Welcome to MSU
Congratulations on your previous accomplishments and welcome to the best four years at the best university! Your first year here will be so exciting until that moment when you’re suddenly standing in the middle of campus during your first week, late to class, carrying too much, trying to figure out where you’re going while also pretending you totally know what you’re doing. I remember feeling overwhelmed by how big everything felt at first. There were so many people, so many events and so much pressure to instantly have everything figured out. Looking back now, there are a few things I genuinely wish someone had told me earlier because they would have made the transition into college life so much easier.

Class Scheduling
One of the biggest things I learned quickly was class scheduling can either make or break your semester. On paper, back-to-back classes seem efficient until you realize you have ten minutes to walk from one side of campus to the other. Trust me, that walk feels a lot longer in the middle of winter. 

When building your schedule, realistic timing matters more than creating the “perfect” lineup of classes. I also learned the hard way that balancing your workload is important. Taking multiple heavy reading or project-based classes at once can become overwhelming fast, especially during midterms. Mixing harder classes with electives or more creative courses helped me stay motivated and avoid burnout. 

Another thing no one talks about enough is scheduling classes around your actual habits. If you know you’re not an 8 a.m. person, stop pretending you are during enrollment week. You will thank yourself later. And before registering for anything, check professor reviews or ask students about their experiences in those courses.

Campus Chaos
There are certain times at MSU when campus is entirely too busy, and it’s nearly impossible to get anywhere. Game days are fun, but they can make East Lansing a bit chaotic. Parking disappears, traffic becomes impossible and even walking around campus takes twice as long. Make sure you plan the extra crowding into your schedule and always get in line for the student section before you think you need too. 

The first week of classes is another experience. Dining halls are packed, buses are overflowing, and sidewalks somehow feel more crowded than ever. Midterms and finals week bring a different kind of chaos because every library seat suddenly seems full. 

I learned quickly, planning ahead during these busy periods saves so much stress, whether that means studying earlier, running errands before crowds hit or just finding quieter places to work. Some of my favorite, less popular spots to study include the ground floor of the MSU Union, the Student Services Building and the north neighborhood residence hall lobbies.

How to Get the Most Out of Your Tuition
I wish I understood earlier how many resources students are already paying for through tuition and fees. The recreational sports facilities like the new Student Recreation and Wellness Center and the other IM facilities are incredible! They offer group fitness classes, workout spaces and programs a lot of students never even try.

MSU Counseling & Psychiatric Services, better known as CAPS, is another resource students should feel more comfortable using. College can be stressful and having mental health support available matters more than people realize.

Career Services is another office I wish I taken advantage of sooner. Resume reviews, mock interviews, networking events and career fairs can genuinely help you feel more prepared professionally, even as a first-year student. The Writing Center and tutoring services are also incredibly underrated. There is no reason to struggle through assignments alone when free academic support already exists.

Take Advantage of These Hidden Resources
Beyond the more obvious resources, there are so many hidden opportunities at MSU students often overlook. 

Office hours might sound intimidating, but they are one of the easiest ways to build relationships with professors and make a huge campus feel smaller. Academic advisors can also help with so much more than class scheduling if you actually take the time to meet with them consistently. 

MSU Libraries offers so much more than just study spaces. From tech rentals to research support to quiet rooms, the library provides resources most students never fully explore. Don't miss out on the Main Library’s fourth floor gamming rooms where you can decompress and hang out with friends playing video games. 

Getting involved in student organizations was also one of the best decisions I made. It helped me find community, leadership experience and opportunities I never would have otherwise. The same goes for campus jobs and internships. Getting experience early builds confidence faster than you think.

Lessons I Learned the Hard Way
More than anything, my first year taught me it's completely okay to not have everything figured out right away. Everyone looks like they know what they are doing, but most people are adjusting just like you are. I also learned that getting involved early changes your entire college experience. The more you put yourself out there, the more connected campus starts to feel. Asking for help is not a weakness. And honestly, learning how to manage your time becomes one of the most important skills you develop in college.

Reflecting on My Experience
Looking back now, I can see how much I’ve grown from my first year to today.

College becomes a lot less overwhelming once you stop expecting yourself to have all the answers immediately. Everyone is figuring things out as they go, even if it doesn’t always seem like it. My biggest advice is to take advantage of everything MSU has to offer because the time really does go by faster than you expect, and I would do anything to stay at this amazing campus I call home forever. Go Green!

By: Charlie Passalacqua