Hubbard Hall MSU: My First Year Experience

Michigan State University is a public land-grant research university in East Lansing, Michigan.

North Neighborhood boasts classic architecture with unique art installations, while Brody Neighborhood is situated on the west side of campus with six residence halls surrounding the central Brody Hall. For more independent students, University Village and 1855 Place offer apartments and townhouses with on-site amenities. River Trail Neighborhood provides picturesque views of the Red Cedar River and convenient access to academic buildings, while East Neighborhood is located on the northeast side of campus. South Neighborhood is located southwest of Spartan Stadium and features four residence halls with coed floors and suite-style rooms.

Hubbard Hall, a college dorm at Michigan State University, offers a mixed experience according to student reviews. The dorm features suite-style bathrooms and spacious rooms, with some praising its close proximity to the best spartys on campus and the Akers dining hall. Students enjoy the view from higher floors, perfect for a peaceful study environment. However, some residents have mentioned maintenance issues like mold, leaks, and cleanliness problems. The location of Hubbard Hall is a point of contention, with it being far from many campus buildings, bars, and downtown. On the bright side, the bus system makes commuting more manageable. The on-site Sparty's is a convenient spot for socializing and grabbing a quick bite to eat. Overall, while Hubbard Hall has its drawbacks, such as limited laundry facilities and a distant location, it also has its perks like community bonding, decent room sizes, and easy access to food options.

Akers Hall is a lively and social dorm perfect for freshmen looking to connect with others. Situated on the edge of campus, this dorm offers easy access to transportation with routes 30 and 31 nearby. The community vibe is strong with various events organized throughout the year, from coffee shops to painting sessions. Students appreciate the privacy of having their own bathroom and living room, making it a comfortable space to socialize and unwind. The basement study lounge and well-equipped fitness room add to the overall appeal. While some mention issues like dated room layouts and occasional noise, the convenience of an in-house dining hall and proximity to bus stops make Akers Hall a popular choice among residents. Overall, it's a vibrant place to kickstart your college experience and forge lasting friendships.

McDonel Hall has a reputation for a lively atmosphere due to its mixed population of freshmen, sophomores, and business majors. A key feature of McDonel Hall is its suite-style living arrangement, which means sharing bathroom facilities with three other students, a factor that requires maintaining good relations with your suitemates. The location is conveniently close to several dining options including a Sparty's Market inside the McDonel building and nearby dining halls Holmes, Owen's and across the street, Akers. While some reviews have highlighted issues with maintenance such as broken water fountains, cockroaches, and occasional leaks, it is noted the maintenance team usually conducts repairs timely. One of its appealing aspects is its proximity to the river trail for nature lovers and the business building for business students, which is a short bus ride away, thanks to a bus stop conveniently situated right outside the dormitory. Expect thin walls that may get loud, especially in East McDonel which is typically filled with freshmen. Regardless of room location, many opinions point to well-sized rooms with some even having tall ceilings and ample storage. Despite its distance from sporting arenas, the consensus among students reveals McDonel Hall as a decent place to live.

Shaw Hall, situated in an enviable location right on the river and central to campus, makes commute to classes a breeze. Its proximity to the bus station lends additional convenience. The dorm is equipped with a fitness room and an on-site dining hall, which serves decent breakfast and good food, albeit with early closure times, limited options compared to other halls, and rare openings on weekends. Rooms range in size from snug to sizable, with some offering the appeal of closets and options for a three-person occupancy. However, privacy may occasionally be compromised in rooms that jut out further. A recurring concern among residents is the state of the community bathrooms – unclean and sometimes even disgusting, they are marred with issues like mold, broken pipes causing unpleasant odors and flooding, toilet paper shortages, frigid water temperatures and low water pressure. Furthermore, the lack of decently equipped common study rooms and a frequently malfunctioning elevator are sources of inconvenience. Generally calm and quiet since it mainly houses second-year students, Shaw Hall is considered average in terms of overall living experience.

Wilson Hall is often considered an "average" dorm on campus with a mix of pros and cons. It's located in the South neighborhood and is especially convenient for first-year engineering students because of its proximity to engineering and STEM buildings. The hall has spacious rooms and suite-style bathrooms, which are a major advantage, allowing residents to maintain their own cleanliness standards. However, the building lacks certain amenities, such as a dining hall or Sparty's, making food access less convenient. Students have to rely on vending machines or walk to nearby halls for dining options. The hall's character is described as mediocre, with a color scheme that some find unattractive. Noise from nearby Spartan Stadium and marching band practice can be disruptive, and the aesthetic of the building is generally considered unattractive. Despite its shortcomings, the location provides easy access to various campus facilities, such as gyms and bus routes, making it a practical choice for some students.

Wonders Hall is a well-regarded dorm at the college due to its excellent facilities and location. The rooms and bathrooms are of a reasonable size, offering ample space for students. Although the bathrooms may be somewhat outdated, they are generally satisfactory, and students have the responsibility to maintain cleanliness, which underscores the importance of fostering good relationships with suitemates. The strategic location of Wonders Hall provides easy access to various campus amenities, with the dorm being a 20-30 minute walk to most places on campus. For those in need of a quick bite or caffeine fix, the nearby 1855 Place offers a Sparty’s and Starbucks, while Case Hall is conveniently close. Recreational facilities such as a theater, music practice room, and fitness center further add to the dorm's appeal. Though a little distant from downtown, it is well-connected by bus routes, and its proximity to sports venues is a bonus for sports enthusiasts. Overall, Wonders Hall offers a comfortable and convenient living experience for students.

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Michigan State University River Trail Neighborhood

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Hubbard Hall

Akers Hall

McDonel Hall

Shaw Hall

Wilson Hall