Taking pictures to commemorate your college experience is a common and meaningful way to reflect on your journey through MSU. From move-in day selfies to snapping a pic with Sparty, these photos help tell your story from start to finish, ending with that proud moment in your cap and gown.
Taking graduation photos is one of the final traditions for a Spartan about to leave campus. While some students gravitate toward personally meaningful locations, others head to MSU’s most iconic landmarks. From Beaumont Tower to The Spartan statue, you can expect a sea of green throughout campus as students pause to reflect, pose and celebrate how far they’ve come.
For JaTasia Powers, a journalism senior graduating this May, taking graduation pictures wasn’t just about snapping photos — it was about honoring the moments, memories and growth that defined her time at Michigan State. As she navigated the most iconic photo spots on campus, from iconic statues to her freshman residence hall, the experience became a final way to reflect, celebrate and say goodbye.
The Spartan statue
Every spring as graduation season blooms across campus, so do the flowers and trees. Behind the nearly 10-foot-tall bronze statue of The Spartan, a Kwanzan cherry tree with soft pink petals becomes the perfect backdrop to set off the perennial beauty of campus. Standing tall and proud, the statue embodies the strength and pride of being a Spartan.
As one of the most popular spots, the statue’s plaza tends to become increasingly crowded by the afternoon. Arriving early in the morning will not only give you that peaceful golden hour glow but will secure you a shorter wait to capture the moment you have been waiting for. It also gives you time to try out a variety of poses. And practice your cap toss for that perfect action shot!
Beaumont Tower
When people think of campus, one of the first places that comes to mind is Beaumont Tower. For many students, it represents their very first visit to MSU, and the moment they first heard the carillon’s melodic and magical bells ring — bringing into tangible focus a picture of what college life could be.
Now, as seniors pose for photos in front of the tower, it symbolizes their full-circle journey, from prospective student to proud graduate. It’s more than just a scenic backdrop: it’s a landmark woven into the beginning and end of every Spartan journey.
It’s also a great spot to bring props. Students often bring biodegradable confetti poppers, balloons or a keepsake that reflects their postgrad plans or favorite college memories.
The library bridge and other campus spots
Despite the current renovation, many seniors still make their way over to the bridge between the MSU Main Library and Spartan Stadium, a path that most students have crossed countless times during Homecoming tailgates or on their way to study. Sitting right above the Red Cedar River, this is the perfect spot to capture the grandeur of Spartan Stadium (and usually the big Spartan helmet) in the background, surrounded by memories of crisp fall game days and campus traditions. The spot is a scenic reminder of the steps you took to get to where you are today.
Timing for these pictures can be challenging due to the bridge’s constant use. Taking your pictures on a weekend can help limit the background distractions. If you have family and friends tagging along, encourage them to jump in a picture with you. It’s important to remember those who loved and supported you because they were a part of the journey too.
Alongside Beaumont Tower, The Spartan and the bridge, some other campus scenic spots that will have your pictures feeling uniquely MSU are Beal Botanical Garden, Benefactor’s Plaza, the weir behind Hannah Administration Building, the Horticulture Gardens, the Chemistry courtyard and any spot on campus where flowers are blooming, the sun is shining and you feel like your best Spartan self.
On-campus living
Another nostalgic place to take graduation pictures is outside the residence hall that you called home. It might have felt scary being left alone for the first time but looking back now, it’s incredible to see how much you’ve grown. It’s not just a place where you slept; it’s about the friends you made, the food you loved (or didn’t) and the memories that shaped you into a Spartan. From playing basketball with your floormates to soaking up the sun once the warmer spring weather beckoned everyone outside, it’s nice to take one last walk through a neighborhood that you will remember forever.
Group shots outside of residence halls or in common areas are a favorite among friend groups. The people that you pulled all-nighters with — whether crammed in a double or gathered in lounges — are the people who shaped your day-to-day life and stood by you through it all.
Academic buildings
Another popular place to take photos is, of course, the building where you spent most of your time — the building or college that granted your degree. From 8 a.m. lectures to late-night student org meetings — or even a comforting place to sit in between classes — these are buildings that hold memories symbolizing your odyssey at MSU. These are spaces where you learned and grew as a student, found your true passions, overcame challenges and accomplished goals — all of which have prepared you for your bright future.
Some grads even head inside these buildings for photos in empty classrooms, encapsulating the official feeling of being done and taking the next steps on their academic and professional journeys.
No matter the picture-perfect spot, you’re sure to see grads dressed in their best, showing off unique and formal attire celebrating high fashion, festive fun or cultural tradition. Many students remove their gowns to showcase decorated stoles and chords that represent a multitude of meanings and associations. These, along with creatively decorated caps, bring a feeling of individuality, passion and inspiration that complements the collective sense of accomplishment, purpose and drive that defines the Spartan experience — not only on campus but out in the world.
