We can’t believe it’s already August and students will be here in just a few weeks. We hope you had a great summer — we sure did! But we are also ready to welcome you all to East Lansing. Lots of planning has been underway to ensure your student has a smooth start to the semester! Welcome to State Presented by MSUFCU is a great way for students to get to know campus, learn about resources available to them and connect with other Spartans! We hope they check out the many opportunities to build their campus community!
We also know new Spartans often experience a mix of excitement and anxiety about meeting new people — it can be hard to embrace the discomfort by introducing themselves to potential new friends, but it’s worth it! We want them to explore campus and participate in opportunities to meet other Spartans using friend-making skills they may not have had to employ for a long time. One way to be sure to do so is to go to class and eat in the dining hall (rather than get grab-and-go or Combos) — getting out of their room or apartment for a while can help! It may seem everyone else has friends while they are struggling, so remind them it may take time to find their group and to keep trying.
Speaking of meeting new Spartans, you may also be looking to connect with other Spartan supporters. We’d love for you to join us for a Move-in Family Meetup Tuesday or Wednesday, Aug. 25 or 26, from 6–8 p.m., at Kellogg Hotel and Conference Center. We will have light snacks and a cash bar available and welcome you to come celebrate or commiserate with other families who have or will move their student in, on or off campus! Let us know you’re interested in joining by completing this quick form.
We can’t wait to see you all very soon! Until then, take care.
Laurin
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Family Weekend 2026: Registration Opens Aug. 10
The 2026 MSU Family Weekend Presented by MSUFCU is Oct. 16–18! Registration opens Monday, Aug.10, at 9 a.m., on Eventbrite. An email reminder will be sent Monday morning. Event registration is free! Some of the add-on events have a fee, but the tailgate is included free of charge — registration is required. You can also find the link on our website along with other helpful information that will be updated as details are finalized.
Football Game Info
Many of you already know that you would like to attend the MSU vs. Northwestern football game Saturday, Oct. 17. Tickets to this football game can be purchased here. This is a special Family Weekend block that has a slightly reduced price per ticket, and all tickets are in the same seating areas so you can cheer with other Spartan families! If your student has season tickets in the student section and you want them to sit with you, you will need to purchase a ticket in the family section for them. Their student section ticket is not transferable to this block seating area, and family section tickets cannot be used in the student section.
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Spartan Family Connections Squirrel Calendar
Our handy squirrel calendar is still available to purchase online. You can also visit Spartan Spirit Shops in the MSU Union and 1855 Place to pick one up during move-in and Welcome to State activities. Be sure to check out the other Spartan gear they offer while you're there!
Spartan Family Connections is a non-revenue producing office, so we rely on fundraising to offer extra programming and events for families and supporters (you!). We also accept donations for events throughout the year. Thank you to those able to purchase or give — we love being able to support each and every one of you!
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Fall Move-In Guide
We understand that moving can feel overwhelming! To help you plan and prepare, you should receive the 2026 move-in guide to your mailboxes soon. This guide contains essential information about what to bring, parking instructions, check-in procedures, and much more. You can also view a digital version of the Move in Guide here.
Other helpful notables and links:
Shipping Items
Items can be sent to your hall prior to move-in! Packages can arrive to the halls beginning Monday, Aug. 10. Any item received prior to Aug. 10 will be returned to the sender. We recommend not shipping large items or valuables when possible. Learn more at liveon.msu.edu/packages.
Beds and Adjustments
Double rooms will be set to one lofted and one trundled bed at move-in, unless the layout does not allow for this. Akers units will have three lofted beds and one trundled bed. Students in most halls can follow the instructions to adjust their university-provided bed equipment, or request assistance from REHS Facilities. Learn more at liveon.msu.edu/beds.
Sign Up for a Move-in Arrival Time
Students moving in during regular hours Aug. 25–27 need to select a specific arrival time. This 30-minute window is when you first arrive at the hall to check in and unload.
