It may look like winter out there, but spring semester is upon us. Even if you're not so excited about spending money on books and waking up early again, you have no reason to cry yourself to sleep. Being a Spartan is more than just getting a degree — it's knowing how to have fun. So even if you skip your 8 a.m. class, mark your calendars and make it to these events:
Super Bowl XL
Feb. 5, Ford Field, Detroit
• The best teams in the National Football League square off right here in Michigan. A mere 90 miles from East Lansing. Not a football fan? There's always the commercials to look forward to.
Valentine's Day
Feb. 14
• Get pumped to celebrate the love in your life and have a good excuse to eat chocolate for lunch.
Olympic Winter Games
Feb. 10-26
Torino, Italy
• Watching the Olympics on TV will give you the chance to experience the thrill of skiing, ice skating and other winter sports without exerting yourself or getting dressed for the weather. Tune in and make some pasta in honor of Italy, this year's host country.
Special state Senate election
Feb. 21 (primary election) and March 14 (general election)
• Virg Bernero is the new mayor of Lansing, but now his seat in the Michigan Senate needs to be filled. Cast your vote if you're registered in the 23rd District.
78th Academy Awards
March 5
• Have your predictions ready by 8 p.m. and tune in to ABC to see if your favorite movie wins Best Picture.
St. Patrick's Day
March 17
• The bars open early, and this holiday falls on a Friday this year. What's not to be excited about?
East Lansing Film Festival
March 22-26
Wells Hall and Hannah Community Center
• With more than 100 films in five days, everyone should be able to find a movie that pleases. Expand your horizons by taking in the work of filmmakers from Michigan, Indiana, Illinois and Wisconsin.
Men's basketball NCAA Final Four
April 1 and April 3
Indiana Convention Center & RCA Dome, Indianapolis
• According to MapQuest, Indianapolis is only about four hours away from East Lansing.
Women's basketball NCAA Final Four
April 2 and April 4
TD Banknorth Garden, Boston
• Last year, the Spartans made it all the way to the national title game and even though they lost to Baylor 84-62, it capped off an impressive season. A championship game appearance under their belt is plenty for fans to get excited about.
Commencements
May 5-7
Breslin, Wharton and Veterinary Medical centers, Auditorium
• Congratulate your fellow Spartans as they head off into the real world and hear a speech from a yet-to-be-named big-wig.
