GO GREEN!
Welcome to On-Campus Living
2014 | 2015
Important information
for new Spartans
Welcome Home
to Michigan State University
Congratulations on your decision to become a part
of the MSU family. As you prepare to embark on this
exciting journey, you are officially beginning your Spartan
experience! You are now part of a legacy of Spartans who
have called our beautiful and historic campus home during
their time at MSU. From this point forward, wherever you
go, this tradition and shared experience will connect you
with Spartans throughout the world.
During your time at MSU you will be a part of many
different communities. You will connect with fellow
Spartans on your floor, throughout your residence hall,
in your MSU Neighborhood and across campus. You are
also now a part of the East Lansing and greater-Lansing
communities. You will have countless opportunities to
lay the foundation for your academic success, establish
meaningful connections, build lifelong friendships and
make lasting memories.
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The Department of Residence Education and Housing
Services is dedicated to creating a safe, sustainable and
inclusive residential environment that enhances the
MSU experience and inspires our community to:
Live. Learn. Lead. Impact the World.
Our staff is here to help you along your journey,
whatever that may be. We are here to help you be
academically successful; explore new ideas, experiences
and opportunities; nurture your passions; create new
traditions; embrace your independence; persist toward
graduation and, ultimately, have an outstanding
Spartan experience.
Inside this issue of Go Green! Welcome to On-Campus
Living, you will find important information that will help
you prepare for your arrival to campus in the fall and your
first year as a Spartan.
During your visit to campus this summer for your
Academic Orientation Program, you will receive a
wealth of information about your transition to MSU.
In the meantime, we encourage you to explore
www.liveon.msu.edu to learn as much as you can
about living on campus. Please be sure to visit
www.liveon.msu.edu/housinghandbook and
read the On-Campus Housing Handbook: Terms
and Conditions for important information and rules
related to campus living at MSU. Also, check out the
On-Campus Housing Catalog online at www.liveon.
msu.edu/housingcatalog to browse through all of the
neighborhoods and housing options available on campus.
It’s never too early to start thinking about where you want
to live during your second year!
If you have specific questions not addressed inside or
at www.liveon.msu.edu, please contact the Housing
Assignments Office at 877-9LIVEON (954-8366) or
[email protected].
inside
What to Expect in the Months Ahead
4
Connect Across Campus
5
Live On: Your Foundation for Success and Fun
6
Eat at State
7
MSU Neighborhoods
8
Campus Addresses
9
Safety and Security
10
Live-In Residence Hall Staff
11
Freshmen Feature
12
Campus Living Tips
13
Through the Eyes of a Resident Assistant
14
What to Bring Checklist
15
Showcasing Your Style
16
Live On Street Team
17
Resources18
Spartan Cash
19
University Activities Board
20
Getting Involved
21
Be Spartan Green
22
Welcome to On-Campus Living
3
What to Expect in the Months Ahead
neigHBORHOOD ASSIGNMENTS
MOVE-IN DAY
In June, you will receive an email to your MSU account that will provide
instructions on how you can view your campus neighborhood assignment.
Move-in day will be one of the best days of your life, and of course, one of the
busiest. It is important to be prepared because thousands of other Spartans are
also beginning their journeys. Here are the basics of what you need to know:
In the neighborhood assignment email, you will also have directions on how
to sign your Housing Contract, if you have not done so already. The Contract
is a legally binding document, so be sure to read it thoroughly. When you sign
the Contract, you are stating that you agree to abide by all the terms of the
Contract, including the supplemental terms and conditions outlined in the
On-Campus Housing Handbook. You can review the handbook online at
www.liveon.msu.edu/housinghandbook.
If you are under the age of 18, your Contract must be co-signed by your parent
or legal guardian.
ACADEMIC ORIENTATION PROGRAMS
the Guidebook mobile app before move-in day arrives. Familiarize
yourself with the information inside. The app will provide you
with details on parking, shuttle services, shopping locations,
a move-in checklist, video, social media resources and more.
The app is available for download by visiting the App Store
(Apple products), Google Play (Android products) or by visiting
Guidebook.com. Once the app has been downloaded, search
MSU Live On 2014 for access. If you do not have a smartphone,
all information contained in the guide is available at
www.liveon.msu.edu.
The Academic Orientation Program (AOP) begins in June. At AOP, you will
learn more about what it means to be a Spartan and what you can expect
during your journey throughout your college years at MSU. University
representatives and current MSU students will be on hand to answer any
questions you may have.
• Traffic – Summer construction projects near campus are
scheduled to end before move-in day. Nevertheless, expect for traffic
leading to campus to be heavier than normal. Please plan ahead and
give yourself extra time to make up for any possible delays.
ROOM ASSIGNMENTS
halls on their move-in day for a complimentary meal. For more
information on hours and locations, visit www.eatatstate.com.
Room and roommate assignments will be sent out via email in late July. Your
roommate(s)’s contact information will be included in that information.
We recommend that you connect with your roommate(s) before moving to
campus. This is a good opportunity to discuss plans for room decorations,
room essentials and the times you expect to arrive on move-in day. It is also a
good time to discuss expectations for your living arrangements. Make sure you
and your roommate are on the same page when it comes to visitors, cleaning,
bed times and other important decisions to ensure a smooth transition and a
successful school year.
l
i
a
r
T
r
e
v
#MSURi
4
• Guidebook – A move-in day guide will be available on
go green
• Dining – Spartans and their families are invited to the dining
@Stephhmaj says make time in your four year plan to study abroad!