If your student is an international student, has an approved early arrival, or has signed up for Fall Welcome Team, they do not need to select one of these times! They will receive an email later this month confirming their early arrival and providing instructions.
Students arriving after Aug. 26 do not need to select an arrival time. They are encouraged to arrive between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. and check in at their nearest open Service Center.
MSU App and Texting
Be sure to download the MSU App, which will have a special section the week of move-in with GPS coordinates for your campus entrance, unloading zone, check-in location and designated parking lot.
Additionally, the MOVEIN2026 texting channel will provide updates on any traffic issues or parking lot changes. Sign up by texting MOVEIN2026 to 888777. Message and data rates may apply.
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Dining During Move-In
During move-in, Culinary Services will provide a meal pass to each student living on campus to enjoy a meal with up to two move-in helpers. Passes will be provided at check-in, and each pass will note the options for dining in that neighborhood. Please note, if your move-in crew has more than two members, they will need to pay at the dining location.
MSU Culinary Services looks forward to serving your student during the upcoming school year by providing flexible, convenient dining options! Fall semester dining plans begin Aug. 24. During move-in week, be sure to visit eatatstate.msu.edu/dining-hall-hours to check open dining halls and hours.
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Student Accounts
Fall 2026 billing statements will be available on Aug. 8 and due Sept. 1. Fall payment plans will also be available Aug. 8. Please take a moment to review our Bill Pay FAQ and Payment Plan FAQ websites, sign up for Guest Access, and enroll in Direct Deposit.
Are you paying tuition with a state-sponsored 529 plan such as MESP, MI 529 Advisor Plan, Bright Start 529 Plan (IL), Indiana529, or College Advantage (OH)? Withdrawals may be requested directly through the student portal for many state-sponsored plans. To see if your plan is eligible, log in to student.msu.edu, select the Student Accounts tile then Go To My Account. From the Make a Payment page, select 529 Savings Plan. Payments made through the portal are posted immediately to the student account.
Reminder: All scholarship checks should be mailed to the Office of Financial Aid, Student Services Building, 556 E. Circle Dr. Rm 252, East Lansing, MI, 48824. If the check is payable to the student or a combination of the student and Michigan State University, the student must endorse the back of the check. Please see the Financial Aid FAQ website for information on how scholarships are applied to student accounts.
Questions about billing, refunds, financial aid or student accounts should be directed to Spartan One-Stop by calling 517-432-8000, emailing onestop@msu.edu, or visiting the Hannah Administration Building, 426 Auditorium Road, Room 140. Spartan One-Stop is available Monday–Thursday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
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Student Football Tickets
Current Michigan State students can purchase exclusive student admission packages for Spartan football, men’s basketball and hockey by visiting MSUSpartans.com/STX or by calling the Spartan Ticket Office at 517-355-1610. For the football season, the student package includes entry to all seven home games and the official student section T-shirt. Students will receive email communication regarding upcoming membership on sale dates for the Izzone, the official student section of Spartan men’s basketball, and the Munnsters, the official hockey student section. Packages are only available while supplies last.
Also, encourage your student to sign up for Spartan Student Rewards! Located within the MSU Athletics app, this free rewards-based program is a chance to earn points that can be redeemed for prizes, sweepstakes, experiences and more, just by attending home athletic events! Download the official MSU Athletics app and navigate to the “more” tab and sign up.
For more information regarding MSU student sections, visit MSUSpartans.com/studentsections or email students@ath.msu.edu.
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Learning Beyond the Classroom
Some of the most valuable lessons your Spartan will learn at MSU won't happen in a classroom.
Working with Residential and Hospitality Services (RHS) gives students the opportunity to build the skills employers need. It's learning by doing, and those experiences can shape their confidence and prepare them for life after graduation.
With flexible schedules and positions across campus, RHS makes it easy for students to gain experience while earning a paycheck. Encourage your Spartan to start building their future at jobs.rhs.msu.edu.
