MSU buzzes in summer, too

MSU students only have to take one step outside to see how the area surrounding campus has changed.

With the majority of students either back in their hometowns for quality R&R or having graduated, the usually raucous university now appears more like a ghost town.

"Some of my friends begged for me to come back to East Lansing as soon as possible," marketing sophomore Lauryn Scott said. "They told me the campus looked like zombies cleared it out."

Despite the post-finals lull present during the first couple weeks on campus, students shouldn't be fooled into thinking there's nothing to do.

While first time summer students may find the scene lonely and perhaps intimidating, veterans of years past are well-versed in what's happening in the area.

Many buildings on campus remain open, hosting events during the summer, and by being a little creative, the summer fun can possibly exceed that found during the regular school year.

"Ghost Town" miscellany

If you have friends on campus living near you this summer, finding things to do is a cinch. If not, there are new acquaintances to be made on nearly every street.

Athletic entertainment can be found at any of the IM Sports buildings on campus. Each building, with the exception of IM Sports-Circle on weekends, stays open for most of the day.

Recent telecommunication, information studies and media graduate Vincent Tucker said the centers can be very rewarding during summers.

"It helps you stay in shape for the upcoming year," Tucker said. "I was able to go to IM (Sports) West nearly every other day and work out without worrying about too much traffic around the (equipment)."

The Kresge Art Center and Pasant Theatre at the Wharton Center will be hot spots for the renaissance men and women in East Lansing for the summer.

Kresge's new exhibit "Silk Road to Clipper Ship" will feature pieces from the last millennium that focus on Chinese culture, while Pasant offers performance art with upcoming shows like the jazz event "Swingin', Stompin', and Rockin' II."

Still, some students need alternatives to campus offerings, as they've exhausted those possibilities or simply aren't interested.

Retailing junior Jamar Easley-Daniels organizes video game nights for the Playstation 3 video game system with fellow residents at Hubbard Hall. "I play video games a lot," Daniels said. "Usually I just get with the fellas and plan a game night."

Those Humid Summer Nights

For many students, the allure of house parties and barbecues will be enough to quench their thirst for a rabid weekend.

Those looking for more can find entertainment in one of the many clubs peppered throughout the Lansing area.

The Grand River Avenue strip remains the forefront of the MSU nightlife scene. Many of the veteran summer students have strolled through The Riviera Caf Restaurant and Lounge, 231 M.A.C. Ave., Lou & Harry's Five Star Deli, 245 Ann St., Rick's American Caf, 224 Abbot Road, or Harper's Restaurant & Brewpub, 131 Albert Ave., while some of the newer students will more than likely end up at the family-friendly cafs and restaurants like Bubble Island, 515 E. Grand River Ave., Green River Caf, 211 M.A.C. Ave., and Cosi, 301 E. Grand River Ave.

Electrical engineering freshman Kelvin Jackson says he enjoys eating at Omi Sushi, 210 M.A.C. Ave.

"The atmosphere is what makes it such a great place to eat," said Jackson, who is staying in Snyder Hall for his first MSU summer. "The mood is more chill than any other restaurant on Grand River."

If a student has the means of transportation, others bars and clubs worth checking out include Club 621 and Mac's Bar. The clubs are located at 621 E. Michigan Ave. and 2700 E. Michigan Ave. in Lansing, respectively.

Students can find plenty to do this summer in between three-hour classes and five-hour naps - all it takes is some detective work and the help of an MSU summer survivor to help them get around.