Michigan State University
East Lansing, MI, USA

Reviews

Michigan State University

Paulina from zeeland, MI

a current student here
24 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
As one of the eleven Big Ten schools, Michigan State's prestige includes it's wonderful learning opportunities. We have amazing professors that push academic limits beyond the class room. Although Michigan State is one of the largest universities, there are various residential colleges (James Madison and Lyman Briggs to name a couple) that allow smaller classrooms and provide students with a greater opportunity to establish relationships with professors. Here, at Michigan State, you can get the best of both worlds. Like every college, there are difficult classes with difficult professors. But, there are many resources to avoid such cases; like professor ratings on allMSU.com or tutoring options.
Am enjoying being here
Growing up in a small town, never would I imagine that I would love being part of Michigan State University. With a campus so large, it never gets boring. There are various stores and outings along the campus borders and thousands of student organizations fit for anyone. The students at MSU are very diversified and much friendlier than I've experienced at any other school.
Bang for the buck
As a public college, the cost of tuition is much less than smaller private schools. In addition, a larger, more notable college, like MSU, can offer students greater opportunities than a smaller private school. Famous for their Study Abroad program, Michigan State students have traveled to places all over the world, such as India, Singapore, Jamaica, France, Italy, Thailand, Australia, New Zealand, and the list goes on ... One thing's for sure at Michigan State, you get what you pay for!
Tips for prospective students
What any student should know entering college is that things are totally different. You are no longer in the same playing field as high school. College is whole new game. You need to establish independence because at college you are completely on your own. Time management is also very critical in college with so many opportunities and things to do. And if you've always been a good student during high school and felt like you never needed to study, trust me, you WILL need to study! Many of the professors require you to learn and grasp knowledge beyond the material they teach in lectures or labs.

Tyler from Toledo, OH

a current student here
14 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
The classes here are extremely informative. The information provided can sometimes be overwhelming, but I enjoy it because it gives me a chance to branch out into subjects I would never have considered. The course list is extremely expansive, allowing you to delve into nearly any topic you can think of.
As with any other university there are good and bad professors. So far I have been lucky and have had mostly good professors that enjoy teaching, which in turn makes it easier to pay attention and learn.
Am enjoying being here
For myself I could not have made a better choice for schooling. The students here are fantastic. I was extremely fortunate to be on the floor that I was assigned to because I made some of the best friends I could have asked for.
There are an unlimited amount of ways to occupy yourself when you aren't studying or in class. If you are the athletic type there are intramural leagues for just about any sport ranging from easy going to extremely competitive brackets. The are also a lot of trails to run and ride. The workout facilities are also top-notch. If you want to join a student club there are hundreds. You can even make your own with as little as seven members. Some examples are Latino Club, Fencing, the Cookie Eating Club (of which I happen to be an avid member), Tri-athalon, etc. There is something for everyone.
The university puts on a lot of events for the students such as: game nights where you can go compete for prizes, open mic-nights for those who are musically or poetically talented and want to get some recognition, free concerts, movie pre-screenings, etc. The list goes on, and they always provide a multitude of free items.
The campus is beautiful. You really get to enjoy it because of how large the campus is and how spread out the buildings are. From the Red Cedar running through the middle of campus to the vast array of trees and plants, the view of campus is fantastic.
The actual city of East Lansing is not very large, but it has everything you need. The food is fantastic (as is the food in the cafeteria surprisingly enough). There are a lot of small shops, as well as some bigger ones, on a or two long stretch across the north end of campus. Downtown East Lansing has the feeling of a really large outdoor strip mall. It is a really cool place to walk down on a nice day.
If you are into the Greek life it is fairly popular at MSU.
Of course if you are into sports, being a Big 10 school, MSU has a fantastic athletics. Some of the more notable exp...
Bang for the buck
Being an out of state student makes it somewhat difficult to afford Michigan State. I cannot speak for the in-state students, but the tuition can be quite pricey. However, I have learned a lesson from someone very close to me. She told me that no matter the cost, your education is worth it. I completely agree with her now that I am experiencing it.
Tips for prospective students
If you are thinking about applying to MSU, do it. If you find yourself being drawn to a different school though, go there. Make the choice that will best suit you. It is important that you enjoy where you are in college.
-MSU Specific Tips:
As I said the campus is huge, bring a bike or get a bus pass (though that can get crowded).
It gets cold, be ready for the weather.
Books are EXPENSIVE. Talk to older students in your major to see if you can't cut a deal. Also half.com has some seriously cheap books. Also, find out from other students if you will even use your book in class (some professors will say they are required and will not even crack them open for the whole semester).
Get a campus map! They are extremely helpful, I use mine every semester to find the fastest ways to class.
Don't worry about looking like a freshman. So many freshman I met this year were so worried about looking like they knew what they were doing because they didn't want anyone to know they were a freshman. When I was a freshman I did not care if anybody knew. Nobody treats you any differently (this isn't high school). Other students were extremely helpful when I asked them questions.
Explore the campus. There are so many shortcuts and paths and buildings... it is easy to get lost. Map out your routes and walk them. I found a short cut that saves me 7 minutes walking time everyday like that.
Live on campus. The staff is wonderful. The experience is unbeatable. I lived on for the last two years.
Get to know your RM. They are one of the best resources you will have. They can be a great person for advice, just to go talk to, or someone who can help point you in the right direction.
Learn about the different dorms before you select which one you want to live in. Most freshman get put in the Brody Complex. Everybody complains because it is so far away, but a lot of people like it because everybody there is in the same boat. Nobody knows what is going on so they form a strong frie...
Great for these types of students
MSU to me seems to be a great fit for anybody, because college is what you make of it.