HOUSING CONTRACT
Connect Across Campus
#Spartans
The easiest way to connect with a large part of the Spartan community is by engaging on
social media! Visit www.spartanconnect.msu.edu to find out how you can connect
with Spartans all over campus.
For updates on all things related to on-campus housing, you can find MSU Live On
on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube and Tumblr! On our social media accounts,
you’ll find the latest updates on events, contests, important housing announcements,
employment opportunities and more. Be sure to use #SpartansLiveOn to connect with
fellow students who are living on campus.
For your dining needs, look for Eat at State on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, or visit
the website at www.eatatstate.com for daily menus and other information.
LiveOn
Live On: Your Foundation
for Success and Fun
Independence. You can practically taste it now that it is so close. You have a game plan in mind:
live on campus your freshman year, then round up some friends and move to an apartment
off-campus as soon as possible.
during late hours in addition to your key. Living wings in residence halls are locked 24 hours a
day, seven days a week. MSU police patrol neighborhoods and there are green light emergency
phones within sight of every room.
But guess what? You are going to be independent whether you live on or off campus. You are
going to prioritize what is important to you (school, student groups, social life). You are going to
do laundry. You are going to eat. The only difference is how you choose to live independently.
6. Free Stuff from Your Resident Assistant
Forget the fact that students who live on campus earn better grades. Forget the fact that
students who live on campus are more likely to graduate on time (I mean, it is only
money, right?). What if we challenged your perception and told you living on campus more
closely compares to an all-inclusive resort than the stories you may have heard? It is true.
Read on to see why.
Top 10 Reasons to Live On at MSU
for Two Years or More
10. Cleaning Service is Included
Not only does the fantastic facilities staff do the dirty work, but they save you time too! They
take out the trash, refill the soap and toilet paper dispensers, disinfect the bathrooms and
vacuum in all the common areas — all before you even get out of bed for class. Why not let
someone else do your cleaning for a few years?
9. Proximity and Convenience
This is one benefit where you don’t know how good you have it until it is gone. Your room is
within walking distance of class, hot and delicious food, a plethora of cozy and communal study
spaces, campus activities and entertainment, sporting events and your best friend’s room. Plus,
you do not have to worry about driving to campus or getting parking tickets. Hey, did you know
you get FREE laundry in your building when you live on campus? FREE. LAUNDRY.
8. Expand Your Circle
Living on campus lets you meet people outside your usual social scene. It is a great place to
connect, whether you are setting up an impromptu volleyball game or late-night food run. You
never know when you might meet a friendly face that ends up helping you in your career down
the road. Spartans for life!
7. Safety
Unless you plan to live in a high-security apartment complex (which can be pretty expensive),
most are only protected by a door lock. Your residence hall, however, requires key-card access
6
make sure to get your
@_GabbySmiles says
State)
! It’s worth it! (Eat At
combo every day, M-F
go green
Do you like candy on every holiday, tie-dye parties and finals week stress-relief packages?
Resident assistants (RAs) are not there to act as your babysitter, they are there to make your
time on campus enriching. RAs plan programming each month that usually includes giving away
free stuff, like food. Do not miss out.
5. Convenient Billing
Unlike apartments and utilities, your residence hall will not slap you with a monthly bill. You
may not fully appreciate that just yet, but believe us, it is pretty great. You are going to pay just
once at the beginning of the semester and like magic, everything is included! For those who
prefer to make payments throughout the semester, you have the option to sign up for a payment
plan.
4. No Moving Furniture
You have enough stuff already. Do you really want to move furniture too? I mean, if you
really want to “save money” by moving off campus then you are going to rent an unfurnished
apartment, right? That means searching, buying, moving and then selling and disposing of all
that furniture. Whew! We are tired already.
3. Ultimate Entertainment Centers
Game rooms, large screen TVs, basketball and volleyball courts and more than 300 student
activities each year — most of which are FREE to students. There is always something going on
nearby when you live on campus.
2. Choose the Room that Fits You
We are not talking a one-room dormitory with bunk beds and a communal shower here. You
have choices and tons of privacy. You are also encouraged to personalize your space. Show that
Spartan Spirit or decorate with whatever you love. Have you heard of the My Spartan Space
contest? The prize this past year was a pair of Beats by Dre headphones.
And the number one reason that you should live on campus for multiple years is…
1. It is a Once in a Lifetime Experience
Living on campus is an integral part of the complete college experience. Have you ever met an
alumni outside of campus? Was their first question to you, “where are you living?” followed by
a story of where they lived when they were on campus? Your campus neighborhood is where
the memories are made, and you will never have the convenience — and fun — of living in a
residence hall again in your entire life.
Live it up. Live On.
Sparty’s at th
e Administra
tion Building
Eat at State
DINING ON CAMPUS
MSU’s award-winning Culinary Services team provides residents with dining excellence from
7 a.m. to midnight, seven days a week. With 10 residential dining halls, each neighborhood offers
made-to-order, fresh and healthy options. So, you are sure to eat well while living on campus.
Opening in fall 2014, the Heritage Commons at Landon Hall will add a vibrant new dining
option to North Neighborhood. Make sure you try out each of our locations next year, including:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Heritage Commons at Landon Hall
The Gallery at Snyder/Phillips Hall
Brody Square
South Pointe at Case Hall
The Vista at Shaw Hall
Riverwalk Market at Owen Hall
MSU Union Food Court
21 Sparty’s locations across campus
Eat at State ON-THE-GO food truck
No matter what you crave, our flexible dining plans meet your lifestyle!
DINING PLANS
When you sign up for housing, you will also select your on-campus dining plan.
