemption process, you must submit the required written documentation listed on the exemption application. This must be received by the University Student Housing Office prior to the academic period requested. Exemptions received after the start of any term will be considered, but rarely approved. The Request for Exemption form can be found in our housing portal.

Students must be enrolled as a student of the University and must take no fewer than 12 undergraduate or 9 graduate credits to live in the residence halls. All students taking less than 12 credits will need to request permission from the Director of University Student Housing to live in the residence halls and, if approved, will be placed on Residence Hall probation. If a student is taking less than 7 credits or is no longer enrolled in the University, they are not eligible to live in the residence halls. Please contact the University Student Housing Office at 406-994-2661 or housing@montana.edu for more information.

The specific opening/closing dates for the residence halls will be sent to students with their room assignments. If this information is needed earlier, please contact the University Student Housing Office at 406-994-2661, housing@montana.edu, or check out the University Student Housing website.

Although the residence halls officially close during Winter break, students are able to stay on campus. Students living in some halls may be required to temporarily move during the break period. There is an additional charge for students who stay on campus during Winter break housing as winter break period is not included in academic year room & board rates; these costs are not assessed to students who do not utilize the services. Only authorized individuals are allowed in the residence halls during breaks, therefore guests are not permitted as this is a service that we can provide to hall residents only. 

Hall residents will be able to stay in their assigned rooms during Thanksgiving and Spring breaks with no additional cost.

Work Opportunities

For students needing to work while attending Montana State University, there are a number of employment opportunities available in residence halls, at front desks, and with the various food services on campus. Information regarding employment may be obtained by contacting the University Student Housing Office and Culinary Services or through the Employment webpage. Work study/financial aid status is not necessary to qualify for student employment although it is preferred.

University Student Apartments

University Student Apartments is pleased to offer convenient, affordable housing as a service to enable families, married couples, graduate students, single parents, and those in a legally dependent relationship to continue their education.

University Student Apartments offers over 550 units in one, two, and three bedroom apartment/house configurations in six different communities. Units are on-campus and a quick 10-15 minutes to campus buildings and amenities. While each apartment complex varies, available options include: washer/drier hookups, free laundry (in apartment complexes without washer/dryer connections), ResNet connection, dishwashers (Paisley and Branegan units), storage areas, playground equipment, and picnic tables.

Electric and gas utility costs are included in all units except McIntosh, Paisley, and the West Side Houses. Water, sewer, and garbage costs are included in the rental price of all units.

As a benefit to our tenants, University Student Apartments offers a variety of services to assist with making the transition to campus-life: a team of community assistants (CA’s) who help to provide 24/7 service to tenants; a monthly newsletter to inform tenants of upcoming campus and community events; close proximity to the ASMSU Day Care Center, available for children 2-1/2 years through kindergarten; events and programs catered to adults, children, and families to help connect with neighbors; a staff of skilled craftsmen to assist with any maintenance problems; a 24-hour call-out service to assist with emergencies; and more.

Eligibility Requirements:

