Michigan State University's campus is a unique blend of the traditional and innovative within a park-like landscape. The Red Cedar River flows through the campus and sets the stage for springtime walks and summer concerts. North of the river's tree-lined banks and grassy slopes is the older, more traditional heart of the campus. The ivy-covered brick buildings house academic offices and include the MSU Union and ten residence halls. Sweeping green lawns grace this area, accented by an arboretum of shade and flowering trees.

South of the Red Cedar River, you will find modern residence hall complexes, Spartan Stadium, the world's most powerful superconducting cyclotron, the medical complex, and sophisticated scientific research laboratories. The university's newest facilities are also found on this side of the river, including the Jack Breslin Student Events Center, the Wharton Center for Performing Arts, the Pavilion for Agriculture and Livestock Education, the Detroit College of Law, and two intramural buildings devoted to student sports activities.