DineOn Platinum – Unlimited meals at any residential dining hall with $300 Spartan Cash
(loaded on your I.D.) and eight guest-meal passes per semester. Includes Combo-X-Change.
DineOn Gold – Unlimited meals at any residential dining hall with $150 Spartan Cash (loaded
on your I.D.) and four guest-meal passes per semester. Includes Combo-X-Change.
DineOn Silver – Unlimited meals at any residential dining hall. Includes Combo-X-Change.
All plans feature Combo-X-Change, so you can use your meal options at all 21 Sparty’s locations,
Riverwalk Market at Owen Hall and the Eat at State ON-THE-GO Food Truck and Union
Pizzeria, Union Deli and Serrano’s at the MSU Union Food Court. Plus, Combo-X-Change lets
you get takeout from any residential dining hall, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Monday through Friday.
SPECIAL DIETARY NEEDS
Our professional dining staff is available to assist in finding menu options that fit your needs,
including vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free offerings. If you have dietary restrictions due
to health concerns, food allergies or religious observances, we encourage you to meet and
develop a relationship with our registered dietician, executive chefs or dining hall managers
to discuss options.
Kosher cuisine is available at Wilson Dining Hall and Brody Square; halal foods are featured
at Riverwalk Market at Owen Hall and Holmes Dining Hall. All of our residential dining hall
menus are marked with food labels for easy identification. To view menus and nutritional
information, visit www.eatatstate.com.
Welcome to On-Campus Living
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MSU
COMPUTER
STORE
HELP
AND
REPAIR
Computer Center
1st Floor
7:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Monday – Friday
(517) 432–0700
cstore.msu.edu
It’s great
to be a
Spartan!
Shop the MSU Computer Store for
computers, laptops, tablets, software,
printers and accessories all at an
educational discount. And because you’re
a student, you get some perks.
Special pricing – As a Spartan you
receive MSU’s discounted pricing on
computers, laptops, tablets, software and
accessories.
Free loaners – Because stuff happens, if
you bought your computer from us we
will give you a loaner if your computer
should need repair.
Welcome to the MSU Neighborhoods
College is a time to grow, discover yourself and explore the world around you – but it can also
feel overwhelming and foreign. With MSU Neighborhoods, you have an opportunity to realize
your full potential through a wide range of programs, activities and support services.
At MSU, we strive to provide you with the best possible living arrangements and easy access
to everything the University has to offer. Each of the five neighborhoods is comprised of several
residence halls, newly renovated dining halls, Sparty’s convenience options and an engagement
center. Which neighborhood are you living in this year?
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•
•
•
•
Brody
East
North
River Trail
South
MSU ENGAGEMENT CENTERS: CONVENIENT AND CLOSE
The engagement centers are unique spaces located in each neighborhood that serve as the main
access points to important resources such as tutors, academic advisors, health practitioners and
other consultants that can help you navigate through your college career.
Each week, engagement centers host individual and group tutoring for many first- and secondyear courses, social and cultural activities, as well as fitness classes for Yoga, cardio kick boxing
and Zumba through the Live On and Be Fit program. Additionally, there are workshops on
practical topics such as using the library, sharpening study skills, searching for internships,
managing personal finances and more.
Convenience – We are located right on
campus ready to serve you with a large
selection of in-stock items. Or, shop from
anywhere, anytime on our website
cstore.msu.edu.
Support – We have you covered. Walk-in
for help or drop in on a training class.
Plus we provide authorized warranty
service for many major brands.
Brody
Enga
On Facebook
facebook.com/msucstore
On Twitter
@TechAtMSU
gemen
t Cente
r
Campus Addresses
In 2012, street addresses were assigned to all buildings on MSU’s East Lansing campus,
including residence halls, academic halls, administrative buildings and athletic venues. The
new street addresses have improved emergency and public safety responses on campus by
meeting 911 dispatching service requirements. Additionally, campus addresses can now be
used with mapping and navigation software applications. Once you have received your hall
and room assignment in August, you can locate your new campus address by visiting
www.campusaddresses.msu.edu.
Explore Your New Home
Take some time in the coming months to learn more about all that MSU and
the surrounding community has to offer by visiting these websites:
On-campus Living at MSU:
www.liveon.msu.edu
Dining at MSU:
www.eatatstate.com
MSU Neighborhood Resources:
www.neighborhoods.msu.edu
City of East Lansing:
www.cityofeastlansing.com
City of Lansing:
www.lansingmi.gov
#MSUEa
st
Safety and Security
MSU takes the safety and security of our residents very seriously.
We also believe students must share responsibility for staying safe
on campus. On-campus safety measures include:
•
Residence halls equipped with electronic building access
technology restricting access to the exterior doors, living wings and
elevators. Living wings in residence halls are locked 24 hours a day,
seven days a week.
•
Residence halls with public space are locked at midnight and residents must use their MSU ID card to access the building.
•
All residence hall guests must be escorted by a resident for the duration of their stay.
•
All student room doors are equipped with peepholes and students are encouraged to keep their doors locked at all times.
•
Residence halls are equipped with fire alarm systems, fire-rated doors and hard-wired smoke detectors.
As residence halls are renovated, sprinkler suppression systems
are also added.
•
•
In the event of an emergency, the East Lansing Fire Department has a station on campus for fast response.
•
Inside, emergency phones have been installed within the sightline of every student room door in the residence halls.
•
Outside, green light emergency phones are also found throughout campus and connect directly to the MSU Police.
•
In the event of a large-scale emergency, our reverse-911 system allows us to reach students quickly with necessary information.
