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Nervous about starting at Michigan State? Worried about your class schedule, living away from home, or where to even start? The Spartan Orientation Station (SOS) is a podcast hosted by New Student Orientation staff and was created by students for students. This podcast will launch twice a week throughout the summer, and each episode will feature a unique interview with campus departments discussing their services, common misconceptions, and fun Spartan engagement opportunities. When you need help at Michigan State, it is okay to signal SOS! Don’t worry – MSU is there for you.
You're listening to the Spartan orientation station on Impact eighty nine FM, the podcast by students for students. Now this week's episode.
Speaker 2:Welcome back to another episode of the Spartan orientation station. On this week's episode, we will be answering some frequently asked questions in a student panel. We know that the transition to MSU can be tricky, and we want to share the tips and tricks we've learned along the way. Hi. My name is Ava Ignaj.
Speaker 2:I'm a recent graduate with my BA in international relations and a secondary major in political science prelaw with minors in European studies and political economy. And during my time here at MSU, I was involved in a Panhellenic sorority in MSU's fraternity and sorority life, as well as a professional prelaw fraternity, the NSO office, and ASMSU.
Speaker 3:Hi, everyone. My name is Mackenzie Hanfland. I am a rising fourth year here at Michigan State, majoring in environmental studies and sustainability. I use sheher pronouns. And on campus, I work for, the New Shore orientation office as a student coordinator, And then I'm also the training manager for Michigan State Green Line.
Speaker 4:Alright. I'm Ella. I am a rising third year majoring in creative advertising. And I work with New Student Orientation as well as being a part of the photography club on campus.
Speaker 5:Hi, I'm Eva. I'm a rising fourth year. I have a major in English secondary education, also a part of the teacher prep program. I am an RA on campus. I am also involved in the NSO office and I work in the Writing Center at MSU.
Speaker 6:Hello everyone. I'm Pronto. I'm a fourth year majoring in computer science and data science with a minor in business. I work with the
Speaker 1:new student orientation and I'm also involved with the computer science department of MSU.
Speaker 2:Okay so just getting started, what is a resource on campus that you wish you knew about sooner or would recommend to new students?
Speaker 3:So my favorite resource on campus I would love to recommend is honestly just the MSU libraries, most specifically the interlibrary loan service that you can access on their website. With that, you can look up textbooks or things that may be required for your classes. And if they don't have it in stock at the MSU libraries, they can even get it shipped in from other, universities around The United States. And, it's really helped me out to not have to pay for textbooks and just, borrow them instead.
Speaker 6:Well, I have career services on my mind for the new students. That's because they have a lot of services that helps you build your resume. It helps you prepare for your interviews. So if you join their, services early, maybe you'll have a head start for your career as well.
Speaker 5:A resource I have in mind is the Writing Center, which we also recently did a podcast on. You can hear a little bit more about that through that podcast. I'm on there, as well as another colleague at the Writing Center. I think it's pretty important for new students to have access to writing assistance slash aid, especially in a format that's like a collaboration. So check that out.
Speaker 4:I would definitely say the RCAH art studio that's in the basement of Snyder Phillips Hall. I think it's just nice to have a brain break and be creative when you want to, especially during finals week because there's definitely a lot going on. And, it's just nice to be able to use some of the art supplies that they have for you and just really make whatever.
Speaker 2:A resource, I feel like is super important that a lot of people forget about is all the resources that ASMSU provides. Didn't really know about them until I held a position within ASMSU. You can get Blue Books, iClickers, even, like, legal help if you need, like, someone to read over your lease or anything like that. But that one's really important. So going on, what is one thing you wish you would have brought and had for your first year and semester at MSU?
Speaker 4:I think I would say bringing a dehumidifier. Unless you have an AC unit that's in the window, that would have to be for a medical condition. It can get pretty hot in the beginning and the end of the year, and it gets sticky. So, definitely, a dehumidifier really helps.
Speaker 3:One thing that I honestly still live by is my Brita, honestly. You're gonna wanna drink a lot of water. And I don't know about you, but I'm not the biggest fan of tap water. So it just kinda keeps me filling up my water bottle, and that's really helpful for me.