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Connect Faster With eduroam
Your student can start their MSU experience with reliable Wi‑Fi from day one. eduroam is the secure, high-speed network for laptops and mobile devices, on campus and at universities worldwide.
Students can set it up once and stay connected without repeated logins.
Get started before campus arrival:
Then on orientation day, students can open their devices and connect instantly to eduroam with no delays, and no hassle.
Learn more at ithelp.msu.edu.
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New at the MSU Tech Store: Savings, Software & Semester-Ready Tech
Getting ready for fall? The MSU Tech Store has new options and exclusive savings to help Spartans start the semester strong:
- MacBook Neos now available – get the Mac experience at a budget-friendly price.
- Save $100 on select Dell laptops – including eligible Alienware systems.
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Adobe Creative Cloud by the semester – full access at a discounted student rate with no long-term commitment.
Order early: Ongoing supply chain challenges may affect product availability and delivery times. Purchasing ahead of the semester can help ensure your student has the technology they need on day one.
Visit the MSU Tech Store to explore campus-ready devices, software, and support designed for Spartans.
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Help Your Student Get Ready for Campus: Upload Their Spartan Card Photo
As your student prepares for life at MSU, one important task should be completed before move-in: submitting a photo for their Spartan Card. The Spartan Card serves as their official university ID and is used for residence hall access, Spartan Cash purchases, library services and much more.
Encourage your student to upload their photo as soon as possible so their card can be ready for pickup when they arrive on campus. Students who wish to display a chosen name on the front of their card should update their information in the student portal before submitting their photo by logging into student.msu.edu.
Students are strongly encouraged to pick up their Spartan Card from the ID Office before Welcome to State. Families should also know that many on-campus CATA bus routes remain free for students, meaning some may not need to purchase a bus pass.
More details about the photo upload process and important dates to remember can be found at idoffice.msu.edu.
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Download the SafeMSU App
We often hear from families wanting to know how to receive notifications from MSU in the event of an emergency. Download the SafeMSU App to get access to valuable safety resources including MSU Alerts (be sure to turn on push notifications) and support resources. Download on the App Store or Google Play today, and encourage your student to do the same!
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Bike Registration
Is your student bringing a bike to campus? MSU Parking Services partners with Bike Index, the most widely used bicycle registration service in the world. Bike Index allows users to add photos of their bike to their account, update the bike registered to their permit, or transfer permit/bike ownership to another individual. Users can also report their bike as missing or stolen in the Bike Index system. Register with Bike Index at bikeindex.org/msu.
Bicycles operated on campus must be registered and the permit affixed to the bike. Bike permits accepted on MSU’s campus include Bike Index, City of East Lansing, City of Lansing, Lansing Township, and Meridian Township.
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Have You Read This Far?
Let's celebrate with another MSU Dairy Store single scoop coupon giveaway! Enter here by 11:59 p.m., Aug. 31 for a chance to win two coupons to enjoy a single scoop on us!
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University Health and Well-Being Updates
Wellness is the Best Travel Buddy
Is your Spartan traveling internationally this semester? Encourage them to schedule an appointment with the Travel Clinic for destination-specific recommendations, immunizations and preventative medications.
RCPD launches AccessMSU: A simpler way to manage accommodations
AccessMSU introduces a more intuitive and secure way to request, manage and deliver accommodations at MSU. The new system improves access for students, streamlines processes for faculty and staff, and strengthens MSU’s ability to support strategic, data-informed decisions around accessibility and inclusion.
Important details for psychiatric services at MSU University Health and Well-Being
MSU University Health and Well-Being is proud to continue to offer psychiatric services, now available through Campus Health Services at Olin Health Center. If your Spartan is currently a patient with psychiatric services, they should have received an email with the below details.
As of Monday, July 6:
For in-person appointments, please check in on 2nd floor of Olin Health Center.
For virtual appointments, please check for a secure link in the Athena patient portal.
Appointments can be scheduled by contacting 517-353-4660.
