Minot State University students who haven't lined up housing will find a tight housing market, university officials say.
"Currently we have limited space for women and very limited space for men," said Lisa Eriksmoen, director of student life. "Anyone wishing to apply for housing should do so immediately. August 16th is the start of the housing contract. We anticipate that we will have some limited space opening up at the start of the semester due to students changing their housing arrangements."
The Beaver Suites Apartments, a 32-unit apartment complex located immediately west of MSU on 10th Avenue Northwest, were developed by the MSU Development Foundation following the flood in 2011. There are 16 four-bedroom apartments and 16 two-bedroom apartments, rented primarily by students at prices somewhat below the market rate. All of them are currently full, said Marv Semrau, vice president for advancement.
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Andrea Johnson/MDN • The Beaver Suites Apartments, built following the flood last summer, are occupied mainly by Minot State University students and rent is below the market rate. They are completely full.
Semrau said Olympic village-style temporary housing units installed on the campus following the flood are also fully occupied.
Semrau said students who enquire about housing are being referred to local property management companies and the housing office tries to keep on top of any openings that might be available.
Semrau said he believes the tight housing market is keeping students from enrolling at the university.
"We're hearing from students and parents that housing is difficult," said Semrau. Semrau said enrollment was down 7 percent last year and he isn't sure what enrollment will look like for this fall semester, as numbers aren't in yet.
The MSU Development Foundation has purchased more land near the campus with the hope of building more housing that could be rented to students and faculty at affordable rates, said Semrau, and the foundation is trying to purchase additional land.