Michigan State University Academic Orientation Program
                     
 
 
 
Freshman Summer Orientation
Transfer Summer Orientation
August Student Orientation
January and May Orientation
Parent Orientation
 
 
Freshman June/July Orientation
Transfer June/July Orientation
August Student Orientation
January and May Orientation
Parent
Orientation
 
                     
                     
                     
 

After AOP: College Life

after AOP college life

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Fall Welcome

The second part of your orientation process takes place during Fall Welcome. This program begins when you move to campus in the fall. If you will move into the residence halls, you will receive a personalized Fall Welcome schedule which will be waiting for you when you check-in. Students who live off campus should pick up their schedule in 101 Student Services Building (http://www.msu.edu/dig/msumap/stuserve.html).

Fall Welcome Information: http://www.studentlife.msu.edu/

Residence Halls and Housing

The MSU Community is excited to have you as a part of our campus! Are you getting ready to move into your residence hall?

For the fall, freshmen students can begin moving into their residence halls on August 20, 2008. All others can move in on August 21, 2008.

Take a Tour of Your Residence Hall Room:
http://www.hfs.msu.edu/uh/campus/halls/roomtours.html

Floor Plans of Residence Halls: http://www.hfs.msu.edu/uh/campus/halls/campus_zones.html

Loft Information: http://www.hfs.msu.edu/uh/resources/documents/loft_guide.pdf (Lofts are not recommended; however, lofts may be used in any residence hall except Holmes and Shaw Halls (where the furniture provided can be converted into a loft). All lofts must meet University safety requirements; pre-manufactured lofts may not meet these standards.

Move-in Information: http://www.hfs.msu.edu/uh/campus/halls/moving_in.html

Moving Rooms or Residence Halls: There is a short waiting period at the beginning of each semester before room changes can take place. The Housing Assistant in your Hall can identify available spaces and provide the necessary forms. Room changes will not be granted because of race, creed, national origin or sexual preference.

Residence Hall FAQs: http://www.hfs.msu.edu/uh/campus/halls/faqs.html

Housing Questions: http://www.hfs.msu.edu/uh/contact.html

What to Bring in the Fall

The University Housing Office suggests that you bring the following:

Identification

  • Driver's License/State ID Card
  • Social Security Card

Medications

  • Medications you take regularly and any special instructions for things like allergy shots
  • Spare eyeglasses, contacts, supplies
  • Current written prescriptions
  • Headache/Cold medicine
  • First aid supplies

Linens

  • Blankets
  • Pillows
  • Comforter

Personal Items

  • Shower tote (to carry toiletries if you're in a community bathroom)
  • Toothbrush, toothpaste, floss
  • Hairbrush, comb
  • Shaving items, tweezers
  • Hair dryer, curling/straightening iron
  • Shampoo, conditioner
  • Robe
  • Bath soap

Laundry/Clothing, etc.

  • Detergent, fabric softener, stain remover
  • Laundry basket/bag
  • Hangers

Miscellaneous Items

  • Sewing kit and safety pins
  • Alarm clock
  • Mug, glass, plate, knife, fork, spoon
  • Nonperishable food items
  • Microwaveable dish/pan, can opener
  • Basin to wash dishes
  • Plastic stacking cubes
  • Cordless phone (Voice Mail and Caller ID services provided)
  • Cleaning supplies
  • Surge protector/power strip
  • Computer, printer, modem cable, Ethernet card, Ethernet cable

Optional Equipment

  • Television with long, shielded coaxial cable
  • VCR/DVD player
  • Stereo, headphones, mp3 player/ipod
  • Tapes/CDs/DVDs
  • Microwave oven (750 watts maximum)
  • Fan
  • Flashlight and extra batteries
  • Camera, film, memory card
  • Bike and lock
  • Refrigerator (1.5 amp maximum)

Optional Decoration

  • Posters, photos, artwork
  • Plants
  • Small area rug
  • Desk lamp, clip-on light
  • Bedrest and/or lap desk for reading/writing in bed

