Students walk past 1855 Place during the Spartan Spirit Event and MSU Sparticipation on Aug. 27, 2019.
Welcome Week offers a wide range of events to help students settle into campus life. Between career and club fairs, sporting events, scavenger quests, arts activities and more casual gatherings, there’s something to help everyone find their place at Michigan State University.
Below is a list of Welcome Week events between Wednesday, Aug. 26 and Wednesday, Sept. 2:
Wednesday, Aug. 26
For those invested in MSU football, this year’s Meet the Spartans event will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. at Spartan Stadium, where fans of all ages are welcome to meet coaches and players. Attendees should register online and claim their free digital ticket prior to the event.
Later that evening, GloTown, an ice skating and silent disco event, will be held from 7:30 to 11 p.m. at Munn Arena. The event will also include a fraternity and sorority block party from 8:30 to 11 p.m. Food, video game trucks, yard and board games, and crafts will be provided for those interested.
Thursday, Aug. 27
For those interested in checking out some artsy registered student organizations, Wharton Welcomes is from 5 to 6 p.m. at the Plaza in front of Wharton Center. Students can find groups they connect with in an artful atmosphere with live music, ice cream and the opportunity to win prizes.
If you’re looking for a higher-energy event, check out the Sparty Gras Fall Fest from 7 to 11 p.m. at IM East Field for carnival games, free snacks and candy under neon lights.
Friday, Aug. 28
In the afternoon, the Healthy Spartans Hangout from 12 to 3 p.m. at People’s Park lets students relax and explore campus well-being resources. The event will offer therapy dogs, crafting, food, an obstacle course and other games.
In comparison, this year marks the 46th Annual U-Fest from 6 to 9 p.m. at the MSU Union East Lawn, featuring carnival games, inflatable archery, silent disco, crafts, tote bag giveaways and more.
To end the night off, bring a blanket to watch a movie under the stars at the Screen on the Green event from 8:45 to 11 p.m. at the Beal Botanical Garden, featuring “Jurassic Park.”
Saturday, Aug. 29
If you want to deck out your new space, head to the College Poster Sale from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the MSU Union Main Lounge, where you can find a wide range of budget-friendly posters, tapestries and more. The sale will continue through Friday, Sept. 4, and welcomes families and supporters of students to attend as well.
In the evening, students can visit Fall Welcome, which introduces them to downtown East Lansing, and the EL ExtravaGRANDza from 5 to 8 p.m., featuring activities across downtown on the 400 block of Albert Avenue. Students can expect live music, an appearance by Zeke the Wonder Dog and a $3,000 plus prize scavenger hunt. This event welcomes student families and supporters.
Sunday, Aug. 30
Sparticipation will be happening from 1 to 5 p.m. at IM East Field. This event will feature over 500 student organizations and 30 MSU departments, giving students the opportunity to learn about various academic and extracurricular groups at MSU.
Monday, Aug. 31
For a chill outdoor activity after classes begin, visit the Tie Dye Under the Sky event starting at 5 p.m. until supplies last at the Union East Lawn or Holden Lawn, depending on your campus location. Students can tie-dye custom MSU T-shirts and participate in other crafts while listening to music at this event, hosted by Impact89FM and the University Activities Board (UAB).
Wednesday, Sept. 2
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As Fall Welcome activities die down, plant your own succulent for your room at the Glow Green event from 5 p.m. until supplies last at the MSU Union East Lawn.
Additionally, join the Silent Disco Under the Stars event from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Beal Botanical Garden for an open-air dance experience in a unique and welcoming atmosphere.
