You can't drink yet, legally anyway, which means you can't even enter many of the Lansing area's nightclubs or bars after 9 p.m. So how are you supposed to have any fun in your new home away from home?
Fortunately, there are options for the 20 and-under-crowd - you just have to know where to look and be willing to walk a lot.
We've done your homework on local venues for you. Here's a look at places that are youth-friendly but still cool, or at least kind of cool:
What: The Temple Club
Where: 500 E. Grand River Ave. in Lansing's Old Town
How to get a hold of them: (517)316-0400 or www.templeclub.com
What kind of venue you'll find: A large club with multiple levels. Believe it or not, the club used to be a church and got converted in 2001.
Music they feature: From local bands, electronic music, jazz, blues, hip-hop and national acts.
Who can get in: You have to be 18 and up with a picture ID.
Ways to get there: Check out the oh-so useful Temple Taxi link on the club's Web site.
What: The Dollar Nightclub
Where: 3411 E. Michigan Ave. in Lansing
How to get a hold of them: (517)351-2450 or www.thedollarnightclub.com
What kind of venue you'll find: One large floor in a 18,000 square feet club.
Music they feature: A venue for local bands which also features a number of DJs to shake your booty with.
Who can get in: Usually 18 and up are welcome with a college ID. Watch out though, some nights are 21 and up.
Ways to get there: Depending on how far your dorm is you might be able to walk if you're not in some crazy outfit with high heels. If all else fails, take a taxicab, it's safer anyway.
What: Spiral Dance Bar
Where: 1247 Center St. in Lansing's Old Town
How to get a hold of them: (517)371-3221 or www.spiraldancebar.com
What kind of venue you'll find: Two rooms that feature different music and a welcoming environment for different lifestyles.
Music they feature: Welcome to DJ heaven. Electronic is king and a number of DJs throughout the area spin the sounds of house, techno, drum n' bass and more.
Who can get in: 18 and older are welcome with that state-issued ID.
Ways to get there: Get on the phone and call a cab.
What: Club Paradise
Where: 224 S. Washington Square in downtown Lansing
How to get a hold of them: (517)484-2399
What kind of venue you'll find: This venue is always busy, loud, musical and welcoming to all lifestyles.
Music they feature: If you dig booty or electronic music styles, this is the place for you.
Who can get in: Anyone who is 18 and older with a state-issued ID.
Ways to get there: Get on the phone and call a cab.
What: Sparty's Night Club
Where: 410 S. Clippert St. in Lansing
How to get a hold of them: (517) 351-5690 or www.spartys.com
What kind of venue you'll find: The dance floor is pretty small and is packed on the weekends.
Music they feature: Dance music, electronic
Who can get in: Anyone who is 18 and older with a state issued ID. They have a teen night also for 13-17 year-olds, but that's a once-in-a- while thing.
Ways to get there: Get on the phone and call a cab.
What: Five-Forty-Seven
Where: 547 E. Grand River Ave. in East Lansing
How to get a hold of them: www.547.cjb.net
What kind of venue you'll find: Owned by Campus Crusade for Christ, they've got good equipment and draw bands from all over Michigan.
Music they feature: underground, independent, punk, emo and rock music.
Who can get in: Anyone
Ways to get there: Walk or take the bus - it's right off campus in downtown East Lansing.
What: Common Grounds Coffee House
Where: Basement of Akers Hall
How to get a hold of them: www.msu.edu/~cgrounds
What kind of venue you'll find: A small, more intimate venue - think basement gathering.
Music they feature: Local and national acts that range from emo, ska, punk, rock, reggae and folk.
Who can get in: Anyone, ID excluded.
Ways to get there: Walk or take the bus - it's on campus.
What: Caffe Latte
Where: 130 Charles Street in East Lansing
How to get a hold of them: (517) 336-8800
What kind of venue you'll find: Live music Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Caffe Latte is known on other nights of the week for its variety of caffeinated beverages and studious patrons.
Music they feature: Mostly alternative rock and the occasional jam band.
Who can get in: Anyone
Ways to get there: Walk or take the bus - it's right off campus in downtown East Lansing.
What: Espresso Royale Caffe
Where: 527 E. Grand River Ave. in East Lansing
How to get a hold of them: (517) 332-5224
What kind of venue you'll find: It's a coffee house, the place is usually hopping both day and night, everyday. Espresso Royale hosts an open mike night every Thursday.
Who can get in: Anyone
What: University Activities Board (UAB) events
Where: Usually take place at the International Center or the MSU Union
How to get a hold of them: check out www.uabevents.com for schedules
What kind of venue you'll find: Every Friday and Saturday night, the University Activities Board has something going on, be it a craft night, a concert or a contest for money. The events are always on campus. Though they're not always free, most of the time they are, but rest assured if you have to pay it's not more than $5.
Who can get in: MSU students with valid student ID
Ways to get there: Walk or take the bus - it's on campus
