Housing: Frequently Asked Questions
The Harrisburg Institute is a collaborative program of Messiah
College linking urban learning and service through a living learning
community, coursework, and research.
Yes, one component of the Harrisburg Institute is to provide
residential programming. This programming creates an
environment that engages students in experiences that
address community needs in Harrisburg as well as providing
opportunities for reflection.
Yes, Harrisburg Housing is one component of the Harrisburg
Institute. The Division of Student Affairs collaborates with
the Harrisburg Institute to provide high quality residential
educational programming. Other aspects of the Institute
include course work and research programs.
Harrisburg Institute is located at 28 Dewberry Street, one block
away from Strawberry Square, 2nd Street, the Capitol Complex,
and other downtown amenities. The Institute is neighbor to
Harrisburg’s International House and Harrisburg University.
Harrisburg Housing is charged with encouraging residents to
practice community life, engage with the city of Harrisburg,
and examine their role in society in light of service within it.
Students find themselves having community meals, weekly
potlucks, book studies, and many opportunities to volunteer
in Harrisburg.
This is the perfect opportunity for students who are doing
research with a professor, student teaching, have an internship,
or are on an outreach team. Also, students desiring to explore
Harrisburg, live off campus, and participate in service find this
housing option to be an excellent fit.
Harrisburg Housing has capacity for 25 socially conscious and
servant-minded students.
Students can live in 1-, 2-, or 4-person apartments. All the
apartments come fully furnished with beds, desks, bookcases,
and a couch. Each apartment also has a kitchen and
bathroom.
It costs the same to live in Harrisburg as living in an
on-campus apartment.
Since students spend much time off campus, many opt not
to have a meal plan and instead prepare their own food. Each
apartment comes ready with a refrigerator, oven, and counter
space. Meal plan options are still available for those who
desire them.
A student-operated shuttle runs between Harrisburg and
Grantham, making it convenient to stay connected to both
locations. Actually, students are encouraged to leave their cars
on campus during the week and rely on the shuttle for their
weekly on-campus responsibilities.
Some parking is available on site for students. Additionally,
some off-street parking options are available. Many residents
decide to use the shuttle during the week and use their cars
on the weekends.
Craig Dalen, director of community life, is the on-site
residential professional at the Harrisburg Institute. He
supervises all aspects of the residential programming and
can answer any additional questions you might have.
