Unfortunately, MSU does not have the capacity to pick students up from airports or train stations. We have provided some arrival guidance for you in your orientation module that should be helpful though.

Students on J-1 or F-1 visas, are able to enter the United States up to 30 day before the date listed on their Certificate of Eligibility (form DS-2019 or form I-20).

However, you will only be allowed to move into your MSU housing on the first day of your program listed in your Welcome Packet. It is not necessary to arrive in East Lansing prior to the first day of your program.

Students on J-1 visas, are allowed to stay in the United States up to 30 days after the end of the program listed on your for DS-2019.

Students on F-1 visas, are able to stay in the United States up to 60 days after the program end date listed on your form I-20.

If you would like to stay in the United States longer to participate in an internship related to your course of study, or you would like to stay at Michigan State for a semester longer than planned, contact our team about receiving an extension.

Canada is very close to Michigan State University. If you would like to go to Canada, you should visit the Consulate General of Canada's website to determine if you will need a visa. If you do not need a visa, you should still check with MSU's Office for International Students and Scholars (OISS) to make sure you have the appropriate forms signed for re-entry into the United States. If you have further questions, please contact your OISS advisor and they will be happy to help.

Students on student visas (J-1 or F-1) need to know that it is important to obtain travel signature from the Office for International Students and Scholars, located in room 105 in the International Center, before they depart the United States. This means that a signature will need to be added to your form DS-2019 (for J-1 students) or form I-20 (for F-1 students).

If you are leaving the United States permanently, it is important you fill out your Notice of Departure Form located in your MyOISS portal before you leave.

Students on the American Semester Program explore Michigan, surrounding states and often travel all across the United States. There is an easy four hour Amtrak train ride from East Lansing to Chicago. The Lansing airport is close to campus for longer trips throughout the country. Throughout the semester there will be several activities planned throughout the semester to give you easy access to attractions across the state of Michigan.

Spartans like to attend athletic events on weekends. There is football in the fall, basketball and hockey in the winter and baseball in the spring. Students can purchase season ticket packages or single tickets. All sporting events besides football, men's basketball, and hockey are free to MSU students.

MSU's Residence Hall Association, or RHA, offers free movies every weekend in Wells Hall through the Campus Center Cinemas. The University Activities Board, or UAB, also puts on many events throughout the week, including concerts, and other entertainment.

The Meridian Mall and Eastwood Towne Center are two popular malls that can be reached by CATA bus.

The theater department at MSU often has free or inexpensive performances. The Wharton Center on campus attracts touring Broadway shows, ballet, comedians, and many symphony orchestras. Students receive a great discount on tickets.

The City of Lansing is full of entertainment options. The websites Lansing City Pulse, Greater Lansing and The City of East Lansing will be very helpful to students when looking for local events and activities.

In addition, many students use the weekends to travel outside of Lansing. Ann Arbor and Grand Rapids are popular destinations in Michigan. In addition, Chicago is less than 5 hours away form East Lansing and can conveniently be reached by train or bus.