Some things to remember:
In my opinion the most successful people will be those that have a well rounded experience. Yes college is when you learn about the field that you are going to be working it for the rest of your life. Yes, academics are the number one reason you are at school. However, it is important that you learn more than just the name of every bone in your body, or in my case the tensile strength of tempered steel at any given pressure or temperature. You must learn about yourself. Take in every experience you can. People that can adapt well, and who learn to work well in any situation will excel not only at college, but in life.

There are a lot of students here. I think keeping to yourself will only hurt your experience in the long run.
The campus is massive. You will have to get around, and sometimes it is not easy.
Time management is huge. You will have to learn how to balance school and fun. It is so easy to get caught up in your studies, but you need to relax and have fun. If that means breaking up your heavy schedule with a class like bowling or weight lifting, or running, do it. Maybe it better suits you to join a club, whatever it is, get involved.

Titi from Canton, MI

a current student here
10 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
Michigan State is a great university to attend! The professors really care about you and how well you're doing. Don't be afraid to go visit them during their open hours; they love to talk and get to know their students! The professors don't drone on and on about the subject they're teaching, but they use many tactics to get the students to understand. Some use humor, some use hands-on activities, some use fun discussions! My chemistry professor loves to make us laugh and do fun experiments such as making things blow up! (; Whichever way your professor presents the information, you're sure to learn a lot, while having fun too! Not only have I learned a lot academically, but I've learned a lot culturally. I was really scared to start college, because I thought I wasn't ready to be on my own. But there are many people here to help you through the way--while experiencing different cultures too! Each floor has a mentor and a cultural aide to help different cultures interact. The people here are uuuuuber friendly, and there's a large array of activities and clubs to join! I joined MRULE, or Multi-Racial Unity Living Experience. We have soo much fun discussing issues in our society, and we volunteer to help others, and we participate in different bonding activities, such as going to the cider mill or dodgeball tournaments! The club is filled with many people of many cultures and identities, and it gives me a chance to learn more about people that I never thought I'd learn! I wouldn't give up this opportunity for the world.
Am enjoying being here
Ha. Am I enjoying being at MSU? You bet. There's always something fun to do, whether big or small. There's so many different and fun people here, you'll definitely make good friends. With those friends, you can do literally anything. Parade around Grand River. Make random trips to the mall. Hit up a party. State is AHH-MAZING during Halloween weekend! People are dressed in outrageous costumes all over the place, and it creates lots of memories for you and your amigos to ponder on weeks later. :p Football and basketball games are fun too! You can camp out with your friends for good seats, deck out in MSU wear, chant school songs, or strip down to nothing but pants (only if you’re a guy though!) and paint yourself the school colors! Whatever you can do, go ahead and rep your school! We have different traditions here too, such as the Homecoming Parade (which I was in for MSU Dance Club, another fun club to join. It's like having sisters away from home!), where all clubs come together to present a spectacular parade for the Lansing public. We have the Midnight Scream during finals week, where everyone screams out their window about how finals are a pain lol :p Soon we'll be having Humans vs. Zombies, a GINORMOUS tag game between MSU students, and we'll be using socks and Nerf guns (; There's always something fun to do on campus, you betcha.
Bang for the buck
I have to admit, Michigan State isn’t the cheapest place. Buuuuut, it provides many services that can help you get financial help and aid. There are many merit based and need based scholarships given, and many loan services that can help you pay for tuition and such. Also, MSU has a variety of jobs available all around campus, so you can get that pocket MONAAAYYY. A lot of students that have/had money issues are given lots of opportunities to do what they always wanted to do. Hey, that’s why so many students were able to do Study Abroad, right?
Tips for prospective students
1. Get to know all your professors. Cuz then they get to know you, then you get on their good side, and then you get those good grades. Ayyyyeee!
2. Try not to live in Brody. They usually stick a lot of freshmen in there, and that complex is kinda far away from the rest of MSU. Stay in Hubbard, it’s close to some important areas, and it’s pretty, and new (that’s where I stayed freshman year!).
