Welcome to MSU. You've made it to one of the nation's first land-grant university and a fine institution of learning.
But all work and no play would make someone a dull Spartan, so get out and have fun on campus.
There are a lot of things you can do on a hot, cold day or any type of day at MSU, so take advantage of campus.
When you are in your dorm room, keep your door open. It's an easy way to meet new people. If no one drops in, head out on your own adventure, finding and making new friends. And by all means don't limit yourself to your own dorm, trek to them all.
You might get a few strange stares, but the next time they see you they'll say "hi," and that's how dorm friendships start.
Though it is mandatory to take classes you may find not interesting, electives are there to save the semester. Take Kinesiology 125, First Aid and Personal Safety. You learn how to properly bandage wounds, possibly save lives and if you pass the requirements, you could assuredly be certified in first aid.
After classes you're sure to be hungry - so stop in at Totally Takeout. There are a variety of foods you can find for a quick snack or even dinner on the run. From pizza, to nachos, to Hot Pockets - you'll be sure to satisfy your cravings.
And campus landmarks showcase more than just classrooms and dormitories. Students can go bowling or shoot pool at the Union and at substantially cheaper prices.
Intramural sports are also there for students who some serious competition but not too serious play. You won't get the exposure of the actual collegiate teams, but it's possible to have the fun without having practicing all day. And there is no pressure to advance to championship games, it's just doing something you love or learning something you may come to love.
If you ever feel like letting loose some school spirit head over to the Demonstration Hall field and sing along "on the banks of the Red Cedar ...," with the Spartan Marching Band. It's a chance to hear a real band blare out all the songs that make you proud to be a Spartan.
One of MSU's best-kept secrets is the Michigan 4-H Children's Garden. Located on Bogue Street just south of Wilson Road, the garden features a "Through the Looking Glass" feel and a playful atmosphere.
Not far from the gardens on campus, just down Farm Lane is Baker Woodlot, where the forestry department does its research. You're just a short bike ride away from woody solitude.
And if you're into nature, there's nothing better than walking along the Red Cedar River, especially on the north side. The Beal Botanical Garden offers a stunning view while you're on your way to, or from, class.
Looking for a sweet snack during the day? There's no place like the MSU Dairy Store in Anthony Hall. No where else offers good ice cream at good prices.
And instead of stuffing your own face for once, throw some bread to the ducks over by the river. Stop by the closest Quality Dairy, buy a couple cheap loaves of bread and make a waterfowl's day.
But campus activities don't end when the sun goes down.
In the evening, check out a student play at either Wharton Center or the Auditorium. They're generally cheaper than the big-budget productions put on in Wharton's Great Hall - sometimes they're free.
It's worth seeing what theater students are up to all the time.
Also, every student knows he or she should take their date for a walk by Beaumont Tower. The carillon is something to behold, along with all the green space surrounding it.
Another breathtaking spot is located behind Student Services. One of the handful of fountains on campus, it is surrounded by a wealth of plant life in the spring and summer months.
Another romantic spot is Abrams Planetarium. It hosts shows on the weekends, and with a student discount, there's no reason not to learn more about the sky.
Go exploring throughout the buildings on campus, too. From the turn-of-the-century look of West Circle Complex and Jenison Fieldhouse, to the '70s-style Shaw Hall, to the brand-new Biomedical and Physical Sciences Building. It's a structural history of how the Agriculture College of the State of Michigan became the Big Ten university of MSU.
Speaking of history, though the Main Library might seem like it's just for studying, there are archives of hidden treasures. Bet you didn't know MSU has the nation's largest comic book collection, did you?
And if you're fed up with the prices movie theaters charge, don't forget the Residence Halls Association gives them to you for free if you live in the dorms. Also, you can check out films sponsored by various student groups at Wells Hall and sometimes at the auditorium.
Campus is also the place to hear speakers on multiple subjects. From the political problems of other countries to major company moguls, you can take time out of your day to soak up some additional information from these knowledgeable people.
And when Saturday rolls around you may find yourself thinking, "No classes, I'm going to sleep in."
Wrong.
Get up and tailgate because anytime you have an excuse to party as early as 7 or 8 in the morning, you really should. Students, alumni and fans tailgate before all the home football games all over campus.
The bottom line is that you are investing so much money in this university it is your obligation to take advantage of every opportunity available to you.
Remember, not only are you paying for the classes you take at MSU, you're also paying for the experience, so enjoy yourself.