Collegiate Recovery Community MSU Dairy Store and Observatory Trip
MSU’s Collegiate Recovery Community will host a hangout for students in recovery, helping Spartans to reset before the semester begins. On Aug. 22, students will gather at 8 p.m., in the CRC Student Lounge before carpooling together to the MSU Dairy Store (one scoop provided per attendee by the CRC) and the MSU Observatory for stargazing. No RSVP is required. If your student or someone they know could benefit from a supportive, substance-free environment, encourage them to attend. Learn more about the CRC at their website.
Connect With Campus Well-Being Resources at @HealthySpartans Hangout
Your Spartan(s) are invited to @HealthySpartans Hangout, a free event occurring during Welcome to State hosted by University Health and Well-Being. Students can meet and connect with other Spartans, snack on MSU Dairy Store treats, play games, tackle an obstacle course, visit therapy dogs and add their mark to a collaborative art piece. This event also serves as an opportunity for students to connect with campus well-being resources and have questions answered.
University Health and Well-Being Offers Grief and Loss Support Sessions
It can be hard to understand and make meaning out of loss. If your Spartan experienced a loss before the new academic year, they do not have to face this alone. UHW offers free, drop-in support sessions led by licensed grief counselors. Sessions are open to all Spartans and meet weekly each Tuesday from 4 to 5:30 p.m. via Zoom. Sessions are drop-in and free of charge. Spartans can register for Grief and Loss Support Sessions in Qualtrics.
Primary Care and Psychiatry Services Available for MSU Students
Eligible Spartan students have access to high-quality primary care services right on campus. Each enrolled undergraduate or graduate student receives three subsidized visits per academic year prepaid, with additional visits billed to insurance. These services support both short-term and long-term health needs. You can learn more about these services and students can schedule their own appointments online at University Health and Well-Being's (UHW) website. In addition to the primary care visits, all enrolled students have access to three subsidized psychiatry visits during their time at MSU (lifetime, by referral only). Learn more about psychiatry care on UHW’s website.
Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS)
Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) provides comprehensive mental health support to students, both virtually and in-person. In addition to free counseling, we offer referral coordination, consultation, and guidance to help students support their healing, growth, and sense of belonging. Learn more on our website.
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State News Shares 2026-27 MSU Guide
The State News has served MSU and the surrounding community for more than 100 years as one of the nation’s last independent nonprofit, student‑run media organizations. The State News provides mentorship, training, and paid employment to more than 60 MSU students.
Keep an eye out for a special issue recently mailed to students enrolled at MSU this fall: "Get In, We're Spartan Bound," or click here to view the online version.
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Financial Aid Update
The 2026-27 financial aid package is now available! Your student can visit their financial aid portal at student.msu.edu and take action on any items that require attention. The financial aid package is not complete until you finalize any outstanding items such as acceptance of loans you wish to receive (“Financial” tab”) or submitting any required verification documentation (“Documents” tab”). It’s important to make sure you’re looking at the AUG 2026-MAY 2027 tab to take action for the upcoming aid year.
Significant changes to federal student loans took effect July 1, 2026. Visit finaid.msu.edu/obbba for the most up-to-date information on the new regulations. Please contact Spartan One-Stop to see how changes to your student’s academic program or enrollment changes could affect their federal aid.
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Upcoming Events and Important Dates
August
8: Fall semester billing statements available in SIS
14: Classes end for second and full summer sessions
22-23: International student move-in
25-26: First-year student move-in
26: Welcome To State Kick-Off
26: Meet the Spartans (Spartan Stadium – free, tickets required)
26–27 and after: Returning student move-in
28: UAB UFest
30: Sparticipation
31: Classes begin for fall semester
September
1: Fall semester initial minimum tuition and fee payment due
4: Last day to add a full-semester course
7: Labor Day – university closed (residence halls open, limited dining)
10: Spartan Remix
24: End of tuition refund period for full-term fall classes
October
Oct. 5–10: Homecoming Week
Oct. 19: Middle of semester
Oct. 26–27: Fall break (university open, no classes)
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