3. Go out with a group of friends at night. Nothing wrong with being smart, am I right?
4. Be happy! Other freshmen are shy too, and when they see happy people, their OWN happy comes out. :p
5. Bring a bike or buy a bus pass. At the beginning of the year some of my friends said, “nahh, I’ll just walk. My classes are nearby.” Know what they ended up doing? Buying a bus pass. Sometimes the distances will be too far for your legs to handle. Or you just won’t feel like walking. Either way.
6. Join a club. You meet great friends through those. Looks good on applications too.
7. Have funnnn! But not too much fun! Hit them books. (;
Great for these types of students
MSU is fun for students who are serious about their studies, but also want to have fun. You can learn a great deal here, but it does require working your best and studying. Then when it’s time to chill, there’s lots to do too! If you balance your academics and your social life well, you’ll have a great college life. I promise. :D

Lauren from Westland, MI

a current student here
8 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
The campus, food, organizations, people, academics, and nightlife of Michigan State University are unlike any other. MSU is full of down-to-earth, nice people who want to have fun but also focus on their academics. Though it is a big campus, it is not hard to find where you are going and you get used to it.
Tips for prospective students
If you want to go in blind in the dorms, but not totally blind- find the app on Facebook called RoomSync and they match you up with people. You get the final say and can even talk to these matches.
Academic Rigor
Academics are strongly encouraged here especially with scholarships, organizations, and to graduate. These classes are not a breeze, you have to put time and effort into them because professors want you to learn, but it is not their duty to make you. There are many libraries to assist students and way more resources to help further. We have engagement centers in most neighborhoods where you can get more help or tutoring.
Dorm Life
Dorm life depends on which neighborhood you live in, but I highly recommend living in the dorms. There are different styles of dorms, where two people live and share a bathroom with two other people, together with four people, or two people and a community bathroom. There are also female only floors, male only floors, or co-ed. It all depends on what you're comfortable with and location, location, location. Only one dorm is central to campus, the rest are divided among the outskirts of the square mile campus. You're likely to make friends right away with the help of your RA and hall activities such as hall dinners, contests, or meeting people from other floors.
Food and Dining
Most of the dining halls are built into the dorm rooms so that you don't even have to leave your dorm building to eat. There are different stations and different choices every single day. Almost all of the cafeterias have been renovated or are in the process of being renovated. MSU offers pasta, pizza, sandwiches, Michigan specialty plates, desserts, salads, fruits, breakfast, and much more. Basically anything you could want.
What to do for fun
MSU has a strong Greek life around campus and there are so many groups for leadership or community service. There are multiple intramural teams of each sport that tons of students participate in. I personally love attending football games in the fall and I've also been to a hockey game. Those were some of the most fun times, along with going out with friends on the weekends. But you're not limited to the weekend, a bar near Grand River turns into a College Night dance club on Wednesday nights which many frequent.
Bang for the buck
By attending a school where your grades are a crucial part of getting in, employers look at our students more than other colleges. You also get the choice of the vast amount of electives MSU has to offer. You do have to take some prerequisite classes but there is some variation.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
The Bellmont tower and many other buildings are very historic, even Mayo hall is said to be haunted by Mary Mayo herself. MSU has a large rock next to the Auditorium that they spray paint for many activities and for Greek life.
Great for these types of students
Outgoing students, involved students, athletic students, resourceful students, small town students looking for a change, anyone who wants to make a difference and attend a wonderful school.
Clubs and Activities
At the beginning of the year, a huge presentation of clubs and organizations is held at the Munn field called Sparticipation. You can find anything you are interested in and find more information. It's free too! There is a concert and many freebies you can choose from.
Greek Life
Sororities and fraternities are abundant and often hold fundraisers for good causes. Fraternities even host parties on the weekends. A good place to go to go dancing or meet new people.
Campus Safety
There are green lights located all over campus in case of emergency that call the police for you. Along with that, police do, of course, drive around.

