Things I've Learned At Michigan State University
Start writing a post
Student Life

44 Things I've Learned Since Starting College At Michigan State University

Every MSU student has a different college experience and perception of Spartan nation; this is mine.

870
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:MSU_Beaumont_Tower_1.jpg
Wikimedia Commons

College has been one of the most life-changing and craziest experiences of my life. I didn't know what I was getting myself into when I started college at Michigan State University. I went from a bright-eyed eager freshman who knew nothing about Spartan nation or its sports teams and thought she knew what she wanted in life to a girl who changed her major six times sophomore year and wouldn't miss an MSU baseball game for the world.

There are so many things I wish I knew before starting college at MSU and so many things I wish I would have done differently, but everything happens for a reason I guess and I'm happy I got a chance to figure everything out as I worked my way up the grade scale, even if it was difficult and confusing at times.

Every MSU student has a different college experience and perception of Spartan nation; this is mine.

1. Graduating college on time is overrated, do it on your own time

2. The MSU Dairy Store has THE BEST ice cream around

3. Even when they have a losing season, you'll always cheer for the football team

4. It's okay if you don't meet your lifelong friends

5. You don't have to join Greek life to have an amazing college experience; there are plenty of clubs you can join where you'll meet people with similar interests

6. It's going to be the best and worst experience of your life

7. It's okay if you don't have everything figured out

8. Enjoy college because once it's over, adulthood sets in and there's no going back

9. Talk to your professors and get to know them; they'll write you a killer reference letter when you need it

10. Make friends in your classes; they'll come in handy when you can't make it to class

11. The dining halls rarely change their menus; the food is delicious but it gets old very quickly

12. Taking a picture with Sparty never gets old

13. Living off-campus isn't as cool as you think—cooking your own food SUCKS

14. Make an effort to keep in touch with people; campus is huge and if you don't make an effort, you may never see that person again (literally)

15. If you're looking for something to do, go to a sporting event; aside from football, basketball and hockey, they're all free!

16. You'll get so many free t-shirts you won't know where to store them

17. Say goodbye to the toxic people in your life and surround yourself with people who love you and make you happy

18. The Douglas J Aveda Institute on Grand River Ave. gives free blowouts; TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THIS

19. Frat parties get old, fast

20. Meeting your future husband is unlikely

21. You will lose contact with a majority of your high school best friends and that's okay; it means you're all growing up and figuring out who you want to be

22. You will change your mind, A LOT

23. Utilize the MSU Career Center in the Student Services building; from tips to writing a killer resume to internships you can apply for, they're there to help you

24. Utilize your advisor; they'll help you set up your schedule, keep you out of pointless classes and help you figure out your next move

25. No one cares what you wear to class; honestly, they don't even care if you show up

26. You're on your own now which means only you can hold yourself accountable

27. These next four (or five in my case) years may define your college years, but they won't define the rest of your life

28. Don't compare yourself to anyone else; doing this will destroy your confidence

29. Take time to relax and do something you enjoy; you'll have a mental breakdown if you don't

30. Guys are as immature as they were in high school

31. Rent your textbooks, never buy them

32. Don't get your textbooks until after the first day of class; you may not even need them

33. Skipping class seems like no big deal but it will only hurt your grade in the end; you're paying for it anyway so you might as well go

34. That being said, sometimes you need a "me" day so skipping class is appropriate, as long as it doesn't become a regular thing

35. Student discounts are EVERYWHERE; use them every chance you get

36. Laptop stickers and backpack pins are cool

37. Failing a test or a class isn't the end of the world, as long as it doesn't become a regular thing

38. For the last 18 years of your life, you haven't made a lot of decisions on your own; now that you're in college, your decisions are yours and your life is yours; live a life that makes you happy

39. Only you can make you happy; it's up to you to live a life you've always dreamed of

40. If you can afford it, study abroad, even if only for a week; the world is huge and it's waiting to be explored

41. Take care of yourself; limit the all-nighters, get enough sleep, eat healthy when you can, exercise even if it means just walking to class, take a "me day when you need it and don't be too harsh on yourself; you're doing the best you can

42. Buy a good pair of snow boots, an umbrella and a rain coat; Michigan weather is unpredictable

43. You'll bleed green and white for the rest of your life

44. Write it all down. I've never been a journal person myself, but I wish I had written about all of the crazy memories from freshmen year and everything I've learned since starting college, but maybe it's not too late and this is a good place to start?

These next four (or five in my case) years may be the best years of your life or they may totally suck, but they'll help you become the person you were always destined to be and hopefully help you figure out what you want to do with the rest of your life. These years are yours. Your life is yours. Do what makes you happy.

Good luck future and current Spartans!

From Your Site Articles
Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
beer on the beach

Summer is hot and humid, and it's almost like summer was made specifically to drink the refreshing, cold, crisp wonderful, delicious, nutritious nectar of the gods. Which is none other than beer; wonderful cold beer. With summer playing peek-a-boo around the corner while we finish up this semester, it's time to discuss the only important part of summer. And if you haven't already guessed, it's beer. There are few things I take more seriously than my beer, in order are: sports... and beer. Here are my favorite summer brews:

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

7 Reasons SoCal Rocks!

75 degrees and sunny, plus, no humidity. I mean do I really need to say more?

1328
woman in black and white long sleeve shirt carrying girl in red jacket in Venice beach
Photo by Jeff Hopper on Unsplash

SoCal summers are the best summers by far, and honestly, no argument is needed. But, if you aren't sure why SoCal summers are the best, here are 7 reasons why!

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

25 Lyrics for Selfie Captions

Because let's be honest, we all use lyrics.

53700
woman takes a selfie for social media
Pixabay

Sometimes you can't think of the perfect caption for your Instagram post. I love using lyrics as my captions because there's so many great lines in songs that just seem to fit in the moment. Here are some lyrics that could work for your selfie or pictures of you with your friends!

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Bruce Springsteen's Top 7 Lyrics

Everything Bruce says in his classic rock songs.

20164
bruce springsteen album cover born in the usa

Anyone who was born and raised in New Jersey (or anywhere really) knows of Bruce Springsteen, whether or not they like him is a whole other situation. I hope that his hundreds of classic rock songs and famous high energy performances, even in his sixties he can put on better concerts than people half his age, are at least recognizable to people of all ages. Love him or hate him (I identify with the former) you have to admit that some of his songs and interviews have inspirational quotes and lyrics.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

New England Summers Are The BEST Summers

Why you should spend your next summer in New England.

4635
Marconi Beach

Three years ago, I chose to attend college in Philadelphia, approximately 360 miles away from my small town in New Hampshire. I have learned many valuable lessons away from home, and have thoroughly enjoyed my time spent in Pennsylvania. One thing that my experience has taught me, however, is that it is absolutely impossible to beat a New England summer.

You cannot beat the beach. Believe it or not (which many people may not), New England has a long and beautiful coastline. Most of my high school summers were spent sitting on the Wall at Hampton Beach, getting sunburnt and eating Acai bowls from The Secret Spot. The Wall was the place to be both during the day and at night. We begin our days there with a KB's bagel and coffee, and end them with pizza and ice cream. It’s not a New England summer without that 4 p.m. text from someone, “Who wants to meet at the Wall tonight?” Nighttime is for Tripoli’s Pizza, the sound of waves, and wishes on shooting stars. Wednesday nights are especially important, as those are the nights that Hampton Beach sets off the weekly firework display.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments