Student Guide to East Lansing, MI

For most, college is usually the introduction to adulthood. With the change can come, new friends, places, freedom, and other factors that are influenced by the college experience. It’s no surprise that many students need a bit of guidance during the adjustment period. That’s why we at the Hannah Lofts and Townhomes decided to put together a Student Guide to East Lansing, MI. We want our local students to learn more about their new home and get familiar with the culture!

Getting To Know Your Campus

First, on our Student Guide to East Lansing, MI is the basics. East Lansing is home to the great Michigan State University and the Douglas J Aveda Institute. No matter which one you attend, we highly suggest that you learn your way around campus. Taking a self-guided tour around campus before classes start is a great way to remember where everything is. You’ll save yourself the hassle of having to ask someone else for directions, and maybe help someone else make their way through campus.

Here are all the maps and information you’ll need for the upper-level institutions in East Lansing:

• MSU Main Campus Map
• MSU Full Campus Map
• MSU Driving Directions
• Schedule a Douglas J Aveda Institute Tour

Forms of Transportation Around East Lansing

Car

There are plenty of other students that get around the area by driving their own vehicle. Depending on what university lot you’ll be parking in, the cost of campus parking will also help determine whether you really want to have a car in the city. Michigan State Univesity parking permits range from $108 to $320, so try walking to class if you live within walking distance from your lectures. You’ll also be able to save plenty of gas money if you drive a car in comparison to driving a truck or SUV.

Bicycle

Bicycling your way around East Lansing is a great way to save some gas money and stay active. Bike rentals at Michigan State University usually run about $175 for the academic year and $100 per semester. The great thing about it is that it can cost you as little as 70 cents a day!

Walking

Walking is the cheapest way of getting around East Lansing. Of course, it’s only the best option for those who live on campus or very close by. East Lansing is generally pretty walkable (13 Square Miles), but we don’t suggest you walk everywhere. With that being said, there are plenty of outdoor attractions near the university, which makes it a great area to walk around on the weekends. You can walk down to the MSU Horticulture Gardens, or go a bit up north to the W.J. Beal Botanical Garden.

Student-Friendly Living in East Lansing

Choosing the best student apartments to live in is key to making your college experience everything it’s supposed to be. Different locations offer different amenities, priveledges, and access to Michigan State University depending on various elements. We want you to get the best college experience whether you attend MSU or the Douglas J Aveda Institute.

Hannah Lofts

Hannah Lofts is a newly constructed college community near Michigan State University. From individual study rooms to a gorgeous hot tub, Hannah Lofts is the number one apartment housing for students in the area. Whether you’re a local, from another state, or an International Student, Hannah Lofts is the best off-campus housing option near MSU in East Lansing.

Best Places to Study in East Lansing

Our Student Guide to East Lansing, MI wouldn’t be complete if we left out the best study spots. Here are the best spots to study at in East Lansing:

MSU Main Library

366 W Circle Dr, East Lansing, MI 48824

The first study spot is the MSU Main Library. It’s a peaceful place to study that offers multiple floors and rooms you can study in. Of course, the only downside to this is how packed it can get during finals week at MSU.

Biomedical Physical Sciences Building

547 East Circle Drive, Across the Student Services Building

If you’re looking for a large study space, the Biomedical Physical Sciences Building is just the place for you. There, you’ll be able to study with a large group or by yourself in a much more peaceful environment. Just take some headphones because it can be pretty silent at times.

Eli and Edythe Broad Art Museum

547 E Circle Dr, East Lansing, MI 48824

Apart from the Starbucks Coffee and art, the Eli and Edythe Broad Art Museum is probably the best spot to study by yourself. The great scenery will help you feel like a genius the next time you study there.

Empty Classrooms

Just because a classroom is empty doesn’t mean you can’t use it! Most universities will allow you to have a good study session in their empty classrooms as long as you don’t disturb the peace. You and your study group will have plenty of room and peace to bounce ideas around before the big test or presentation.

Great Things To Do in East Lansing

Next, on our Student Guide to East Lansing, MI are some great things to do around town. East Lansing has plenty of unique spots to visit and activities for everyone to enjoy. Here are some of the top things all college students should do in East Lansing:

W.J. Beal Botanical Gardens

W Circle Dr, East Lansing, MI 48824

The W.J. Beal Botanical Gardens have some of the most beautiful collection of native plant species in Michigan. A peaceful walk through the gardens is a must whenever you want to get some stress off your mind.

Potter Park Zoo

1301 S Pennsylvania Ave, Lansing, MI 48912

A quick look at the animals and you’ll forget you’re in college. With animals like the African Lion, Amur Tiger, Barred Owl, and Black Rhino, who wouldn’t?

MSU Museum

409 W Circle Dr, East Lansing, MI 48824

Venture through the Smithsonian-affiliated museum and discover scientific and cultural artifacts, fossils, research, and more.

Attend MSU Events

From outdoor trips and workouts to intramural sports, Michigan State University does a great job of hosting special events for students to enjoy. You’ll love hanging out with other classmates and meeting new people during these events. Just make sure you take advantage of the free resources because you never know when you’ll miss them!

Couldn’t find what you were looking for? Check out the best Outdoor Fun in East Lansing, MI.

Best Restaurants in East Lansing

Knowing where to get the best food is mandatory as a college student. It usually determines how much fun you have when you go out. Here are some of the best restaurants on our Student Guide to East Lansing, MI to enjoy from:

Bell’s Greek Pizza

1135 E Grand River Ave, East Lansing, MI 48823

Bell’s Greek Pizza serves up some of the best Italian pies you can find in the East Lansing area. The best part is how late the restaurant stays open becuase it comes in handy for late night grub.

Crunchy’s

254 W Grand River Ave, East Lansing, MI 48823

Crunchy’s is an old-school style restaurant that is popular for serving burgers and hosting long-running weekend karaoke nights.

Potbelly Sandwich Shop

233 E Grand River Ave, East Lansing, MI 48823

A retro-style sandwich chain that serves up some awesome toasted sandwiches. From peanut butter and jelly sandwiches to BLTs, this sandwich shop has it all.

 

Couldn’t find what you were looking for on our Student Guide to East Lansing, MI? Want to have a dining experience like no other in East Lansing? Check out the Best Restaurants in East Lansing.