christy from Plymouth, MI

a current student here
7 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
currently i am enrolled for 14 credits. Monday and Wednesday and Friday i have college algebra from 10:20-11:10 and then on Monday and Wednesday i have Cse101(computer class) from 12:40 to 2:30. my math class is only challenging because i cant understand my teacher, thankfully the book text is really helpful and the online homework, extra practice and so on, really helps me understand the material i don't get in class, and there are reviews for every test. Cse101 is challenging, but I'm glad that it's giving me a broad understanding of Word, Excel, Access, And web design. Then on Tuesdays and Thursdays i have Com225 (intro to interpersonal communication) i really like this class, i have it from 10:20 to 11:40 and its taught by 2 professors that are married, steve and kelly. they are so engaging and are really cool and interesting people. then from 12:40 to 2:30 i have ISS210 (society and the individual) i really like the professor in this class too, he's very versed on the information he teaches, but you really have to pay attention to catch everything he says. its not like in highschool where you can just do the work and in the process you'll get the material, you have to be the one to motivate yourself to go to class and listen and thats how you'll understand the material. then i have Yoga from 4:10 to 5:00. 14 credits isn't too overwhelming i would say, its keeps me busy for the first half of the day, then i really have the rest of the day to do all my work and other extra-curricular activities.
Am enjoying being here
If you want to fell like you are a part of something bigger than yourself, come to Michigan State. Even though it is a big campus, you find your friends and groups that you will hang out with and everything just seems to fall into place. It wasn't that big of a transition for me because i went to a highschool campus that had 6,000 kids, so i was used to being in a place where i didn't know everybody.
Bang for the buck
Since i live in Holden Hall, they are doing this thing called FYE ( first year experience) and the goal is for it to help freshman ease into the life of college. This program is really cool and holds a lot of activities that give you information about sex to what major to choose, anything really. Everywhere there's free activities that you can attend.
Tips for prospective students
Don't let the size of Michigan State put you off its not really as big as it seems other than the fact that you have a large area where you could possibly need to go for your classes, but you can ride the bus, walk and bike ride, hey walking is a great way to keep in shape. Don't come with the mentality of High School, its much better than high school. if you come thinking that your going to get personal attention without even asking which sometimes happens in high school, your are not going to get it. teachers are there to teach you, but they're not going to hold your hand.
Great for these types of students
anybody really, michigan state has such a diverse set of students that i think really anybody who has an open mind will be able to thrive here.

Keshia from Hollywood, FL

a current student here
7 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
Being a student at Michigan State allows one to receive a well rounded education while still focusing on specific areas of study and allowing students to still have a bit of fun while doing it. All undergraduate students are required to take introductory courses in things such as: the arts and humanities, social sciences, science classes (for those who aren't science majors), and very interesting literature classes.
Am enjoying being here
State is a perfect example of a Big-Ten school right in the middle of in a college town. Many students have season tickets to both football and basketball games, which I personally suggest getting, because game time allows fellow Spartans to come together. There is also lots to do in downtown East Lansing-including shops, places to eat, a theater, and mall. The Greek system isn't super huge, but I've seen and met a fair share of those who have decided to go Greek. I've also met a lot of really great people!!
Bang for the buck
I seems like there's a daily hike in tuition, but it's worth every penny overall.
Tips for prospective students
Study, Study, Study!!!!
Great for these types of students
People who like to have fun, but also know when it's time to be serious!

