I have spent the past months strolling along the Red Cedar, eating my body weight at late night at the MSU Union, and spending waaaay too much money (and time) at the Spartan Bookstore. After completing my first semester at Michigan State University, I felt as if it was time to share a few tips.
1. Your Schedule is Everything
With a campus over 5,200 acres, it nearly impossible to get from one side of campus to another in the 20 minutes you'd have between your 10:20 and 11:30. Schedule builder will save you from running from your Algebra course at Vet Medical Center to your Econ lecture in Holden, an entire mile away. If you play your cards right, sign up for text alerts as soon as the last seat opens up in that class you're dying to get, and wait, you could eventually never leave Wells Hall.
2. Bookmark Eat At State.... Immediately
There is at least one Caf in each neighborhood on campus, meaning you can basically eat wherever you go. That being said, there is a wide variety of food in each dining hall on campus. The best place to go out where they're serving your favorite food is Eat At State! If you're as obsessed with pepper jack mac n' cheese as me, you know the trip from Case to Akers is worth it if it means you don't have to eat vegetable egg rolls for dinner everyday of the week.
3. Campus is Beautiful... Explore it!
One of the most exciting parts of coming to MSU was the scenery. With it's beautiful River Trail, Red Cedar River, and North neighborhood that looks like it was taken straight out of Hogwarts, you'll find your favorite corner of campus and will never complain about the 20 minute walk it takes to get there from your dorm. Campus is so beautiful in the fall that it's almost a punishment to go to class.
4. Class is Actually Important
Although many classes don't count attendance as part of your final grade, going to class will take you from a 3.0 to a 4.0. Also, if your class does take attendance, your professors will hate you for skipping without a justified reason. If you're paying thousands of dollars to be here, you might as well actually go to class. It'll save you during finals week as well.
5. Fun is a Priority
Sure, academics are what you're here for, but being at a Big Ten school guarantees that you will have multiple opportunities to S(Party) on. Whether you're hitting up a frat house, or dorm party, you'll find new people, decent music, and tons of sweaty college students who want to enjoy their weekend as much as you do. Don't be afraid to put on a nice outfit, grab your plastic water bottle, and wander to Grand River.
6. Saturdays are for Spartans
You have not lived until you've experienced a Saturday during football season. Sure, you might not be able to make it to your 8 a.m, but you will definitely be able to make it across campus on a Saturday morning to tailgate with all of your best friends. Put on some green and white, hydrate, and be ready for a long day of football. Even if Sparty takes an L, you'll be winning all day long.
7. Your Roommate Can be Your Best Friend or Your Enemy
As someone who has never shared a room, this was one of the biggest transitions into college. Dorm rooms are tiny, and moving your entire life into one can be stressful. Your roommate is going through the same thing. My best advice: get to know who you are living with before you move in together. My roommate is the best person in the world, but I know others who have gone through 2-3 roommates merely because they don't know how to compromise. Be friendly, honest, and try to maintain a healthy relationship and respect your roommate. It can make or break your experience.
8. Learn the Buses
CATA buses are one of the only things I hate about Michigan State University, but only because I don't understand them. Even if you don't have to use them, it's helpful to understand what buses can get you off campus, across campus, and to helpful places such as Student Services or the Union. One day you'll eventually need to know how to use them and where to go and you'll thank yourself in the long run.
9. Residential Colleges are 10x Better
This might just be personal bias, but being in James Madison College makes college so much easier than what it would be outside. Two classes in the building I live in, professors and employees who put you on a first name basis, programs pushed towards the students that directly help them, and living in the same building as your peers is one of greatest parts of MSU for me. There's multiple different living-learning communities - look into them.
10. Everyone Looks Good in Green and White
No matter your race, age, gender, sexual orientation, religion, or background, green and white will look good on you. Sparty on, prepare your "GO WHITE" response to every "GO GREEN" you hear, and prepare for a second semester of excitement.