What NOT to Bring to Campus -- many items are available for free checkout at the reception desk, including:

  • Brooms and dustpans
  • Vacuums

Please do not bring:

  • Indoor grills (including George Forman type)
  • Halogen lamps
  • Candles
  • Pets

Move-in Information: http://www.hfs.msu.edu/uh/campus/halls/moving_in.html

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Parking Permits

Freshmen may not have vehicles on campus; however, getting to class is usually not a problem. Most students walk, bike, rollerblade, or make use of the campus bus system to get to classes. Some courses are offered right in the residence halls. You’ll find that there are many shortcuts available to pedestrians that aren’t available to cars; you’ll also learn your way around the MSU campus faster by walking, biking, or rollerblading.

The Parking Office will consider parking requests from freshmen students for parking privileges other than what is normally issued, due to extenuating circumstances, which may include family-, work- or medical-related issues. Persons are, however, encouraged to use existing parking and transportation options [bus (CATA), pay lots, disabled parking spaces (with valid disabled parking placard or plate issued through the Secretary of State or Department of Motor Vehicles, etc.)].

A semester fee is charged for special parking privileges, in addition to registering the vehicle with the Parking Office. If not approved, persons will be directed to use existing parking and transportation options.

Special Parking Requests Information:
http://www.dpps.msu.edu/mgtserve/parkspecial.asp

Bike Permits/Locks

Bikes operated or possessed on campus must have a valid permit affixed and must be parked at a bike rack, locked, and in operable condition.

To register your bicycle, you must have the serial number from the bike. This may be found in several different places on bikes depending on the make and model. The most common location for bike serial numbers is just under the seat and underneath the bike below the pedals. Be sure to know the make of the bike, the color of the bike, and whether the style is male or female.

Make sure you bring a strong bike lock. Remember that you get what you pay for!

There is no cost for a bike permit. Bike permits must be obtained on-line:
http://www.dpps.msu.edu/mgtserve/olregistration.asp

Bike Loans/Bike Repair

The MSU Bikes Service Center, located 300 ft. nortwest of the Farm Lane Bridge on the River Trail, (aka canoe rental facility), offers bicycle repair services, short and long term bicycle rentals, used bicycles and accessories for sale. 24-hour access to air is also available on the outside of the center. Check out www.bikes.msu.edu for more info.

Bus Passes

CATA's campus service operates Fall and Spring semesters, 7 days a week with 24-hour service available. All campus bus service is provided by the Capital Area Transportation Authority (CATA). CATA operates fixed routes serving all University apartments, residence halls, commuter lots, and the main campus. Additionally, CATA provides direct service from off-campus apartments in the East Lansing, Okemos, Haslett and Jolly/Dunckel Road areas during Fall and Spring semesters.

Order Your Semester or Year Bus Pass: https://www.cata.org/order/

Spartan Cash

Turn your ID card into quick cash. It's simple! Just deposit funds to a Spartan Cash Debit Account. Then flash your MSU ID all over campus to conveniently get what you want, when you want it (i.e., food on and off campus and laundry) .

Participating Spartan Cash Locations: http://www.spartancash.com/locations.html

Order Spartan Cash: http://www.spartancash.com/

Student ID Card

Student ID cards will be available when checking into your residence hall.

Off campus students can pick up their ID cards in the International Center (http://www.msu.edu/dig/msumap/internatcen.html) Crossroads Cafeteria from August 20-22 and August 25, 2008 between 8:00am - 5:00pm.

ID Card Information: http://www.reg.msu.edu/ROInfo/IDcard.asp

Adjusting to College Life

Transitioning to college is not always easy. Although large, MSU is a very friendly and caring community. The FYI (First Year Information…For Your Information, http://www.fyi.msu.edu) staff is available to assist you in three ways: online, e-mail, or phone. The website contains great tips for student success from students who have gone through many of the things you are experiencing.

 

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