Rachel from Ann Arbor, MI

a past student here
5 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
michigan state had everything i was looking for in a university-challenging classes, all types of students, and a beautiful location to call home. as an undecided freshman, i appreciated the wide variety of available classes and majors. the 500+ student organizations offer opportunities for everyone to make friends and get involved in campus life.
Tips for prospective students
1. seek out friends with whom you truly enjoy spending time. this may sound obvious, but it's easy to get lost in the shuffle of any university if you don't make an effort to meet people. many students make friends in their dorms. other common meeting places include clubs, religious organizations, sports teams, and classes. college can also be a time to reinvent yourself and change for the better. choose friends who will help you become the best version of yourself.

2. be responsible. this is college-you no longer have to ask permission to use the restroom during class, and no one is going to call your mommy if you fail a test. freedom is great, but it places your future in your own hands. professors are typically more than willing to help you if you ask, but none of them are going to hunt you down and remind you to turn in last week's homework. go to class. study. keep track of your assignments. being a grown-up really is not difficult if you put in a little bit of effort.

3. make time for fun. sure, you're in college to get a degree, but you need to enjoy yourself along the way. i grew more as a person through the friendships i made, conflicts i resolved, and leadership roles i took on during my time at msu than i ever did by listening to a lecture or writing an essay. having a perfect gpa is nice, but having a good gpa, growing as a person, and being happy is better.
Academic Rigor
join the honors college if you get the chance. incoming freshmen can join with a 30+ act score, and msu freshmen and sophomores can join with a 3.5+ college gpa. honors college members get to sign up for classes before everyone else, can take any class they want (regardless of regular restrictions or prerequisites), and get to choose their dorm freshman year. the best part of the membership is the vast array of courses available for general education requirements. non-members can choose from a selection of 7-10 classes for each general education requirement. honors college members can choose from tons of classes to satisfy the same requirement. they get more freedom in customizing their own degree programs. another perk of membership is being able to take honors sections of regular classes. these sections are usually smaller more challenging. rigor is not limited to only honors sections-a student can earn honors credit in nearly any class by arranging to do a special project with the professor.
Dorm Life
many different types of dorms are available. some house only 300 students, while others house nearly 1000. about half have community bathrooms for the entire floor, while the other half have suite-style bathrooms shared between two rooms. floors (or at least wings) are typically separated by gender, although coed floors are available. one dorm (yakeley) houses only females. dorms are arranged into complexes which all have at least one cafeteria. some classes are even held in dorm buildings; this is especially common for students in residential academic programs. dorms are constantly being updated and redone to make them pleasant places for students to live.
unique residential options are also available in dorms. for example, there are honors floors for honors college students, and quiet floors with special courtesy hours. students can also choose to live in dorms with other students in their major or college. for example, science majors may choose to live in holmes, while political science students may live in case.
Food and Dining
every meal plan is unlimited, meaning students can go to the cafeteria as many times as they want. this is especially nice for late-night snack runs and going to the cafe just to socialize. the university is in the process of updating all the cafeterias. three new cafeterias have opened since 2007, and all look similar to a large mall food court. these cafeterias give students many different meal options and are generally better than the other cafeterias. currently the cafeterias in case, brody, and snyder-phillips halls are the best. this section gets three stars because of some of the older cafeterias that have not yet been updated. the new cafeterias would get five stars. regardless of which dorm students call home, they can eat in any cafeteria. students who live off-campus can also purchase smaller meal plans, and eat on campus at their leisure.
What to do for fun
there are fun activities for all types of people at michigan state. many freshmen and sophomores spend time hanging out with friends in the dorms. there are also movies shown on campus that are free for dorm residents. the university activities board brings entertainment to campus in the form of concerts, hypnotists, comedians, and more. broadway shows regularly come to the wharton center on campus, some of which offer discounted tickets for students.
there are many restaurants and shops on grand river (the main street north of campus) for students to explore. house parties also take place in the student housing off of grand river. older students have a variety of bars from which to choose-karaoke, pool, dancing, and sit-down bars are all available. there is also a dance club under one of the bars for younger students.
as a big ten school, michigan state offers a wide variety of activities for any sports fan. football, basketball, and hockey games are the most popular sporting events for students to attend, and have active student sections. even non-sports fans find themselves going to football games to spend time with friends and cheer on the spartans. other big ten sporting events such as volleyball, soccer, and gymnastics are available at no charge to students.
Bang for the buck
while all four-year institutions are expensive, michigan state was recently rated one of the most reasonably priced schools in the big ten. freshmen and sophomores pay a lower rate per credit hour than do juniors and seniors. tuition typically increases every year. scholarships are available, yet competitive. each college within the university offers scholarships for which students can apply.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
every night during finals week students participate in midnight scream. this involves a campus-wide scream to let out frustration, bring spartans together, and throw a little fun into finals. midnight scream is most fun in large dorm complexes where there are a lot of people, but can be found in nearly every dorm on campus.
Great for these types of students
michigan state is home to over 45,000 students, about 35,000 of whom are undergraduates. the means all types of students find a place to belong at msu. i can't think of a single type of person who couldn't find a place to fit in at this school. even students who like the idea of a small school can make the university small by centering their lives around studies, their dorm, and a club or two. this aspect of msu is nice, because students can get create a small-college atmosphere or blend in to the crowd.
every type of student can find commonalities with fellow msu students. there are plenty of sports for jocks, numerous research opportunities for studious types, volunteering activities for activists, and performances for budding actors, just to name a few.
Clubs and Activities
there are over 500+ student organizations at msu. students can participate in intramural sports, religious groups, academic organizations, or hobby-related clubs. during welcome week each fall, students can attend sparticipation-an event where nearly every student organization has a booth with information about how to get involved. from the rugby team to the catholic student organization, to the coffee club, msu has something for everyone.
Greek Life
those seeking to get involved greek life have many options at msu. rush is held each semester, and students have many houses from which to choose. greeks have opportunities for formals, parties, and big-little bonding. some greeks fit the snob stereotype, while others are perfectly nice. checking out different houses during rush is a good way for prospective greeks to find a fit.
Campus Safety
students are pretty safe at msu, so long as they use common sense. walking alone at night is not recommended, especially for females. students traveling in groups at night are typically safe. students can use the safe walk program to get walked from the library to their dorms from dusk until 1 am. the night owl bus program will also take students between any two points on campus from 2 am until 7 am. there are green emergency phones all around campus and in many dorms. with a little street smarts, students can feel safe at msu.

