MSU Students: Should they stay or should they go?

As Michigan State University students graduate, they are faced with the decision to either leave East Lansing for good, or to stick around.

Cirea Rodgers

Recent MSU graduate Cirea Rodgers said that she is moving back home to the Oakland County area. Rodgers said “I plan to change the world in terms of our young children as they are our future. I have a passion for the education of young children as everyone has a right to learn, grow and develop.”

Although Rodgers said that there are not any personal pros and cons that went into her decision of staying in East Lansing or not, she wishes that there were more schools and early education centers for youth in the area.

When asked about the best aspect of East Lansing, Rodgers said “The environment and the impact of MSU.” She attributed this to being able to interact with people from all different areas.

Despite planning to move back home and start the next leg of her life, Rodgers admits that she has many memories in the community.

Arianna Zannetti

Senior Landscape Architecture major Arianna Zannetti said that she does not have any specific plans for after graduation yet, but that she would like to stay in East Lansing if given the opportunity.

Zannetti said “I do love the city and I wouldn't mind living here for a few years after graduation. However I don't think I could keep up with the 'college town' lifestyle well into my career.”

In order to get away from this lifestyle, Zannetti said that she would try to move closer to Lansing instead.

Zannetti would like to “practice urban and corporate design in a private firm” and she said “there isn't a lot of opportunity to do so in or around East Lansing.” 

Although Zannetti finds it difficult to deal with the “college town” stigma and how most things are tailored toward the students in the area, she said that she too loves the atmosphere in East Lansing and how everyone is willing to meet new people.

“It seems like everyone is a family,” said Zannetti.

Additionally, Zannetti said a pro of East Lansing is definitely the late-night life. Although, it would be difficult for her to see everybody else enjoying themselves while she was busy working a nine to five job every day.

Sophia Bozzo

On the other hand, Spanish Major Sophia Bozzo said that she is from Lansing and would definitely like to stay in the area after college.

“I would consider working within the Greater Lansing area,” said Bozzo.

For Bozzo to make a decision on whether or not to stay in the area, she said it would depend on “The opportunity itself and how well organized and cooperative the job offering is.”

Bozzo said that is what she will be looking for “when deciding to remain in East Lansing or not.”

“The best thing about East Lansing is the ease of transportation and the accessibility to everything you will ever need. The surrounding community is also great in welcoming all students to the East Lansing area,” said Bozzo.

Bozzo said “My decision to stay or leave East Lansing would depend on a job opportunity and the affordability of housing in the East Lansing area.”

Although Rodgers, Zannetti and Bozzo all have different plans, they agreed on one thing – affordable living in East Lansing is an important factor in deciding to stay in the area or not.