Bronte Noble is an international student from England majoring in public relations. After graduation, she hopes to return home and pursue a career in public relations within the sports and fitness industry.
Growing up watching American shows, movies, YouTubers and influencers, I was captivated by the prospect of going to a university in America from the age of about 8 years old. I spent my free time watching online college tours, Greek life videos and vlogs about daily college life.
I found myself finishing high school and accepting an opportunity to study law at a U.K. university, with a gut feeling that it just wasn't right. After a summer of going back and forth with my parents, I was two weeks away from embarking on my law journey in England when I canceled my place in the U.K. and took the risk of applying to colleges in the U.S.
It was unknown territory, as the application process was so different from the U.K. I applied to U.S. colleges based on my own research and hoped that one would see my potential. That’s when I received my acceptance from MSU, and it was a no-brainer.
The Big Move
At the beginning of my journey as a Spartan, I had no idea what the Spartan identity really entailed. I was so used to the idea of university being somewhere you go to learn—and that’s it. But I quickly learned that MSU is so much more. From sports games to dorm life, Greek life and campus spirit, MSU has shown me a university experience I never would have found back home.
Considering the obvious similarities between the U.K. and the U.S.—like speaking the same language—I never thought for a second that I’d be thrown into a life that felt like the movies I watched growing up. Yet there I was, boarding a plane from London to Detroit, completely unaware of the next few years I was about to experience.
The initial move felt surreal. I remember driving down Grand River in a rental car with my dad for the first time, with five suitcases in the trunk. I had the perfect first impression of MSU when we parked at the Bailey Street Garage and walked around downtown East Lansing as the sun set on a warm August evening. I saw students hanging out on porches, the streets were full of students and families dining outside or walking with friends. I couldn't believe this was now my life.
Life in the Dorms
Moving into the dorms, I felt incredibly nervous. I was anxious about the prospect of sharing a room with someone I had never met before and how I was going to connect with American students. That evening, I met a girl under the most unusual circumstances—someone I still call my best friend today. We spent the following days exploring campus, the dorm halls and all that East Lansing had to offer. It didn't take long before we met other people who became integral to our MSU experience.
Living in the dorms freshman year made me realize that the people you are around make a huge impact. I wouldn’t be half the person I am now if I hadn't met the people I did freshman year. Living in the dorms is interesting. You are thrown into a building filled with hundreds of students and left to co-live in an environment very few people experience before college. The people around you see every part of you, and they end up becoming as close to you as your own family. They see you at your worst and best, they laugh with you, cry with you and truly understand the ebbs and flows of college life.
Freshman year was easily my favorite year so far at MSU—an experience I’ll likely never have again, which is why I will always cherish it.
Life at MSU
Studying at MSU has been one of the most fulfilling experiences I have ever had. The breadth and variety of courses have allowed me to genuinely explore subjects and content that I love—and helped me find my passion. Coming in as a political science major, I soon realized that it wasn’t for me. After exploring the field of criminal justice, followed by advertising, I finally found the public relations program, where I have found genuine joy in learning.
If I hadn't had the opportunity to explore different academic areas, I don’t know that I would have discovered the field I would genuinely thrive in as a career.
Life in the U.S.
Living in the U.S. has not always been easy. Although I love my life here, I still find myself missing my friends, family and life back home. This is particularly difficult over holidays like Christmas, Easter and birthdays, as those have always been spent with family.
But the feelings of homesickness never last long. I’ve had the privilege of being welcomed into the arms of many families who have taken me in as their own during these holidays. I have experienced the most magical Christmases, Thanksgivings and other occasions because of these families who have gone out of their way to treat me like a daughter and share their family traditions with me.
To me, this is one of the most heartwarming parts of living in the U.S.—meeting the most open, kind and generous individuals who have offered experiences and kindness that cannot be bought.
The Spartan Identity
With all the stories I have shared with you, I believe they truly paint a picture of what it means to be a Spartan. The Spartans I have met have shown me kindness, open hearts, adventure, support, culture and opportunity.
At MSU, I have found a sense of belonging and a home away from home. And it is because of the students, faculty and families who have played such an integral part in my experience.
I look forward to my final year as a Spartan and will carry the Spartan identity with me forever.