Where should I stay my freshman year at Michigan State?

Question

what dorms are the best for freshman?

Answer 1

My son went from Butterfield (part of Brody) 1st year, to Holmes 2nd year, and back to Butterfield 3rd year, before going to an apartment. A huge factor in his selection was 1) location, 2) roommate, and 3) roommate, as the west side of campus was closer to the marching band practice field. Butterfield also has window air conditioners - a huge plus.

Brody has the largest dimensions of their dorm rooms, but you'll still need to build your own loft (or get a builder to do it) if you're like most students who want lots of stuff in your room. You might think the communal bathrooms are a drag, but my son found that it's nice to have someone else keep them clean. As a freshman, however, coordinating the building of a loft with a stranger can be a drag. My son wound up with a horrible roommate, yet he refused to move out because it was our loft and carpet in the room.

Holmes, on the other hand, has adjoining suites with a shared bathroom in the middle (for 4 people). That's do-able for guys, but it can be rough for 4 girls sharing one bathroom. (Girls also probably keep their bathrooms cleaner than the guys. Yuck!) Holmes might have (slightly) smaller rooms, but - man - that modular furniture is amazing. And the closets have enormous cabinets above them with more space than you'll need. In all, the rooms are designed in a way that it's easier to find places to put all your stuff.

I think I'd go with Holmes for freshman year. It's easier to move out if you have to switch rooms. In all, MSU's dorms are the best I've seen. I have yet to find dorms elsewhere that are as good.

Answer 2

Usually freshman are required to stay in dorms on campus. You usually don't get to choose which ones you stay in. After you apply for admissions, they will give you a room and probably a roomate.