Nicholas from White Pigeon, MI

a current student here
4 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Michigan State University has a program for just about everyone. It is one of the largest schools in the country. The student population is very diverse.
Tips for prospective students
If you are considering Michigan State, I encourage you to visit the campus over the summer and spend some time learning where everything is. The people who helped me were very friendly and accommodating.
Academic Rigor
My classes, so far, have varied in how demanding they are. My math classes have been very taxing.
Dorm Life
The dorms were so overcrowded, I decided to live in an apartment off campus. I have been told by students who live in the dorms that the cafeteria food is delicious.
Food and Dining
There are many restaurants on and off campus. I have never dined in a school cafeteria.
What to do for fun
Attending basketball and football games is what students do for fun.
Bang for the buck
For students who wish to travel abroad, there are countless opportunities. You can receive credits while you travel the planet.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
The agriculture school has it's own ice cream shop called The Dairy Store that is always crowded. The ice cream treats are delicious! They feature a huge assortment of flavors and are constantly adding new ones. You can get cheeses and quail eggs, too. Very cool!!
Great for these types of students
I can't imagine that there isn't something for anyone who wants to get a college degree at MSU. There are so many programs to choose from. Our veterinary school and our agriculture school are standouts.
Clubs and Activities
Students receive a steady stream of emails inviting them to join clubs and activities. The dormitories have lots of clubs and activities, too.
Campus Safety
Considering the size of the campus, it is a safe place to go to school.