  1. ELIGIBILITY:  University Student Apartments are intended to provide students of Montana State University and the Gallatin College Workforce Program with affordable housing in an environment conducive to academic and personal success. Students with families, single graduate students, and eligible undergraduates may apply for available housing units.
    1. Student Status: The student Tenant must be and remain a degree-seeking student of Montana State University or the Gallatin College Workforce Program, registered for and completing a minimum of nine (9) undergraduate credits or six (6) graduate credits during each semester of occupancy, and making timely progress towards a degree in a university approved program. Students must pre-register for classes or demonstrate intent to register (from an advisor), no later than June 1 for fall semester, and November 22, for spring semester, of each calendar year, in order to maintain student status.
      1. WWAMI students may reside in University Student Apartments, provided program and class registration can be verified, and program participation continues to require student Tenant presence in Bozeman, MT.
      2. Tenants must have a primary role of student. Students meeting all other criteria, who are also an MSU employee at .75 FTE or greater are not eligible to reside in student housing.
      3. The parameters below apply to duration of tenancy in all University Student Housing options. You may continue to live in University Student Housing if you progress to the next degree level, provided it is your first of that type of degree.
        1. Undergraduate students should be in their first undergraduate degree and not exceed six years (72 months) living on campus.
        2. Master degree students should be in their first master degree program and not exceed three years (36 months) living on campus.
        3. Doctoral students should be in their first doctoral program and not exceed six years (72 months) living on campus.
        4. The maximum cumulative time that any student may live in student housing (all degrees and all housing options) is nine years (108 months).
  2. Family Status: Students, meeting student status eligibility (above),with families may reside in University Student Apartments only with those for whom the student has or shares a legal responsibility, and approved members of the student’s immediate family. Examples of such relationships include married students, students with dependent children, students with dependent parent(s), and students with disabilities who require a live-in personal care attendant. Student applicants must provide documentation of their legal relationship to those persons residing with the student prior to picking up keys for their assigned unit. Such documentation could include a marriage license or children’s birth certificate(s) and/or custody decree, legal/notarized letter of guardianship, shared utilities, or other documentation sufficient to establish a legal responsibility (shared bank accounts do not qualify). A student must have physical custody of a dependent child for four or more months of the academic year to be eligible for student housing. Students with families may choose from: Paisley Court, West Julia Martin, Branegan Court, McIntosh Court, or Westside Houses.
  3. Graduate Student Status: Single graduate students, meeting student status eligibility (above), are eligible to reside in designated graduate student housing. Graduate students may be placed in a single-dwelling, one-bedroom apartment OR in a two-bedroom apartment with a graduate or undergraduate (junior or senior level) roommate who meets student eligibility as defined above. Single student tenants are responsible for finding their own roommate. Graduate students may choose one of three housing options:
    1. Reside in a one-bedroom apartment as a single occupant in Nelson Story Tower or Peter Koch Tower (limited availability).
    2. Reside in a two-bedroom apartment with a (housing-eligible) student roommate (Grant Chamberlain Drive). Tenants will each pay one-half of the apartment rent. If a roommate cannot be found, or if a roommate moves out, the Tenant will have one month from date of notice from the student housing office to secure a roommate. If the Tenant has not secured a roommate in one month, s/he will be assigned a roommate. Tenants are expected to maintain their unit in such a manner that a new person can move in within 48 hours’ notice.
  4. Undergraduate Single Student Status: When availability permits, single undergraduates who have earned more than seventy- two (72) credits are eligible to reside in housing designated for single graduate students. Single undergraduates must maintain a minimum of nine (9) credits completed each semester in a degree-seeking program. Single undergraduates may choose from the housing options available to graduate students listed above.
  5. Interlink Students: When availability permits, full-time Interlink students are eligible to reside in University Student Housing; Part-time interlink students may request a temporary exception.
  6. Summer Occupancy: To continue occupancy during the summer months, the student Tenant must either:
    1. be and remain a registered student for Summer Semester (six (6) undergraduate credits or three (3) graduate credits), AND be pre-registered for the following fall semester by June 1 if planning to continue living in University Student Apartments,
    2. be and remain a full-time registered student for Summer Semester (six (6) undergraduate credits or three (3) graduate credits), AND plan to vacate within 15 days of the last date of summer classes, if not intending to continue residency in University Student Apartments,
    3. have completed at least nine (9) undergraduate credits or six (6) graduate credits for the preceding spring semester, be in good scholastic standing for the preceding spring semester, and be pre-registered, by June 1, for the following fall semester,
    4. or be pre-registered for the upcoming fall semester (this only applies to students seeking a new housing assignment, moving in during summer months, and otherwise eligible for student housing).
  7. Change in Status: If there is a change in marital status, residence of spouse or residence/dependency of children, or other status related to eligibility, the Tenant must notify the student housing office immediately. If the Tenant’s change in status results in his/her ineligibility for student housing, the Tenant must vacate the unit within 30 days following the change in status causing ineligibility, regardless of when the student housing office was notified.

University Culinary Services

www.montana.edu/culinaryservices

Meal Plan Options

Our meal plans offer students the flexibility and freedom to eat what, where, and when they want with the convenience of two locations across campus. Students living in the Residence Halls may choose between a 5-Day Meal Plan (Mon-Fri) or one of the 7-Day Meal Plans (Sun-Sat) options. All plans allow for unlimited entry and unlimited food at any of the two locations during hours of operations.

Residence Dining Commons Hours of Operation

Miller Dining Commons & Rendezvous Dining Pavilion

Dining Hall Hours of Operation

Choosing A Meal Plan

Bobcat Anytime Gold

This plan provides unlimited access to the all-you-care-to-eat residential dining venues seven (7) days per week during operating hours and a $150 balance in CatCash per semester.

Bobcat Anytime Silver

This plan provides unlimited access to the all-you-care-to-eat residential dining venues seven (7) days per week during operating hours per semester.

Bobcat Anytime Copper

This plan is designed for students who will not be on campus on the weekends. It provides unlimited access to the all-you-care-to-eat residential dining venues five (5) days per week (Monday-Friday) during operating hours and a $150 balance in CatCash per semester.

Bobcat Anytime Bronze

This plan is designed for students who will not be on campus on the weekends. It provides unlimited access to the all-you-care-to-eat residential dining venues five (5) days per week (Monday-Friday) during operating hours per semester.

CatCash can be used at:

  • Any of the campus retail food operations
  • Bookstore
  • Concessions
  • Dining Commons
  • All laundry facilities in the Residence Halls
  • Housing Print Kiosks

Notes:

  • A student who is absent from his/her residence hall for one or more weeks of consecutive meals due to his/her own illness or participation in University-sponsored activities will be refunded based on a pro-rated system, provided the student notifies Culinary Services in advance of the University-sponsored activity. Requests for refunds based on absence due to illness must be submitted in writing to Culinary Services,  accompanied by a statement from the Director of Student Health Services, or the student’s own doctor, indicating required hospitalization or home care.

ResNet

www.montana.edu/resnet

The MSU Residential Network (ResNet) is a campus network that provides secure wired and wireless connections for students living in the Residence Halls and in University Student Apartments. ResNet is available as part of the room and board plan.  If you own a computer, laptop, tablet or smart phone or plan to purchase one, you will be able to browse the Web from the comfort of your own room, dining halls, or common areas and lounges.  For those residents not bringing a computer to school, ResNet also provides computing facilities with network access, Microsoft Office software, and high speed printing in six computer labs located in the Residence Halls.

Help Desk

ResNet provides a full service help desk to those students living on campus.  If you are experiencing any network related problems, general technical issues, or have questions about your service, ResNet's technicians are available 6 days a week as part of your room and board plan.