FITCHBURG — 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.
“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.”
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 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 at 978.665.3219 or [email protected]. Additional information is posted on the university website at www.fitchburgstate.edu/campus-life/residence-life.
-Fitchburg State University
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