As Ferris students search for a silver lining after returning from spring break, there is an opportunity for free lodging on campus during the Summer 2017 semester.
Summer housing contracts for Ferris opened Wednesday, Feb. 15, to allow students who are enrolled in six or more credit hours during the summer semester to further benefit from living on campus.
Bryan Marquardt, director of the Office of Housing and Residence Life, explained the numerous benefits for residential students who are taking classes during the summer.
“Taking summer classes, while living on campus, gives our students the best of all worlds,” Marquardt said. “They still receive the same quality of education, in an atmosphere that is generally more laid back. All of the services will be there for our residential students. Plus, campus is beautiful during the summer, and the greater Big Rapids area offers numerous recreational and shopping opportunities.”
Students paying for six or more credits will have access to free housing in a residency hall. This benefit also includes unlimited utilities, close proximity to academic buildings and access to The Rock Café by purchasing the Bulldog Anytime summer meal plan.
Students who are working full-time on campus, and who have signed a housing contract for the 2017-18 academic year, also qualify for the free Summer 2017 housing deal.
“I feel like it’s a great opportunity for people to stay on campus and get that college feeling. I know a lot of other universities around here that charge for you to live on campus over the summer where Ferris doesn’t,” said Ferris diagnostic medical sonography freshman Kaylee Zeerip.
According to Ferris’ Housing and Resident Life webpage, the summer semester housing contract is $2,264 for those students who don’t meet either the credit or full-time on campus working requirements for the deal.
“I took summer classes last year, and it was convenient that I didn’t have to search for housing. I couldn’t move into my apartment until August, so it was a great relief for me and gave me the chance to focus on my studies,” said Ferris welding engineering technology sophomore Cassie Machen.
Campus residential facilities open for the summer semester on Sunday, May 14. The first day of summer classes is Tuesday, May 16.
“You’ll go home for a week or so in-between semesters and then will leave the weekend before fall semester starts in early August,” said Taylor Helmer, front desk assistant at the Office of Housing and Residence Life. “We will have Bond and Cramer halls open during this time.”
Students interested in signing a housing contract can call the Ferris Office of Housing and Residence Life at 231-591-3745 or check out their webpage for more information.