MSU students like partying, but for the more sober individual, there are several freshmen-friendly hidden jewels on or near campus that await your patronage.
Abrams Planetarium
Located at the corner of Service Road and North Shaw Lane, Abrams has been around since 1963 and is named after aerial photographer, Talbert "Ted" Abrams. It's a great and different way to spend a couple lazy hours on a Friday or Saturday night.
The 75-90 minute shows run at 8 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, and at 4 p.m. on Sundays.
A presentation on Mars played in the spring, and each show is followed by a sky talk, where guides will show the audience which constellations, stars and planets are visible that night.
"Mars is going to be getting a fair amount of international press this year because it will be the closest to the Earth it has ever been," planetarium Director David Batch said.
And for the $2.50 student price, Batch said freshmen can't go wrong.
"It's a cheap date," Batch said. "It's kind of a romantic thing to do - being under the stars."
Anywhere from 25 to more than 100 star watchers can be on hand for a show, Batch said. He added there is no season that is better for star gazing, because there are advantages to watching the stars all year long.
Weather permitting, Batch said patrons can use the outside telescope following each show.
The MSU Surplus Store
Put on your walking shoes or mooch a ride off someone, because you should definitely check out our next hidden jewel. The MSU Surplus Store, located at 1344 S. Harrison Road., is a bargain hunter's paradise.
Imagine couches for $5, computer monitors for less than $100 and dressers for $20 - this place has it all, and this place has it for cheap.
Sale days are Tuesdays and Fridays from 7:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. and the first Saturday of every month from 8 a.m. to noon. Viewing days are Monday through Friday from 7:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m.
But a warning: If you want to get a good deal on a good product, then get there early - as in 7:30 a.m. on Friday early.
Store Sales and Marketing Specialist James Ives said as many as 300 customers crowd the store on sale days, and the best days for viewing are Mondays and Thursdays.
Ives said freshmen might enjoy his store's $10 microwaves and used bikes, which range in price from $1 to about $100.
"They can get a cheap bike to last them for the year, or for all four years," Ives said. "It's a great alternative for computer equipment and furniture. Basically, we have it all.
"We're here for them, and for people on and off campus. It's just what we do."
MSU Small Animal Clinic
For those who like soft, cuddly things, a trip to the MSU Small Animal Clinic might be what the doctor ordered. The clinic sits across the street from the back of Wharton Center, off Wilson Road.
Students can zip on by anytime between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. to check out a dog for 30-60 minutes. Walkers should leave their student ID at the receptionist's desk, and the program is free.
Students can walk the dogs all across campus, but MSU Veterinary Teaching Hospital Administrator Gary Foltz said dog-walkers should steer clear of crossing the railroad tracks on the south side of the university. In-line skaters are also prohibited from walking the canines.
All dogs in the program are blood donors, and most of them are greyhounds. The clinic is home to three to five dogs at any given time.
"Most of these dogs were rescued from race tracks, so they have to get out and about," Foltz said. "They are really good dogs.
"They're nice conversation pieces - people just come up, pet them and start talking."
Interested students should call (517)353-5420 in advance to request a dog.