Evan from East Lansing, MI

a current student here
3 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
The sectioned off campus is amazing since you don't have to interact with any non-students or faculty. There are plenty of activities on campus through our University Activities Board, which is a great experience for all incoming students. And It is a well renowned school throughout the country that lives up to its name.
Tips for prospective students
Make sure to balance out your school and extracurricular activities. And if you are looking for a job there are plenty of places to find one on campus.
Academic Rigor
You can pick the classes right and get easier professors but for the most part it is tough. I am a 3.5 student and right now I am averaging a 3.1 at MSU.
Dorm Life
Crowded, and they are admitting more and more freshman into the dorms so there is transitional housing. But aside from that the dorms are amazing I lived there the first year and a half and they had everything you needed and more. Your cafeteria's are close to your room and its really quiet.
Food and Dining
Most of the food is okay, nothing amazing as its the cafeteria but it was better than I expected.
What to do for fun
There are a lot of on campus events hosted by our University Activities Board and every campus hall has events on a weekly basis that you can attend. My favorite is the Campus Cinema, they come out with movies that are just out of the theater but not yet on DVD.
Bang for the buck
This I would say is definitely true, you are getting an education from a Big Ten university and it is definitely doable if you find the right ways to finance your education.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
A lot of people like to take pictures with the Sparty's statue, our mascot. And we have a rock by one of the auditoriums that clubs and organizations can paint for advertising and fun.
Great for these types of students
If you like to have fun, but also can balance your school and work life MSU would be a great place for you. But you have to be able to get that balance, if you don't know how to do that it will be difficult for you to focus on studying as there are a lot of activities to participate in around campus.
Clubs and Activities
We have several hundred clubs and they range from academic clubs to a winter snowboard and ski club. If you have an interest you can find a club for it. And if not, it is really simple to make your own!
Greek Life
We have the Greek Life, and there are plenty of fraternities and sororities to join if this is what you are interested in. I would suggest doing this your freshman year as after that you don't have much time.
Campus Safety
There are green phones on campus that can be seen from EVERY point on campus. They act as a 911 phone to our campus police, who have a headquarters just south of main campus.

Nick from Troy, MI

a current student here
3 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
I don't need three sentences, I just need three words. Study, Party, Succeed. Those are the three things you will accomplish at this school. By far the most well rounded school in the Big 10.
Tips for prospective students
The first thing you probably here about MSU is that it is a big party university. That's no lie haha. But if you do not know how to manage your time, study, and forget that academics come first, that party isn't going to last a long time. My favorite thing about MSU is the people. Everyone really wants to do well academically but at the same time loves to have a good time.
Academic Rigor
You have to study. I've learned it's much better just to do a little everyday and stay on top of things than to try and cram for an exam a couple of days before. If you don't study your gonna be going home. Its not undo able or extremely difficult, but you just have to put in the effort and know when you should be studying instead of doing other things.
Dorm Life
I had to live in the dorms for two years, and although I was ready to get the heck out of their I still had a great time. The dorms are great in that you get to meet so many people all around your age. Don't just stick to your floor. Walk around and say hi. Trust me everyone want to meet you.
Food and Dining
I gave the food and dining four stars because there are so many places to eat on Grand River, and cafe food is good compared to most school. The only thing with the cafe food is that it can get really repetitive.
What to do for fun
There is so much to do at MSU. There are workout places, parties, sporting events (get your football tickets early before they sell out), and plain just hanging with your buds. Take advantage of the many opportunities this school has to offer. Time goes by fast in college so don't wait to join something or get active your junior year. Get active as a freshman.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
I wouldn't say that it is a tradition but St. Patricks day is the best at MSU. Litteraly a sea of grean all over campus and Grand River. The parties that day are bumpin and it usually is one of the last great party weekends of the year. Don't get me wrong there are parties every weekend but not like the one's on St. Patricks day. Also word of advice: Pace yourself. The parties at night are just as good if not better than the ones during the day. Don't pull what my buddy and I did last year and pass out from 5 to 10. We still raged after though.
Great for these types of students
If you enjoy being social and love to party, while at the same time you study and want to do well academically this is the place for you. It's right in between CMU and UofM. At CMU everyone just parties and doesn't care about school. At UofM the academics there are the only thing the majority of students care about. They stress out about it like crazy and come off extremely arrogant and self centered. MSU kids care about their grades (like UofM but not as uptight trust me) while having a good time (we can party and hang with CMU bros). Its a great school for everyone. I love it here and cannot believe I only have a little time left.