•
All members of the MSU community are encouraged to sign up for the MSU Alert System in order to receive quick and easy notification in the event of an emergency.
• The
Olin Health Center and the MSU Counseling Center
are available to MSU students experiencing physical or mental health issues.
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Residence Education and Housing Services
LIVE-IN RESIDENCE HALL STAFF
17
Community
Directors
Full-time, live-in staff members who
are responsible for overseeing daily
operations in a residence hall or
apartment community. They create
a community that fosters academic
excellence and personal growth
for residents.
327
Resident
Assistants
Intercultural
Aides
Live-in staff members who
help students make successful
cultural, social and academic
transitions to MSU. They work
closely with the Resident
Assistant team to plan engaging
activities that bring together
students from all different
backgrounds.
Assistant
Community
Directors
Part-time, graduate level, live-in
staff members who are responsible
for developing an environment
where students can excel
academically and personally.
They supervise and advise the
Resident Assistant team and advise
in-hall student organizations.
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Live-in, student staff members who support
the academic community in the residence
hall. They are responsible for developing
and executing programming that allows for
multicultural learning, character-building,
community and personal well-being.
Welcome to On-Campus Living
11
Freshman Feature: Meet Emily
I was just like many other freshmen entering college last year — excited about the new adventure that I was
about to embark on, but apprehensive about the big change. Growing up, I didn’t spend much time away
from home. I had only been to a few sleep-away camps that lasted a week or two at a time and a leadership
conference at Duke University that lasted three weeks. For years, my mom woke me up every morning for
school. As I counted down the days until move-in, it already felt strange thinking about how I wouldn’t have
her there with me every day.
“Move In is
your first op
portunity to
meet people
reall y
, so take ad
vantage of
it!”
The summer before college, I spent time preparing myself to leave my family. I was also working like crazy so
that I would be able to afford college. I was willing to do whatever it took to give myself the opportunity of
going to MSU.
My move-in day didn’t start out exactly as planned. On the way, my TV stand fell out of my truck and broke
into pieces in the middle of the highway. I was so disappointed! I had spent a week building that stand —
even doing all the drilling myself. On top of that, my truck broke down three times on the road. I was very
discouraged. I thought this trip was a sign of my college experience to come. I was off to a bad start.
Once I arrived at Yakeley Hall, things started looking up. I recruited two guys just standing around outside
to help me carry my futon into my residence hall room. Other than dealing with the morning trip and
obscene heat, move-in day turned out to be pretty exciting! It is your first opportunity to really meet people,
so take advantage of it!
The first few months of school felt like one adjustment after another. It’s constant for a while. Being 100
percent responsible for yourself is something that does not always come easily. In high school, your parents
make sure you go to class every day and the free time is treasured. Most professors do not care whether or
not you show up to their class; you are paying for your own education now, so your success is ultimately in
your hands. I learned that lesson the hard way.
My first semester I missed a lot of class and I’ll be the first to tell you that doing so is a horrible idea. You can
get behind and lost in a class very easily. In college, you have so much more time to yourself. It can be easy to
get side-tracked. One word — Netflix. This one website can literally consume your life. I cannot even begin
to count the hours I have spent watching a television series that I probably would have no interest in other
than to procrastinate.
Joining groups and attending campus activities is a great way to avoid failure. The more involved you
are, the more likely you are to make school work your priority. And you will make new friends that will
probably end up helping you with classes and more. Some of my favorite ways to be involved are found in the
engagement centers in each neighborhood, like the Live On and Be Fit classes in Brody. After moving into
Armstrong Hall during my second semester, I really started interacting with people and stepping outside
of my comfort zone. The fitness classes offered in Brody Hall are a great opportunity to get to know other
people, and try new things like Zumba or yoga. Second semester, I not only took advantage of the fitness
classes, but also the Math Learning Center and tutors in the Brody Engagement Center. As someone who
had to give their grades a little boost after first semester, these resources were very useful to me.
12
go green
Emily Burris,
Freshman
Throughout the second semester, I found myself growing happier and happier. I met
my best friend, Valerie, and a ton of other awesome people. Volleyball became an
everyday occurrence for the ladies of Armstrong Hall and the men of Rather Hall,
followed by dinner and completing the homework that we saved for the end of the day.
As the end of the semester grew closer, we found ourselves starting to feel a little sad,
not because of homework or finals, but because we all knew that in a couple weeks we
had to say goodbye for a whole summer. Four months doesn’t seem that long, but
when it is saying goodbye to the people you have lived with 24/7 for months, it is a
little difficult.
This year at MSU has taught me more than just the inverse of logarithmic equation
or how to find the molar mass of Hydrochloric Acid. I learned that the friends who
really love you and care about you will always love you, even when you mess up. I also
discovered that sometimes you just have to say, “no.” You can’t do it all. As someone
who worked 30 hours a week first semester while taking 14 credits, I fell behind and
had to reel it back second semester. I also learned that it is not always going to be as
easy as it was in high school. You have to put in more effort, show up for class, do the
assignments and occasionally go to a professor’s office hours for additional help.
If you hit a tough spot during your first year, remember freshmen are freshmen for
a reason. It is not a bad thing. It is not a curse. It is a phase. A phase that will help
prepare you for what the next three to four years will have in store. Being a freshman
is a great thing, a stepping-stone for your future success, especially when you are a
Spartan at Michigan State University.
