The first day of classes may signal the end of move-in week, but Fall Welcome at Michigan State University continues with a full lineup of events designed to keep the energy high and help Spartans find their place. From music and food to career resources and athletic matchups, welcome week offers something for everyone.
Sunday: Sparticipation and Spartan Spectacular
Fall Welcome hits its peak on Sunday, Aug. 24. Students are invited to the Union Ballroom for a Welcome and Resource Fair from 12:30 to 3 p.m., while first-year commuters can attend a session at 2 p.m. in Business College Room N130. Students living on even-numbered residence hall floors will have their required floor meeting at 2:30 p.m.
The day ends with one of the biggest events of the week: the Fall Welcome Spartan Spectacular. Running from 4 to 8 p.m. at IM East Field, the celebration includes Sparticipation, featuring more than 500 student organizations, a culinary food fair and the Spartan Sessions concert kickoff. If it rains, all events will move inside the Breslin Center.
Monday: First day of class and first craft night
As classes begin on Monday, Aug. 25, students can still take advantage of several ongoing welcome activities. The College Poster Sale runs from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. inside the MSU Union Main Lounge, and the Army ROTC Open House is open from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Demonstration Hall.
In the evening, “Tie Dye Under the Sky” offers students a chance to de-stress and get creative starting at 5 p.m. on the MSU Union East Lawn. The first 500 students receive a free T-shirt, but you can also bring your own item to dye.
Tuesday: Get involved with UAB
On Tuesday, Aug. 26, the poster sale and ROTC open house continue, but the highlight of the day is the first UAB Member Meeting. From 5 to 6 p.m., students can head to the third floor of the Union to learn how to help plan the 130-plus events UAB hosts each year.
If you are looking for leadership experience, a new community or just a fun way to give back to campus life, this is a good place to start.
Wednesday: Walk and learn in the garden
Beal Botanical Garden offers a Footprints Walking Tour from 12 to 1 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 27. Students can join the guided tour to explore MSU’s work in conservation, ecology and sustainability. The tour is free and begins at the Beal Garden pond, though advance registration is encouraged.
Thursday: Arts and athletics take the spotlight
Thursday, Aug. 28, is full of evening events. The Arts Living-Learning Community will host a welcome party and exhibition reception from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at (Scene) Metrospace in downtown East Lansing. There will be food, games, live music and opportunities to meet other artists and creatives.
Later that night, MSU women’s soccer hosts Buffalo at 7:30 p.m. in DeMartin Stadium. Admission is free for students with an MSU ID.
Friday: Career prep and game day energy
Friday, Aug. 29, is Spartan Spirit Gear Day, so wear green and white across campus. From 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., students can explore Thrift at Surplus and Upcycle Friday at the Surplus Store and Recycling Center. At the Student Services Building, the Career Services Network will host the Fall Career Kickstart from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. with resume help, LinkedIn photo booths and free professional clothing rentals.
The week ends with a bang as MSU football kicks off its season against Western Michigan at 7 p.m. in Spartan Stadium.
The weekend: Volleyball and more
The momentum carries into the weekend with MSU volleyball taking on Merrimack at 6 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 30, and Chicago State at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 31. Both games are held at the Breslin Center and are free with a student ID.
On Monday, Sept. 1, the men’s soccer team hosts Detroit Mercy at 2 p.m. at DeMartin Stadium to close out the extended Welcome Week.
Finding your place starts here
Whether you are new to East Lansing or returning for another year, the end of Fall Welcome is your chance to branch out, find your people, and experience what it means to be a Spartan. From concerts and crafts to games and guided tours, the opportunities are still wide open.
For the full schedule and any weather-related updates, visit fallwelcome.msu.edu.
