Congratulations on your acceptance to a Short Course Program!

On this page, you will find everything you need to prepare to study abroad at MSU with the American Semester Program. As you prepare to study abroad, make sure to complete all required online forms in your Online Traveler Dashboard - in the same account you used to submit your application.

FAST FACTS:

Arrival Date: Friday, June 23, 2023
Departure Date: Friday, July 14, 2023

Online Form Deadlines (within Traveler Dashboard on ViaTRM):

• May 15, 2023: Confirmation Deposit* 
• May 29, 2023: Full Program Fee, Acceptance Documents Form, Pre-Arrival Orientation, Housing Form, Statement of Responsibility
• June 9, 2023: Arrival Form

*Your place in the course to which you have been accepted IS NOT GUARANTEED until you submit your Confirmation Deposit. It is highly recommended that you submit your Confirmation Deposit before the May 15 deadline to secure your place in your chosen course.

Pre-Arrival Orientation

Please read through the information in each of the modules listed below, then complete the required Online Form titled "Pre-Arrival Orientation" in your Online Traveler Dashboard. You must complete this form by May 29 indicating you have read all of the modules below.

Travel Arrangements

Housing & Meals

Excursions & Activities

Communication & Academics

Health, Safety, & Student Conduct

Packing

• General Must Haves: Passport and copies of passport, backpack or small travelling bag for trips and classes, wallet, walking shoes, electronics and chargers, adaptors for electronics if necessary, medications and print out of prescription sheets in carry on.
• Summer Short Course Additional Must Haves: Dress in layers! Pack shorts, pants, jeans, sweaters, t-shirts; at least one business casual outfit; umbrella, sunglasses, sunscreen
• General Helpful Hints: Always have copies of passport in your wallet while travelling and while you're here, pack a set of clothes and phone charger in your carry on in case your checked luggage is delayed.

Student Life

East Lansing is a medium sized college town, and the cost of living is relatively affordable. While the program includes some on-campus meals, you should prepare for additional costs related to extra-curricular activities, including shopping and eating out (restaurant eating).

MSU's campus is very large! Most Spartans choose to walk to and from class, while others may ride bikes. A great alternative to walking and bike riding is the CATA (Capital Area Transit Authority) bus system, serving MSU's campus and the greater Lansing area.

Michigan can be very warm in June and July. The average high temperature is 78-82°F/26-28°C and the average low temperature is 57-61°F/14-16°C. The weather in Michigan can also be unpredictable, changing at a moment's notice. To be prepared, pack layers: shorts, pants, sweaters, t-shirts, etc. In the likely case of rain, bring a jacket and/or umbrella. For sunny days, pack sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses.

East Lansing is a welcoming community with diverse shops and restaurants located just off MSU's campus. Using the CATA bus system, Michigan's capital city of Lansing is only 15 minutes away.

Costs of Everyday Items:
Coffee/Tea: $4.00-$6.00
Quick lunch/fast food: $8.00+
Not fast food restaurant: $12.00+
Tylenol/Ibuprofen: $5.00+
Pads/Tampons: $5.00+
T shirts: $12.00+

Basic Services/Activities:
Movie Theater: $6.00 on Tuesdays, $9.00+ regularly
Wharton Center for the Performing Arts (on-campus) tickets: $10.00+
Haircut for Women: $25.00+
Haircut for Men: $15.00+
Broad Art Museum on campus: Free
Quick food/drinks: Sparty's stores and cafes throughout campus, Starbucks, campus dining halls: $3.00+