Tips on Adjusting to Campus Living
While living on campus at MSU, you will have the opportunity to:
GET INVOLVED WITH THE RESIDENCE HALL COMMUNITY
•
@MSUR
The mo
re you d HA says get inv
o
o
meet! T
hey will , the more peo lved!
p
be you
le you
through r support syste
m
your co
llege ye
ars!
Be an active member of your hall community by attending floor programs,
floor meetings and hall events.
• Meet
people by attending hall-based government and caucus meetings and events.
• Know
your own and your family’s expectations for your academic and social conduct.
• Lock
your door and do not leave personal belongings unattended while on campus.
We believe you must share responsibility for staying safe on campus.
• Get
to know your RA and Office of Cultural and Academic Transitional intercultural aide.
These undergraduate staff members receive extensive training in order to help you successfully
transition to college!
ACHIEVE ACADEMIC SUCCESS
• Create
a study group with those who live nearby.
• Explore
new ways of thinking about potential career options.
• Keep
your family involved with what you are learning and talk about your classroom
experiences with friends.
• Select
a housing option that meets your needs (things like quiet floors or
living-learning communities).
• Seek
out MSU’s many academic resources — like tutors in your neighborhood engagement center. RAs and Office of Cultural and Academic Transitional intercultural aides can be very helpful in connecting you with resources.
LEARN ABOUT YOURSELF AND OTHERS
• Extend
your social circle to include individuals with different backgrounds, identities
and interests.
• Strategize
• Take
how to candidly discuss your living expectations with roommates and suitemates.
initiative to solve your own problems before asking for help.
• Reflect
on decisions you made and learn from your important college experiences.
#MSUBrody
Welcome to On-Campus Living
13
Through the Eyes of a Resident Assistant
Congratulations! You have been accepted to Michigan State
University, my dream school and hopefully yours too. I grew up as a
MSU sports fan and came to the University to visit multiple times
throughout my childhood. However, I didn’t fully understand the
wonders of this school until I became a student here in 2012. MSU
has such a rich history, beautiful campus and so many nice and
interesting people; I could not have picked a better place to continue
on my adventure as an 18-year-old from the suburbs of Chicago.
My first year was a unique experience because I lived on a floor
in Wilson Hall that was only for freshman engineering students.
This floor was one of many living-learning communities sprinkled
throughout campus in various halls, and it was an awesome
experience. My side of the floor was all males and nearly every one
of us shared some classes together as engineering students. Doing
homework and studying for tests became not a chore, but a fun
group effort where we would all just kind of hang out. The resident
assistant (RA) on our floor was the most sincere, chill guy that you
could meet, and he did a great job of connecting with each of the
guys on the floor. He organized intramural dodge ball, flag football,
basketball, volleyball and softball teams for us. He also played on
the teams with us! He helped make our floor extremely cohesive and
social and it made my experience in the residence halls fantastic.
Skip to present day. It is my sophomore year I am now an RA in
Wonders Hall. Being an RA is not only great because of the free room
and meal plan, but I get to share all my great experiences from my
first year with incoming freshmen on my own floor. My goal as an RA
is to hopefully give new students coming to MSU the same kind of
fun, social and interactive residence hall experience that I was able to
experience my freshman year. Whether it is with movie nights, game
nights or floor dinners, I want my residents to have as much fun as
possible during their time on campus.
Contrary to popular belief, my job as an RA is not to serve as an
amateur police officer — getting people in trouble as much as
possible. My job is to give my residents an opportunity to meet
other extraordinary people, make countless new friends, be part of a
community and have as much fun as possible! I want each resident to
have a Spartan experience that they will remember for a lifetime.
14
go green
d
hborhoo
outh Neig
S
,
re
o
m
ho
cos, Sop
Kosta Le
Spartan Marching Band
The Vista at Shaw Hall
“I want each resident to have a Spartan
experience that they will remember for a
lifetime.”
My advice? Do not spend all your time in the
residence hall sleeping and studying. Some
people spend the entire first year inside their
room and do not explore the giant world that
is “the rest of the floor.” By all means, take the
opportunity to explore campus and enjoy all that
MSU has to offer because it is an incredible place.
Your residence hall floor is a place where you can truly open up and
have fun, a place where you can get off on the right foot in college. It
is the one time in your college life that you will live so close to your
classes, so close to an unlimited, delicious food source and so close
to so many nice people who may become your closest friends. If you
keep your heart and mind open, you will find that your greatest
memories may come from the years you choose to live on campus in
the residence halls at MSU.
#MSUSout
h
Spartan Marching Band
What to Bring Move-in Checklist
Until you can connect with your roommate, here are some things to get you thinking about the perfect
room and a great start to your campus life.
IDENTIFICATION
LAUNDRY/CLOTHING CARE
Driver’s license
Detergent, fabric softener, stain remover
Social Security card
Laundry basket, bag
Student ID (If you have it)
Hangers
MEDICATIONS
MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS
Anything you take regularly and
any special instructions for things like
allergy shots
Spare eyeglasses, contact lenses, supplies
Current written prescriptions
Headache/cold medicine
Sewing kit and safety pins
Mug, glass, plate, silverware
Non-perishable snack foods
Microwaveable dish/pan, can opener
Plastic stacking cubes
Compact microwave*
Mini refrigerator (five cubic feet or less)*
Fan*
Cell phone with long distance service
Flashlight and extra batteries
Bike with strong U-lock, inline skates and
very comfy shoes
STUFF TO LEAVE AT HOME
•
Indoor grills, including George Foreman-type
•
Halogen lamps
•
Candles
•
Pets (fish of non-piranha variety are allowed)
First aid supplies
Computer/printer with Ethernet
connecting cable
LINENS
Cleaning supplies
WHY BRING THESE?