Speaker 5:I got a lot of use out of my box fan from freshman year. Still use it use it at my apartment. It's a good purchase.
Speaker 6:Yeah. When you're coming to campus, like, in your freshman year, make sure you're being a fan with yourself because it's it's it's usually hot,
Speaker 1:and our dorms doesn't have AC air conditioning with them. So having a fan is pretty good.
Speaker 6:And this might be very specific to international students, but power outlets can be different than your home country. So maybe have an adapter that can that's gonna match your device and also the power outlet of in The US.
Speaker 2:Okay. So going on, how are you able to balance things like academics and jobs while still spending time with friends? And how have you made your friends on campus?
Speaker 3:So one thing that I would recommend is to figure out your best style of organizing your calendar, whether that would be having a physical calendar, a planner, doing something on your phone or anything like that. There's really not a one size fits all solution. What works for me may not work for everyone else. So I would try to experiment with that a little bit, see what works best for you just to at least balance your schoolwork, see if you're able to balance having a job. But it is really important to take breaks in between that and and socialize with your friends and everything like that.
Speaker 3:I would say that I I I've made the most of my friends either within my on campus jobs or just talking to people in my classes. You just have to just put a foot out there, go to different events around campus, and just have to take a little bit of courage, but usually it pays off and you'll you'll you'll meet some good friends right in the beginning.
Speaker 2:I would agree with Mackenzie with the calendar, especially for my fourth year. I had two on campus jobs, and I was a part of multiple RSOs and my Panhellenic sorority. So I was always on my calendar and my planner. I had both going and just kind of balancing academics, jobs, and spending time with friends. I made sure to have my time that I knew was designated to do my schoolwork, to get everything done, have time specifically for that was just designated for work, you know, work life balance.
Speaker 2:And I had my time that I knew that I would be able to spend time with friends. And really having that breakup, like, really helped for me to really juggle all of that because otherwise, I don't think I would have been able to get everything done all at once. But kind of the same as Mackenzie as well. When I made friends on campus, I made a ton of friends through RSOs and my on campus jobs through ASMSU and NSO. I made a ton of friends.
Speaker 2:And then, of course, being involved in fraternity and sorority life really, really helped me through it. So finding your place on campus will always help bring friends.
Speaker 5:Yeah. I agree. Definitely finding your place. I think that I made most of my friends my freshman year on my floor in my residence hall. Definitely walking around checking if doors are open and seeing who's there and who's not and just meeting people that way.
Speaker 5:I personally balance things like academics and jobs. First of all, by checking my syllabi for due dates and all of that good stuff and making sure that I'm kinda marking that through whatever planner I'm using at the moment. And then as far as jobs go, I kinda fit in the blanks.
Speaker 2:But yeah. So what advice do you all have for new students about starting classes up at MSU this fall?
Speaker 3:Honestly, the the biggest thing I can think of, and I wish I would have done this more, when you start your classes, just try to start on put your best foot forward. There may be some hiccups in the semester, but the best thing you can do is get on good terms with your professor even if that means going to office hours one time. I I did this a couple of times, and it really paid off. In the beginning of the year, you can you jump in office hours for even just to say hi or come up with a question. And then if anything comes up later in the semester, which inevitably things do, whether you miss an assignment or you just need some accommodations, I feel like once a professor knows you a bit better and you've put in a little bit of effort, they're so much more likely to help you out down the line.
Speaker 3:I think just starting with a fresh foot and, even just introducing yourself, it's kinda scary. But, honestly, every time I've done it, it's really paid off, and I wish I would have done it
Speaker 2:in all of my classes.
Speaker 4:I would definitely say just read the syllabus. I know they're super long and sometimes it seems a bit dense, but there's so much valuable information in your syllabus that it might take some time to get through it, but it's really, really worth it.
Speaker 2:I know Mackenzie said to introduce yourself to your professor, but in addition to introducing yourself to your professor, introduce yourself to at least one person in your class because knowing one person in your class can change that entire experience. Especially, maybe you need help with some homework. Maybe you need to do a project together or even just someone to sit next to in class. It makes a huge difference.
