But international relations sophomore Leslie Wiesen admitted that’s easier said than done.
Wiesen said last year, she discovered that it was better to plan ahead — she used packing to procrastinate instead of studying last year — but said she has yet to start packing this year.

Wiesen lives on campus, where MSU Residential and Hospitality Services, or RHS, has set up its annual “Pack Up. Pitch In. Help Out” program. The program also will be available to residents of Spartan Village and University Village.

RHS sustainability manager Diane Barker said the program will run until May 7-May 20 for Spartan Village, and is designed to foster more donation and recycling of items, rather than throwing them out.

“(Students should) really think about not landfilling things from their room,” Barker said. “We encourage folks to recycle and donate their items.”

Barker said the program will accept a variety of items, from paper and cardboard to lumber and small household items. She said RHS will help ensure items are disposed of correctly, although she said students should sort their items before donating when possible.

“If they bring it down and donate, we can make sure it gets to the right place,” she said.

MSU Community Liaison Erin Carter said students still should work to avoid the landfill when possible, even if they don’t live on campus.

“Think about what items (you) can donate to a charity, what (you) can recycle and what (you) truly should throw out,” Carter said. “The idea is to be responsible with your items, but also not get a ticket.”

Off-campus residents

DO: Dispose of larger items, such as couches and other furniture, properly. For $15, students can purchase bulk item stickers, and if they call the city, they will pick up the item, DeShambo said.
“We don’t want to see anybody ticketed,” she said.

Citation tickets for improper disposal range from $25 on the first offense to $250 on the third offense.

DON’T: Throw trash in a dumpster that isn’t yours. That is illegal dumping, East Lansing Housing and University Relations Administrator Annette Irwin said, and you could be fined.

DO: Talk to your property manager, if applicable. Make sure you’re on the same page with who will take care of what.
“You don’t want angry and frustrated roommates or neighbors,” Carter said.

Students on campus

DO: Both recycle and donate. Barker said the emphasis isn’t on one or the other, but both together. If you’re not sure if something is good to donate, bring it anyway rather than throwing it out.

DON’T: Leave items in your room or leave your room uncleaned. Barker said if the facilities department has to work on your room after you leave, you will be charged for it.

DO: Collaborate with your roommate(s). Finance freshman Tim Athans said he’ll be moving out with the help of his roommate and his roommate’s family to save time and effort.