Pillow
OPTIONAL DECORATION
Many items are available for check-out from the
service center, including:
Blanket
Comforter
PERSONAL ITEMS
Posters, photos, artwork
Calendar
Plants
Shower tote to carry to the bathroom
if you are in a community bath hall
Small area rug
Toothbrush, toothpaste, floss
Bed rest and lap desk for reading
and writing in bed
Brush and comb
Shaving items, tweezers
Hair dryer, curling/straightening iron
Desk lamp, clip-on light
OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT
Bath soap
RG6 coaxial cable cord with connectors, digital TV or TV with Clear QAM or QAM convertor box
Robe
Surge protector/power strip*
Shampoo, conditioner
•
Brooms and dustpans
•
Vacuums
•
Microfridge, futons and personal safes
MSU has partnered with Bedloft.com to
provide rental service for these items, which
will be delivered right to your room. Visit
www.bedloft.com for information and
to place orders.
* Energy Star items are strongly recommended. Check out
www.energystar.gov for a list of rated appliances.
Welcome to On-Campus Living
15
Showcasing Your Style
When you walk into any students’ residence hall room
at MSU, you are sure to find something that makes their
spaces feel like home. Whether it’s a cookbook passed
down from grandma, a special photo collage or a special
autographed poster from their favorite celebrity, students
bring many different items to make their spaces special.
But there are some students who go above and beyond to
make their spaces stand out.
Enter Peter Burroughs, Austin Bowerman and Joel DeJong,
winners of the 2014 My Spartan Space contest. When you
walk into Bryan Hall, you can see their special room design
from several feet away.
Peter, Austin and Joel met each other on move-in day. Peter
hails from Ohio while Austin and Joel are Michigan natives.
The three freshmen decided to go in blind and they say they
couldn’t have made a better decision.
“I kind of hit the jackpot,” Joel said. “These guys are pretty cool.”
Although they all share different interests, the students
found solid ground to stand on when it came to outfitting
their “Spartan space.”
16
go green
The guys were discussing room decoration ideas in
September, but while Joel was thinking posters and Austin
was thinking of the animals he caught while hunting, Peter
had a different plan. Pillars.
“I was like sure! I don’t know what that is going to look like
but cool,” Joel said.
It was his love for Lord of The Rings that gave birth to his
idea for their room design. “It was a pretty ambitious idea
but Joel and Austin were cool with it,” Peter said.
It took many long weekends and some help from friends,
but after a ton of hard work, the guys now have one of the
best-decorated rooms on campus.
The pillars aren’t the only feature that makes this room
special. There is an art wall where the roommates and their
friends display fun sketches or class projects. There are
also posters, photos of family and of course, no room would
be complete without MSU gear! Peter, Austin and Joel’s
interests blend together seamlessly to create a room that
feels just like home to each of them.
“We’re definitely a good advertisement for going in blind,”
said Austin.
Next year, Austin and Peter will room together again in
Bryan Hall, while Joel will move to North Neighborhood
for a new experience in Snyder-Phillips Hall. And in case
you’re wondering, the guys have already started talking up
design ideas for next year.
Be Part of the Experience: Live On Street Team
Your college years are some of the best years of your life. You meet
many new people, step outside your comfort zone and create
memories that will last a lifetime.
We are committed to providing an opportunity for you to create
many of those memories on campus.
The Live On Street Team is a group of students who live on campus
and contribute to a positive on-campus living experience for
fellow residents. The team is comprised of students from different
backgrounds, class levels, majors and overall experiences. The group
comes together biweekly to plan events for students who Live
On. Previous events have included away-game tailgates, birthday
parties across campus for MSU, a Live On festival, an indoor beach
party called Spring Break Rewind and many other small-scale
events around campus. The team also collaborates with in-hall staff
members like RAs and community directors to host events.
The Live On Street Team is also active on social media and blogs,
providing a glimpse into their own Spartan experiences. Whether
it’s a photo of a study group they’re participating in or a blog about
attending the Rose Bowl, the students share what it’s like to be a
Spartan from their perspective.
The Live On Street Team is also a valuable resource for your
questions. The students are very knowledgeable about the housing
options available for students and many of them have already
experienced some of the situations you may encounter. Seek them out
at on-campus events hosted by Live On.
Angela Wan
g, a sophom
ore (Street
says don’t g
Team),
ive up on liv
ing in the re
halls too so
s
idence
on; the mem
ories made
there
last forever.
Welcome to On-Campus Living
17
RESOURCES
Housing Assignment FAQs
Q: When will I find out where I will be living?
A: Neighborhood assignments will be made in early June. Room and roommate assignments will
be made in late July. Notifications will be sent to your msu.edu email account and will include
instructions on how to log on to iLiveOn to view your assignments.
Q: Why was my friend assigned to a different hall/room than me?
A: Students are assigned to residence halls based on participation in living-learning programs,
environmental preferences (such as alcohol-free or quiet floor) and mutual roommate requests.
The rest is done by random selection. In order for a roommate request to be honored, both students
must have met the following criteria.
• Submitted a roommate request on or before May 1 by completing one of these steps:
• Request a specific roommate on the initial housing application.
• Update your roommate/environmental preferences online through iLiveOn.
• Be part of the same living-learning program, if applicable.
Q: Do I need to physically sign and mail in my Housing Contract?
A: No. Log on to iLiveOn to review and electronically sign your Housing Contract.
A: Move-in for most new students is Sunday, August 24.
