The Spartan Orientation Station

Welcome back to The Spartan Orientation Station! 💚 In this episode, we're exploring the MSU Surplus Store and Recycling Center! Learn more about how students can shop for affordable furniture, electronics, school supplies, and more while simultaneously supporting sustainability on campus. Tune in to discover one of MSU's best spots! 🎧

Hello families and supporters! Welcome back to the Spartan Orientation Station’s Family Fridays series, brought to you by the NSO Family and Supporter Committee. In this episode, we’re talking about navigating the transition to college alongside your student. As students gain more independence, family dynamics may begin to shift, making communication, boundaries, and expectations more important th...

Welcome back to The Spartan Orientation Station 💚 In this episode, we’re learning more about the Collegiate Recovery Community at Michigan State University. We’re joined by Dawn Kepler, who shares what the Collegiate Recovery Community is, the physical spaces available on campus, and how students can get involved in this resource. She also talks about the resources available for students in recov...

Welcome back to The Spartan Orientation Station 💚 In this episode, we’re learning more about the First-Year Engineering CoRe Experience at Michigan State University. CoRe is designed to help first-year engineering students live, learn, succeed, and engage as they begin their time at MSU. From designated housing in South Neighborhood to first-year engineering courses and tutoring, CoRe gives stude...

Welcome back to Spartan Orientation Station 💚 It’s another Five in Five(ish) , and this time we’re talking about Safety Tips on Campus.

Welcome back to Spartan Orientation Station 💚 It’s another Top Five in Five(ish) , and this time we’re breaking down packing for your residence hall. Packing for college can feel overwhelming, but we are here to help. In this episode, we talk through what to bring, what to leave at home and how to make your space feel comfortable without overpacking. From fans and med kits to why AC units and ran...

Welcome back to Spartan Orientation Station 💚 It’s another Top Five in Five(ish) , and this time we’re talking food. Whether you're looking for a quick bite between classes, a late-night snack, or a nice sit-down meal, MSU and East Lansing have plenty of great options. Today, we’re counting down some of our favorite spots to grab a meal all over campus and the surrounding area. 

Welcome back to Spartan Orientation Station 💚 It’s another Top Five in Five(ish) , and this time we’re talking all things careers. Whether you already know your dream job or have absolutely no idea what you want to do after graduation, there are plenty of ways to set yourself up for success while you’re at MSU. We’re sharing a few simple tips that can make a big impact, from building your resume...

Welcome back to the Spartan Orientation Station 💚 Starting college is exciting, but it can also bring new challenges to maintaining your health and well-being. In this episode, we’re joined by Dr. Alexis Travis to discuss the importance of caring for your physical and mental health during your college journey. We cover campus well-being resources, strategies for managing stress, tips for building...

Welcome back to Spartan Orientation Station 💚 College is full of new experiences, including learning how to manage your money. In this episode, we’re joined by Dr. Amanda Guinot Talbot and Dr. Erica Tobe from MSU’s Department of Human Development and Family Studies, along with Ryan LaBarge, a financial education specialist at MSUFCU. They discuss what Go for the Green is, financial aid resources...

Welcome back to Spartan Orientation Station 💚 It’s another Top 5 in 5-ish , and this one is for all our out-of-state Spartans figuring out life in a brand new place. We’re breaking down five things you actually need to know when moving to Michigan, from navigating health insurance and residency details to registering to vote and getting settled on campus. And yes, we’re talking about the weather,...

Welcome back to Spartan Orientation Station! It’s another Top 5 in 5-ish , and this time we’re talking about academic advising, aka the key to the thing everyone’s excited about… enrolling in your classes. If you’re not totally sure how advising works, when you’re supposed to go, or how it connects to building your schedule, we’ve got you. We’re breaking down the top five things you need to know s...

Welcome back to Spartan Orientation Station 💚 We’re kicking off a brand new series, Five in Five(ish) , where we break down the five most important things you need to know in five to ten minutes. This episode is all about MSU language and abbreviations, because let’s be honest, people will start throwing around things like NSO, ULA, and CAPS like you’re just supposed to get it. We’ve got you. We’...