Speaker 5:Especially if you miss a day.
Speaker 2:Mhmm. So let's talk about food. What are your favorite dining options on campus?
Speaker 6:Acres. I'm gonna say Acres is my favorite dining option on campus. That's because they have a lot of variety of options for each day and they usually have all of the menus out there in the MSU app. So if you're ever wondering that what's out there for food at Acres or any other dining space, then maybe, yeah, you can check that out over there.
Speaker 3:I would have to say that the International Center's food court is my favorite. I'm one of those people. I've only gone to a couple of the dining halls across campus, but I just find that with the International Center, I know what I what I'm getting every time. They have Subway in there. They have Panda Express.
Speaker 3:You can use your combo exchanges, which is super nice. Or if you don't live on campus, they also accept cash payments or anything like that. I believe they have Aspartis in there as well. They have the roost, which has chicken tenders and things like that, as well as Woody's Mediterranean food. I usually spring for Subway because I I know what I like and I get it every time.
Speaker 5:My favorite dining option is probably the Home Sparties. You can actually do some online ordering through them, if you wanna build your own pizza or I think that they even have fish and chips, which is pretty cool. Diverse. You can use the mobile order app through eat at state, and you'll be able to find that in the App Store to order online. And you can use your combos that way too, which is pretty exciting.
Speaker 2:You know, I'm an eighteen fifty five place gal through and through. I love eighteen fifty five. They have a Starbucks. You can use your combos there. And then they also have a Spardi's.
Speaker 2:You can get fresh chicken tenders there. They're so good. Like, they have, like, you know, fresh cooked food. They have freezer stuff if you wanna use your combo and just throw something in your dorm freezer. It's a great place.
Speaker 2:Lots of options. So how do you get around campus and East Lansing as a whole?
Speaker 4:I personally like to take the buses. Sometimes they can be a little faster than you were expecting. So definitely something to take with you is always get to the bus stop ten minutes before you think the bus is gonna be there. But I love the buses. They get a little crowded sometimes, but they're always there and reliable.
Speaker 4:So gotta love them. Oh, and all the 30 buses are free.
Speaker 3:Honestly, when the semester starts, I try to get in the habit of walking to my classes every day. It makes me feel good, and I feel like I'm getting out of the house. I I'm seeing things, stuff like that. Usually, towards the end of the semester, I I revert to to getting picked up or getting rides and stuff like that. But, honestly, I found that it's just easiest to, in my opinion, walk.
Speaker 5:I would say one mode of transportation that I didn't really value freshman year was riding my bike. Honestly, they have a trail right through campus, and it's for bikes only. People can't walk in those paths. So that's been really nice, especially living, like, outside of Central Campus. So going from, let's say, East Neighborhood all the way to Brody, riding my bike has been probably the best mode of transportation.
Speaker 6:When I go to my classes, I usually walk to my classes. So the campus is super beautiful. So it's definitely a very scenic view when you walk to your classes. And other than that, when it's like evening, I use ASMSU's safe ride resource. So that's a very good way to book a ride and share a ride with someone.
Speaker 6:Also like if you're studying at library, let's say it's late night, it's after 2AM, and you wanna go back to your dorm, you can always use the night owl, provided by the KADA station. So night owl, it's basically the same thing. You can you can only travel within campus using the night owl.
Speaker 2:You have any tips for living with someone new, whether it's a random roommate, a friend, someone you just met?
Speaker 5:I think as a resident assistant on campus, I would say that the, living agreement you do with your RA when you just start out is super helpful. Honestly, I didn't take it super seriously my freshman year. I really wish that I had because I could have set some good boundaries in the beginning that I ended up having to set later on. So it just kinda is a time in that sense. So I'd recommend, you know, taking it a little bit more seriously and maybe even conversate with your roommate beforehand.
Speaker 5:Just kinda figure out what you want in that agreement.
Speaker 3:Yeah. Ava said it best with, boundaries. I lived off campus my French freshman year, so I didn't really have a structured document to be able to lay that out with my roommate. I went in not knowing her prior, but it it did end up being a great year. Lived with her for for two years.
