Michigan State University Freshman Dorms Ranked

I stayed on the top floor of west in 2019, which may affect my score, but for a dorm it was pretty nice. Suite bathrooms so it was clean as long as you/your suitemates were, Caf in the building (although it was my least fav, I could always get cereal and a sandwich). Easy access to the Trowbridge shopping center was a plus for me since I liked buying fresh produce (it’s less than a 10 min walk) and if you have a car it’s fairly close to parking. Also basketball courts in the back and the engagement center in building, so easy access to math and writing tutors. I’m also fairly certain south has the largest square footage of all the neighborhoods.

Biggest downside was rlly the caf food, and we had a slight ant problem when it was warm out. If you’re an RCAH/science major it might be a little harder to get to classes as well but the bus system did me well for when I wanted to be in north or go to downtown EL. - 1 year ago

if any dorm were considered "average" Wilson would definitely fit that description best. It's not a nightmare like the East dorms and it's not as favorable as dorms found in Brody or North. As a non-engineering major, I would say the best thing about this dorm is that you're close to the largest gym on campus. Besides that, the character of the dorm is pretty mediocre; the color scheme is kinda ugly, and it's the one dorm in South that doesn't have any significant amenity (Wonders & Holden have Sparty's, Case has both a Sparty's and Dining Hall, etc.) besides the CORE LLC. As for the rooms, they're tiled and the floor gets pretty dusty often. The 6th floor has no lobby decor whatsoever but the ceilings are high. The bathrooms are okay, kind of gross looking no matter how much you clean them. Your experience really relies on your roomate's and suitemates' behaviors. - 1 year ago

I lived on the first floor of east. Never had a roach problem but ik people who had mice. Walls are really thin so don't be an asshole and be loud.

Bathrooms are fine just make sure you have clean roommates/suitemates cuz that ruined it for me tbh. Depends on the room but you might get lucky with a good shower or toilet.

East Mcdonel is full of freshman and business majors so it gets really loud. West is usually sophomores and a lot quieter.

Spartys lowkey sucks compared to the others but it's not bad since it's in the building. The community kitchen is nice and huge. There are many study spots in the building you can access anytime.

I loved being near the rivertrail especially when it's fall! It also takes you straight to the business building. The walk to the dining hall+hubbard spartys isn't horrible. I have nothing to complain about location to be honest because there is a bus stop right in front of McDonel.

Overall, I really enjoyed staying at McDonel especially since it fit my needs for living. Most of the battle is getting along with the people you live with and making sure everyone is living content! - 1 year ago

I lived in Akers this past year after being so nervous after hearing bad reviews. I personally really liked it here and having 3 roommates was fun. At the beginning of the semester we were put into transitional housing and did end up having an extra roommate but that was settled within the first month and a half of the semester. The dorm itself is spacious even though the “bedrooms” are small. Beds are lofted and under the bed is like your little “area.” Bathroom cleanliness depends on you and your roommates. The only thing im not a fan of is the dining hall but other than that I loved living at Akers - 2 days ago

This is the furthest building from anywhere on campus. The rooms are continually way to hot so you have to have a window open at all times of the year. There’s one study room on every floor and all the even number floors have study rooms with couches. If you want to fill your water bottle you have to go all the way down to the first floor every time and the water tastes like soap. The bathrooms only have one tiny little counter to set things on and with four people they get filled quickly. If you want to take apart your bed they are bolted together and are incredibly hard to move by yourself. You get a desk with a drawer but in the drawer is a pull out desk so you can’t even fit anything in the drawer. The flooring is a gross tile that never looks like it will get clean. There is a nice bench by the window that was great for putting stuff on. - 1 year ago