What to Expect When Touring 48 West Near Grand Valley State University

Are you a Grand Valley State University student looking for off-campus housing in Allendale? At 48 West, our friendly leasing team helps GVSU students find a home that fits their lifestyle through personalized, one-on-one tours.

Touring an apartment community is one of the most important steps in the housing search process. To help you feel confident and prepared, we’ve put together this guide covering what to expect before your tour, how to prepare, and what happens after you find the right fit at 48 West.

Before Your Tour

Before visiting 48 West, take some time to think through your housing priorities. Knowing what you’re looking for allows your tour to be more efficient and tailored to your needs.

Consider questions like:

•Do you already have roommates in mind?
•How many bedrooms do you need?
•Do you want your own bathroom?
•Are pets part of your plan?
•Is parking important to you?
•Do you prefer a specific layout or apartment style?

Having clear answers helps our leasing team guide you toward the best available apartment or townhome option.

Things to Think About Ahead of Time

•Budget and price range
•Number of bedrooms and bathrooms
•Parking needs
•Pet-friendly options
•Furnished vs. unfurnished spaces
•Community amenities
•Outdoor spaces or common areas

You should also come prepared with a list of questions. Since leasing is typically a year-long commitment, understanding all the details upfront is key to making the right decision.

Booking a Tour in Allendale

Once you’ve narrowed down your preferences, schedule a tour with our leasing office. Tours are available by appointment, and you can choose a date and time that works best for you.

If you plan to live with roommates, we recommend booking a time when everyone can attend together. This ensures everyone hears the same information and can discuss options as a group. 48 West offers both in-person and virtual tours for added flexibility.

Plan to spend about an hour on your tour. This allows enough time to walk the community, view model apartments, ask questions, and review floor plan options.

Arriving at 48 West

When you arrive for your tour, you’ll be greeted by a member of our leasing team who will guide you through the community, explain available features, and answer any questions along the way.

They’ll walk you through what makes 48 West a great choice for GVSU students, including its convenient location near campus, spacious layouts, and student-focused amenities designed for everyday living.

Touring the Community

During your tour, you’ll get a feel for daily life at 48 West. You’ll explore shared community spaces and outdoor areas designed for relaxing, studying, and spending time with friends.

You’ll also see key amenities such as:

•Resort-style pool and outdoor hangout spaces
•Fitness center
•Clubhouse and study areas
•Pet-friendly features
•Ample parking and bike storage

Your leasing team will explain how residents use these spaces throughout the school year and what sets 48 West apart from traditional apartment living.

Touring Model Apartments

A highlight of the tour is walking through model apartments. These spaces allow you to see bedroom layouts, shared living areas, kitchens, and bathrooms firsthand.

This is a great opportunity to picture what your daily routine could look like as a GVSU student living off campus and to get a feel for space, storage, and overall layout.

Reviewing Floor Plans

After touring the community and model apartments, you’ll sit down with a leasing team member to review available floor plans.

Now is the time to reference your priority list. The team will walk you through:

•Available bedroom and bathroom combinations
•Lease-by-the-bedroom options
•Layout differences and pricing
•Pros and cons of each option

While no floor plan checks every box, our team is there to help you find the best match based on your needs, budget, and preferences.

Starting Your Application

Once you’ve chosen a floor plan, you can begin your application to secure your spot at 48 West. The application typically takes about 10 minutes to complete and can be done in the leasing office so our team can assist if needed.

Be sure to bring a government-issued ID. International students are encouraged to complete their application in person so the leasing team can help with any questions that arise.

Guarantor Information

Most Grand Valley State University students will need a guarantor to complete the leasing process. A guarantor is typically a parent or guardian who agrees to take financial responsibility for the lease if needed.

Before starting your application, talk with your guarantor and gather their contact information. After you complete your portion of the application, your guarantor will receive an email with instructions to complete their section.

Signing Your Lease

After the application is approved, you’ll be prompted to sign your lease. Take your time reviewing each section and ask questions if anything is unclear. Once everything is signed, you’re officially a future resident of 48 West.

Ready to Tour 48 West?

We hope this guide helps you feel prepared and confident when touring 48 West near Grand Valley State University. Touring in person is the best way to see if our off-campus living experience is the right fit for your time at GVSU.

If you have questions or are ready to schedule a tour, our leasing team is happy to help you take the next step toward your new home in Allendale!

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a tour at 48 West take?

Plan to spend about an hour touring the community, viewing model apartments, and reviewing floor plan options.

Does 48 West offer virtual tours?

Yes, 48 West offers both in-person and virtual tours for added flexibility.

Can roommates tour together?

Yes, it’s recommended that all roommates attend the tour together when possible.

What should I bring to start an application?

Bring a government-issued ID. You should also have your guarantor’s contact information available.

Do most GVSU students need a guarantor?

Yes, most Grand Valley State University students will need a guarantor to complete the leasing process.