Parents’ Guide To Grand Valley State University Off-Campus Housing

The apartments are designed to make moving in easier and more convenient. Depending on availability and the floor plan selected, students may have access to furnished or unfurnished options. Parents should contact the leasing office for the most current furniture package details, what is included, and whether a specific floor plan is available furnished.

Residents of 48 West can pay rent online through the resident portal. Before signing, parents should review the lease carefully so they understand payment due dates, possible fees, and resident responsibilities.

There are various one-bedroom, two-bedroom, and four-bedroom floor plans that are available. Pricing is based per person/per bed, so parents and students should contact our leasing office for the most current rates and availability. Our floor plans include several different options to choose from: furnished and unfurnished units, townhome and flat-style layouts, oversized private bedrooms, attached bathrooms, in-unit laundry, high-speed Wi-Fi, and private balconies or patios.

Yes. 48 West is located in Allendale, MI, only 0.4 miles or about a nine-minute walk away from Grand Valley State University. This convenient location helps students stay connected to campus life while still enjoying the independence of an off-campus apartment. For parents, location matters because it can affect your student’s commute, schedule, and ability to participate in classes, clubs, study sessions, and events.

48 West is more than just an apartment community near Grand Valley State University. We are part of the student experience. Each year, 48 West is a main sponsor of Lakerpalooza, one of GVSU’s major student events. For parents, that connection matters. It means your student is living in a community that understands GVSU student life and stays involved with the campus community.

We recommend packing by category! This allows students to review their items from each space they will be using and figure out what essentials they need to bring. To make the apartment functional without overpacking, we created a list of necessities to reference as you pack.

• Bedroom: bedding, pillows, hangers, laundry basket, décor, chargers
• Bathroom: towels, toiletries, bath mat, shower items, trash can
• Kitchen: dishes, cookware, utensils, food storage, cleaning supplies
• School: backpack, laptop, notebooks, desk supplies, planner
• Shared spaces: coordinate with roommates before buying larger items

Yes. 48 West has an on-site bus stop, making transportation to and from Grand Valley State University more convenient for residents. The Rapid bus line serving GVSU runs through the property, which means students do not have to walk outside of the community to catch the bus, like they may at some other apartments. For parents, this can provide extra peace of mind when it comes to daily commuting, especially during busy class days or Michigan weather.

More than just apartment living, our community includes on-site retail and dining, giving students convenient access to food, drinks, and everyday treats without having to leave the property.
On-site retail stores and food services include:

• Bliss Energy Drinks
• Bare Mex (opening soon)
• Exotic candies

These options make it easier for students to grab something between classes, meet up with friends, or enjoy a quick treat close to home.

We have amenities that are designed for studying, relaxing, and connecting with friends. One standout feature is our community’s movie theater, which is separate from the game room. This gives residents another dedicated space to unwind, watch movies, spend time with roommates, or take a break from schoolwork. Parents can ask the leasing team about the full amenity package, including study spaces, social areas, recreation features, and other community perks available to residents.