Move-in for international students is Saturday, August 16.
Q: Where can I find the answers to more Frequently Asked Questions?
A: Visit www.liveon.msu.edu and look under the Quick Links section on the home page.
#MSUN
orth
18
go green
Spartan Tailgating on a Football Saturday
Q: When is move-in for new students?
Eat at State ON-THE-GO Food Truck
Opening a Spartan Cash Account
Experience freedom from scrounging for cash, carrying a stack of credit cards, writing checks and
paying interest rates. Make your MSU ID card work for you with Spartan Cash.
Use your ID card to access a wide variety of services and products across campus and the local
community. Purchases can be made from more than 100 locations, including transportation
services iCab and EXTaxi.
Need books for classes? Spartan Cash is accepted at:
•
•
•
•
Sparty on Game day
Spartan Bookstore
Student Bookstore
Collegeville Textbook Co.
Ned’s Bookstore
Just look for the Spartan Cash logo on and off campus — new vendors are accepting Spartan Cash
all the time! View the complete list at www.spartancash.com.
NEED TO OPEN AN ACCOUNT?
Bailey GREENhouse
inte
South Po
all
at Case H
Open your Spartan Cash account online at www.spartancash.com or by phone at 517-355-CASH
(2274). Note, if you have a DineOn Platinum or Gold dining plan, your Spartan Cash account will
be opened automatically.
@Rober718 says get a job! Jobs on campus are more
flexible around classes, exams, and semester breaks.
Welcome to On-Campus Living
19
Fun and Fantastic Campus Events
University Activities Board (UAB) hosts more than 300 events annually on campus — most
free to MSU students! Here are just some of the fun things UAB is planning:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Concerts
Hypnotists
Game Shows
Comedians
Craft Nights
Inflatable Games
Open Mics
Theme Nights
Free Music Fridays
Outdoor Events
Talent Competitions
Recreational Events
Lectures
Movies and Advanced Screenings
UAB and RHA can enhance your classroom education by offering quality volunteer and
leadership opportunities. Regardless of your area of study, you can gain skills that will
give you a competitive edge in today’s job market. For more information, visit our table
at your Academic Orientation Program this summer. And don’t miss our annual U-Fest
event — full of free food and activities — at the MSU Union this fall.
CONNECT WITH UAB
Visit us online at www.uabevents.com, call us at 517-355-3354 or follow us on
social media!
• Facebook: /UABatMSU
• Twitter: @UABatMSU
• Instagram: /UABatMSU
Visit www.uabevents.com for more information. Many of these events are funded through
our Residence Hall Linen and Carpet fundraising programs.
RESIDENCE HALL LINEN PROGRAM
Make your space your own and go beyond the white bed linens and towels that are included
with on-campus housing! The Residence Hall Linen Program gives you the option to upgrade
to popular colors and patterns. Call 800-957-4338 or visit www.rhl.org/mst to place an
order. Hurry — before your favorite color or pattern is sold out!
RESIDENCE HALL CARPET PROGRAM
Enjoy the convenience of on-campus pick up and a special student rate when you pre-order
your carpet through the Residence Hall Carpet Program. Select a brand new, top-quality,
plush carpet that’s sized perfectly for your room. It will be waiting for you during move-in
at one of four locations on campus. Call 800-892-8729 or visit www.rhcarpets.com/mst to
place an order.
HAVE A GREAT NIGHT OUT
UAB is your source for great campus entertainment. We offer more than 300 events each year,
with most programs FREE for MSU students! Last year, more than 99,500 people attended
UAB programs. All events are located on campus, so there is always something fun to do close
to home!
In partnership with the Residence Hall Association (RHA), UAB sponsors first-run films at
the Campus Center Cinemas on weekend nights (free to undergraduate students that live on
campus in a residence hall and pay the RHA tax).
20
go green
FALL U
AB SA
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ARE G
OING O ES
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THE M
SU
AUGUS UNION
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Don’t mis
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!
Getting Involved
Residence Education and Housing Services (REHS) is a part of
RHS and employs many students across campus. REHS student
team members enjoy flexible schedules to work around classes and
activities, hands-on experience in a number of areas and the chance
to work right on campus. Look for unique opportunities such as
being part of our Live On Street Team.
REGISTERED STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS
Culinary Services is a part of RHS and also has a variety of
employment options. These student team members enjoy a work
schedule that accommodates classes and activities, training and
development opportunities and most importantly — the convenience
of working close to where you live! Look at openings with our awardwinning dining halls, Sparty’s stores/cafes, MSU Bakers, the Eat at
State ON-THE-GO Food Truck, Starbucks and Concessions.
Whether you are from a small town or big city, coming from a few
miles away, across the country or across an ocean, MSU is a big place.
When you choose to get involved on campus, you have the chance
to meet a ton of new friends with similar interests — making the
University feel smaller and your Spartan experience more meaningful.
MSU has more than 650 registered student organizations, meaning
there is something for everyone here on campus! Getting involved
helps ease the transition from high school to college and helps
students feel more connected to the University and campus
community. Did you know that involved students:
• Are more likely to graduate
LEARN MORE AND APPLY
• Report higher levels of satisfaction with their college experience
• Experience advances in intellectual, cultural, spiritual and
social development
• Gain knowledge in leadership, communication, problem-solving and more
Do not miss this year’s Sparticipation, MSU’s annual student
organization fair. Join us at:
Sparticipation 2014
Tuesday, August 26, 2014
5-8 p.m. (Check in begins at 3 p.m.)
