Fitchburg State University has announced the launch of a new family housing option to support both undergraduate and graduate students with families as they pursue their degrees.
The university has introduced a model apartment to showcase the layout and features available to prospective resident families, expanding its residential footprint and continuing its efforts to provide flexible, accessible, and inclusive housing solutions for a diverse student population. The family units will be located at 185 North St., which had previously served as apartments for traditional undergraduate and graduate students.
The addition of family housing reflects Fitchburg State’s commitment to adapting to the evolving needs of its community. In recent years, the university has expanded its residential offerings along North Street, Highland Avenue, and within Simonds Hall to accommodate a growing number of non-traditional, international, and graduate students. By expanding options at the 185 North St. property, the university is creating a dedicated, supportive environment where students balancing academic goals with family responsibilities can thrive directly on campus.
“Housing pressures are real across North Central Massachusetts, and they affect our students, their families, our workforce, and the communities we serve," said Fitchburg State President Donna Hodge. "This new option gives us an opportunity to respond to an immediate student need while also learning more about where demand exists and how the university can be a thoughtful partner in larger conversations about housing, access, and economic opportunity in our region. For Fitchburg State, this is about understanding what our students and community need and helping create the conditions for good solutions to emerge.”
Designed to comfortably accommodate up to five family members – defined as spouses, significant others, or dependent children – each family unit is structured as a spacious, fully furnished five-bedroom apartment. The layout provides ample room for both personal privacy and shared family life.
Each unit features two bedrooms equipped with twin XL beds, dressers, and study desks, alongside a primary bedroom fitted with a queen-size bed, dresser, and desk.
The shared spaces within each unit are thoughtfully designed for daily convenience. The living room comes fully furnished with a sofa, coffee table, end table, and a wall-mounted 40-inch television. The kitchen is equipped with modern, full-size appliances, including a refrigerator and freezer, stovetop, oven, and dishwasher, as well as a four-person dining table. For added convenience, every unit includes an in-unit washer and dryer, eliminating the need to use shared laundry facilities.
“Family housing allows us to think about the residential experience in a more inclusive way and recognize that 'living on campus' can look different for every student,” said Fitchburg State Director of Residence Life Reilly Schaefer. “We recognize that our students have lives and responsibilities beyond the classroom, and we want them to see living on campus as more than simply renting a space, but an opportunity to feel at home and be part of a supportive residential community. With fully furnished apartments, all-inclusive utilities, modern amenities, proximity to campus resources and year-round housing options, we've designed family housing to make day-to-day life a little easier so our students can focus on their education while still having the comforts and stability of a home.”
To simplify budgeting and lower living barriers for student families, the cost of family housing is structured as an all-inclusive package. Housing fees cover all standard utilities, including water, electricity, gas, sewer, and heat, as well as complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi access.
Additionally, the university provides full maintenance support, trash disposal, and regular snow removal throughout the winter months.
A key advantage of the family housing program is its year-round availability. Unlike traditional undergraduate residence halls that close during campus breaks, family housing operates on a 12-month housing occupancy agreement. This structure allows resident families to remain continuously in their homes through winter, spring, and summer breaks without disruption.
"Our goal in Student Affairs is to create an environment where every student has the resources and support they need to succeed, no matter their life stage," said Dean of Students and Chief Student Affairs Officer Tim St. John. “This is one example of how we are working to ensure a student experience that is accessible to all.”
Students in good academic standing who remain enrolled in their degree programs will also have the opportunity to renew their housing agreements for subsequent years.
By offering comprehensive family accommodations directly on campus, Fitchburg State aims to reduce commute times, relieve external housing stress, and integrate student families into the broader university community. Residents will enjoy immediate proximity to campus academic buildings, administrative offices, health services, and recreational facilities, ensuring that non-traditional and graduate student families have equal access to vital campus support structures.
The program is open to both undergraduate and graduate students enrolled in degree-granting programs at Fitchburg State University. Prospective residents must meet standard eligibility requirements and complete the formal Family Housing Agreement process.
Students interested in exploring this new housing option, reviewing eligibility details, or arranging a viewing of the model apartment are encouraged to reach out directly to the university's Residence Life office.
Inquiries and application requests can be submitted via email to housing@fitchburgstate.edu or by visiting the Fitchburg State Residence Life website at www.fitchburgstate.edu/campus-life/residence-life.