Learn about East Lansing

Entertainment

Horticulture Gardens at MSU : One of the top university horticulture gardens in the country, MSU offers 14 acres of gardens to walk through with displays that change throughout the seasons. A popular place to stretch out in the grass for a nap, or to get married.

Jack Breslin Student Events Center: Student tickets are available for the MSU Men’s and Women’s basketball teams. Besides sporting events, the Breslin Center hosts concerts and various events throughout the year. 

The Red Cedar River: The river is at the heart of MSU’s campus, and runs for 45 miles through Okemos, East Lansing, and Lansing. There are beautiful walking and biking trails along the river, and the Red Cedar also features canoe rentals and kayak guides, a nice break from school when the weather warms up. 

Football: It's more than a game; it’s an experience. Campus police close the roads to cars, and thousands of students, alumni, and sports fans take over the streets for tailgating  - bodies are painted, the fight song plays, the smell of barbeque fills the air. During football season, MSU permits public drinking, as long as you’re over 21 and stay on campus. MSU Law students can buy tickets for the football games online, and you can also rent a designated spot during game days if you want to hold your own tailgate.

Basketball: MSU has a legendary basketball program, and the Breslin Center is the best place to take in the action. Student tickets are about $15 for the lower-profile games, and you can pay $40 - $50 for bundled tickets. March Madness sweeps the campus every year, and whether the Spartans make it to the Sweet Sixteen or not, loyal fans will be cheering on our team – and beloved basketball coach Tom Izzo! – from the student section, the Izzone.

Food and Shopping

Lou and Harry’s: The epicenter of the MSU drinking world. LouHa’s serves sandwiches, gyros, and burgers in a noisy sports bar atmosphere. LouHa’s is great for watching MSU games (if you decide to forgo buying season tickets). It’s possible that the interior of this restaurant contains more TVs than any eatery in mid-Michigan. Law students like LouHa’s for their beer specials and lively atmosphere.
In addition, there are plenty of shopping options. Downtown East Lansing has a great strip of commercial stores as well as trendy local vendors. From bookshops to apparel, much can be found just a few feet from campus. There is also great shopping at the indoor Meridian Mall a few miles East of campus and the outdoor Eastwood Shopping Center, a few miles west of campus.

Getting Around

The Eyde Building: Located on the corner of Hagadorn and Hannah, the Eyde Building sells passes to students for a yearly fee. The lot is a 10 to 15-minute walk from MSU Law.
Commuter Lot 89: Parking passes for this lot can be purchased and used in conjunction with the MSU Commuter Lot Bus Pass. Buses come to this lot every ten minutes, and it’s a 15-minute walk from the Law College building. Parking passes are $95/semester and are valid for discounted rates in pay lots 79, 62W, 100, and Wharton.

Local Employment and Externships

In addition, many students take advantage of the numerous MSU Law clinics, only open to MSU Law students. From the Civil Rights Clinic to one in Immigration Law, there are over a half dozen clinics that cater to student interests of all kinds. Many of the clinics allow students to represent real clients in Michigan courtrooms, starting their second year of law school. Some even allow students to practice in federal district courts! The clinics are a great way to gain experience while also earning a grade for your work.

More information is available on the Career Services website .

Health Care

Student health is a top priority at MSU Law. Students are able to purchase affordable and quality student health plans through the University’s program. The Olin Health Center offers great care for students, offering all the functions of a local family physician and health care facility. Additionally, the university has medical specialists across the medical spectrum, often associated with the school’s top notch medical school. For those looking for their own providers, Lansing is home to Sparrow Hospital and many local physicians, optometrists, and dentists.
Students may also take advantage of the University’s mental health facilities. Law students are able to sign up for counseling services with counseling staff and graduate counseling students, including some free sessions during certain times and circumstances. Students may also utilize the Women’s Resource Center and the MSU Safe Place , one of the only on-campus domestic violence student shelters in the nation. The Student Parent Resource Center also aids students in finding appropriate childcare and other related services.

Staying Active On Campus

IM East is located conveniently close to the Law College building (about a 5-minute walk). In addition to utilizing the full fitness facilities and outdoor athletic fields, our students can participate in an amazing range of group exercise classes, from Zumba to kettle bell toning, Pilates, cardio kickboxing, yoga, and cycling. IM East offers indoor gym areas, eight racquetball/wallyball courts, an indoor running track, outdoor basketball courts and soccer fields, and much more! Membership rates are extremely reasonable for MSU Law students.
Yoga State on Grand River offers a variety of student deals, including $5 Sundays. Yoga State offers a range of classes from hot yoga, typical yoga and spin classes, core fusion, and even yoga classes with live music.

The Surrounding Area and Beyond

And yes, there are beaches in Michigan! Michigan is surrounded by the Great Lakes which feature some of the most gorgeous fully sanded beaches around. In the summer, the water is warm, and the sun is out. Few places are more beautiful than Mackinac Island and Sleeping Bear Dunes, each just a few hours away. For outdoor enthusiasts, there are a plethora of other options. Around Lansing, there are plenty of running trails with beautiful river views. Boaters will also find a host of lakes all over the state.

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