Munn Field (Outside Munn Ice Arena)
Learn more and view a complete list of RSOs on campus by visiting
www.studentlife.msu.edu/student-organizations-activities.
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
Learn more during your Academic Orientation Program this summer.
We will have information tables for you to visit at the Resource
Fair and select dining halls. Ready to apply? You can fill out an
application to work in one of our many campus positions by visiting
the sites below.
• www.liveon.msu.edu
• www.eatatstate.com
• www.myspartancareer.com
omore
Jessica Lee, a soph
making
(Street Team), says
e, so just
friends is inevitabl
be yourself.
The Division of Residential and Hospitality Services (RHS) offers
many on-campus job opportunities. Work in our residence halls,
dining halls and more, where you will gain invaluable experience.
Did you know that when you work for you can apply for the Robert
C. Underwood Scholarship? Student team members that meet the
requirements below are eligible to apply for this $2,000 scholarship
each February. To be eligible, you must:
• Work for RHS a minimum of two consecutive semesters
• Maintain a minimum 3.2 GPA
Welcome to On-Campus Living
21
Be Spartan Green
LIVE GREEN
• Talk
with friends about being environmentally conscious and what that means.
• Report heating, electrical and water issues to the facility manager or Service Center.
• Turn off lights when you leave and no one is around. Use natural light instead of turning on lights whenever possible.
• Use compact fluorescent or LED light bulbs rather than incandescent light bulbs for
task lighting.
• Turn off and unplug electronics and small appliances when they are not in use, especially over holiday breaks.
• Utilize power-saving settings on computers so they can automatically go to sleep or shut down if you step away for a while.
• Share small appliances, like a refrigerator, with roommates, suitemates or other floormates.
• Conserve water by showering less than 10 minutes and turn off water while brushing
your teeth.
• Wash laundry in full loads, on the cold setting.
BUY GREEN
Purchase and use a refrigerator and TV that are Energy Star rated.
Check out www.energystar.gov.
• Choose a laptop instead of a desktop. Laptops use less energy and are more portable.
• Consider purchasing a smart power strip for energy savings and surge protection for
your devices.
• Drink water from the tap or hydration (filtered) water station in all residence halls rather
than buying bottled water. Conserve your resources and money.
• Purchase paper with at least 30 percent or more post-consumer or recycled content.
• Purchase used furniture and supplies from MSU Surplus Store or other resale stores.
• Choose to use nontoxic/biodegradable and/or Green Seal-Certified cleaning products.
• Purchase food, household cleaners and other items in bulk. Also, buy local food when it
is available.
• Take only what you can eat. Go trayless when you eat on campus and you’ll waste less food
and conserve water and energy.
•
TRAVEL GREEN
• Walk,
bike or take the bus to class and work.
Carpool, or take the bus or train when traveling away from campus.
• Use Zipcar at MSU if you need a car to travel. Learn more at www.zipcar.com.
• Rent, buy or repair a bike at MSU Bikes Service Center.
•
REDUCE, REUSE AND RECYCLE
Have printer cartridges refilled.
• Reduce the amount of paper used by printing less, printing double-sided and reducing margins.
•
22
go green
Reuse old folders, envelopes and binders.
Share newspapers, periodicals and catalogs.
• Remove your name from lists that send junk mail.
• Donate recyclable or unwanted items during Pack Up. Pitch In. Move In. and
Pack Up. Pitch In. Help Out., rather than throwing them away.
• Use rechargeable batteries.
• Use reusable mugs, water bottles, dishes and utensils rather than disposables.
• Recycle all the materials MSU accepts, including all plastics, all paper, boxboard, glass and cardboard. Use the Be Spartan Green recycling bag that is provided in your room.
•
•
START OUT RIGHT! BE GREEN DURING MOVE-IN
Our Pack Up. Pitch In. campaign occurs during move-in each year. As you are settling in to
your new campus home, remember to recycle your packing and unwanted moving materials,
including cardboard, boxboard, all plastics, glass and polystyrene (Styrofoam) in your residence
hall lobby or the outside bins during move-in.
All students receive a mesh recycling bag and reusable water bottle in their room at move-in.
The bag can be used to collect recyclable materials (as listed above) and to transport them to
the recycling centers in every residence hall lobby and near classrooms. Your water bottle can be
filled at hydration stations throughout campus. Welcome to Michigan State University!
GREEN RESOURCES @ MSU
MSU Office of Campus Sustainability
www.bespartangreen.msu.edu
MSU Recycling Center
www.recycle.msu.edu
MSU Surplus Store
www.surplus.msu.edu
MSU University Stores
www.shop.msu.edu
MSU Bikes
www.bikes.msu.edu
HAVE QUESTIONS?
Contact the Residential and Hospitality Services Sustainability office:
Carla Iansiti
RHS Sustainability Officer
Division of Residential and Hospitality Services
[email protected]
chill. heat.repeat.
rent your microfridge for 2014-15
the best way to rent a refrigerator at
michigan state university
delivered before you move in.
removed after you move out.
WHAT COULD BE EASIER?
www.BEDLOFT.com
Important Contact Information
RESIDENTIAL AND HOSPITALITY SERVICES
www.rhs.msu.edu
RESIDENCE EDUCATION AND HOUSING SERVICES
(Housing Assignments Office)
www.liveon.msu.edu
[email protected]
877-9-LIVEON (548366)
517-884-LIVE (5483)
Visit the Housing Assignments Office in person at:
C101 Wilson Hall
Michigan State University
East Lansing, MI 48825
CULINARY SERVICES
www.eatatstate.com
[email protected]
517-884-0660