Welcome back to Spartan Orientation Station 💫 In this episode, we’re heading under the stars at the Abrams Planetarium, one of MSU’s coolest hidden gems. We’ll talk about what you can actually do there as a student, why it’s way more than just looking at stars, and how you can make it part of your campus routine, even if you’re not a science person. 🚀✨

Welcome back to Spartan Orientation Station, your go-to guide for all things Michigan State 💚🌎 In this special Earth Day edition, we’re sitting down with the MSU Office of Sustainability to talk about what it really means to live Spartan green. Whether you’re brand new to campus or just looking to be more intentional, this episode breaks down sustainability in a way that’s practical, approachabl...

Hello families and supporters! Welcome back to the Spartan Orientation Station’s Family Fridays series, brought to you by the NSO Family and Supporter Committee. This monthly summer series shares guidance, insights, and resources to help families and supporters navigate the transition to college alongside their student.  In this episode, we focus on final preparations and early-semester guidance t...

Hello families and supporters! Welcome back to the Spartan Orientation Station’s Family Fridays series, brought to you by the NSO Family and Supporter Committee. This monthly summer series shares guidance, insights, and resources to help families and supporters navigate the transition to college alongside their student.  In this episode, we focus on supporting Spartan success, with an emphasis on...

Welcome back to the Spartan Orientation Station! On this week’s episode of our Living Community series, we are featuring James Madison College, also called JMC. JMC is a residential college at Michigan State focused on creating an inclusive learning community that empowers students to pursue equity and justice through public service and civic engagement. Today we are welcoming Jahshua to discuss a...

Welcome back to the Spartan Orientation Station! On this week’s episode, we will be discussing the MOSAIC Center for Education and Outreach! For more information about the MOSAIC Center, visit their office on the second floor of the MSU Union. For connections on social media, students can find the Campus Interfaith Council @msu_cic and Women*s Student Services @womensstudentservicesmsu on Instagra...

Welcome back to the Spartan Orientation Station! On this week’s episode of our Living Community series, we are featuring the Arts Living Learning Community. The Arts LLC focuses on socially engaged art and emphasizes belonging and community for its students. For more information about the Arts LLC, visit their website at artsliving.msu.edu or follow them on Instagram @allc_msu . 

Welcome back to the Spartan Orientation Station! On this week’s episode, we will be discussing Undergraduate Research at MSU! Undergraduate research is conducted in all sorts of different forms and disciplines, and the UR team is here to help you find the best opportunity for you! Today, we welcome Dr. Brian Keas and Brittany Guercio Finch from the Office of Undergraduate Research to the podcast!...

Welcome back to the Spartan Orientation Station! On today’s edition of the Spartan Orientation Station’s Living Community series, we are speaking with the Honors College! The Honors College at MSU is home to high-achieving scholars dedicated to academic excellence and personal growth. Joining us today are Melanie and Noah who are here to chat about all things Honors! Thanks for joining us! For mor...

Hello families and supporters! Welcome back to the Spartan Orientation Station’s Family Fridays series, brought to you by the NSO Family and Supporter Committee. This monthly summer series shares guidance, insights, and resources to help families and supporters navigate the transition to college alongside their student.  In this episode, we explore the emotional and practical adjustments that both...

Welcome back to the Spartan Orientation Station! On this week’s episode of campus and community resources, we are discussing first generation college students and the resources available to them!  Today we are welcoming Sarah and Marlene with First Generation Student Success. For more information about First Generation resources on campus, visit their webpage firstgen.msu.edu or follow them on Ins...

Welcome back to the Spartan Orientation Station! On this week’s episode of our Living Community series, we are featuring Lyman Briggs College! Lyman Briggs, often called “Briggs” or LBC, is a science living learning community on campus. LBC was founded in 1967 to bridge the cultures of the sciences and the humanities and social sciences.   Today we are welcoming Jacki and Makena from Lyman Briggs...