Speaker 3:It's just really important that you, have those conversations. They're not easy to have, but they're really beneficial, in the long run, and they're, essential for being able to coexist together. So even if there's not a structured agreement, you still need to be able to have those hard conversations. But, you know, you just need to be able to to coexist. Your roommate may not be your best friend.
Speaker 3:They could be. You just need to be kind and courteous and, try to talk through your issues.
Speaker 2:Personally, all the years that I've had a roommate, I have lived with my friends, my best friends. So my one piece of advice is if you're living with your friends, just make sure that you feel comfortable having open conversations with them, kind of like what Mackenzie was saying. Because though, you know, they might be your best friends, sometimes you guys might clash a little bit with how you're used to living, and that's okay. You know, especially, I know some people coming in as incoming students are gonna be living in apartments or different, like, forms of living. So just make sure to have that open communication even if you might not be in a residence hall with a roommate agreement or it's not someone you just met, even if it's your friends for the past ten years, living together is a whole new situation.
Speaker 2:So just be ready to be open and listen to each other and communicate and compromise, especially. So just finishing it up, what overall tips do you have for new students?
Speaker 4:I would say, right from the get go, to really work on having a good balance between a social life and an academic life. Because the moment you're able to set those stones down, it really, really helps later. Because I feel like, at least for me, during my first year, I didn't necessarily set up those stones for myself. And so I ended my first semester a little unhappier than I wanted, and I had to figure it out later in the year. So it's just it's good to start early.
Speaker 2:So kind of what Ella was saying from the get go is make sure you have that balance, but also make sure you get out of your comfort zone. I knew I was very, you know, comfortable with doing, like, my classes. But when I decided to rush a Panhellenic sorority, when I decided to rush a professional prelaw fraternity, even joining my on campus jobs, it was all new experiences for me. So that was just kind of just pushed myself. And I think, like, just pushing myself to do those, like, kind of out of the box experiences for yourself can really be beneficial in the long run and what makes your college experience so memorable.
Speaker 6:I agree with Ava as well. Like, get out of your comfort zone and talk to people. You can literally go to a class and talk to the student who's sitting next to you and that way you can have build a great friendship, right? So have patience with yourself and try talking to people slowly and gradually you're gonna make a lot of friends and get used to Michigan State University.
Speaker 3:I would just say to to have courage. I I mentioned this a little bit earlier, but it can be scary sometimes. We all we all went through it here as well. But, if you even in the smallest things within your classes, with the friends that you make, any small steps of courage can really, really change your experience here. And, you always gotta think about what the worst thing that can happen is, and it's usually not gonna be that bad.
Speaker 3:So I I would just say to take that step.
Speaker 5:I think something really important to do is to learn how to ground yourself. Kinda make a plan for how you we did talk about balance and all of that stuff. But how you can find that balance and also how you can de stress. That's the most important part, honestly. So, the topic of making sure you're grounding yourself and all that good stuff, CAPS is a great resource.
Speaker 5:That's our Counseling and Psychiatric Services. You can reach out to them for any assistance you might need, anything you might want even. You don't have to like need it. It's a good resource. They're super helpful and kind there.
Speaker 5:Definitely would recommend.
Speaker 2:I have one last thing. I'm gonna get a little sappy here. But really, really cherish every single moment that you have here. It goes by so fast. My time is sadly over.
Speaker 2:But, you know, I swear being a first year moving into my dorm, it was like yesterday. So even if sometimes it feels like everything is going wrong, just really make sure you're cherishing every moment that you're here because Michigan State is gonna be your home. It's gonna be something that you remember forever and never take that for granted because I feel like it's really easy to do that. But, you know, you'll miss it once once you're gone. Okay.
Speaker 2:So that was our podcast. Thank you for tuning in to this episode of the Spartan orientation station, and make sure to check back next week for an episode featuring the MSU library.
Speaker 1:Thank you for listening to this episode of the Spartan orientation station on Impact eighty nine FM. Let us know what you think by connecting with us on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram at MSU underscore NSO.