Sinae Hong is a sophomore majoring in public relations with minors in business, sales leadership and finance. She will be graduating spring 2027.

One of the most common questions I get as a student at Michigan State University is, “Why did you leave sunny Marin County, California, for Michigan?” Especially with the weather change and distance from home, I understand why people are curious. But over time, I’ve perfected my answer.

MSU offers everything I want in a school: academic excellence, career opportunities, a vibrant campus, and the excitement of Big Ten athletics. These factors made my decision easy—and I haven’t looked back since.

Like most students, my first week on campus was intimidating. MSU is huge, and being far from home definitely added to the nerves. But one thing that stood out immediately was the welcoming and supportive community.

I still remember my first walk from Wonders Hall—my freshman dorm—to Kedzie Hall for my first class, Writing as Inquiry 101. The walk took me past Spartan Stadium, and in that moment, I felt a connection to home. My dad is a devoted Big Ten fan, and now that some Pac-12 schools have joined the conference, he’s an even bigger one. Fall weekends when I was younger were spent watching football. I remember the watch party my dad hosted in 2014 when MSU won the Rose Bowl, so it felt surreal to be part of the school I had watched on TV for years.

Another reason MSU felt like the right fit was the unexpected connections I had before even applying. While working at Nordstrom in high school, I found out that both my store manager and department manager were MSU graduates. They constantly talked about the amazing opportunities they had and how much fun their college years were. That stuck with me while I was browsing the Common App among hundreds of schools.

Even more surprisingly, I met multiple customers whose kids attended or graduated from MSU. Coming from California, I never expected to see so many MSU ties—but it reassured me that the university has a strong national presence.

Finding My Place at MSU

Academically, MSU’s top-ranked communications program played a huge role in my decision. As a public relations and business major, I wanted to be in a program that would challenge me and prepare me for my future career.

Since arriving at MSU, I’ve become actively involved with Delta Gamma, MSU Marketing Association, and MSU’s chapter of the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA). These organizations have helped me grow both personally and professionally. Getting involved made my transition smoother and allowed me to meet some of my closest friends.

The Perfect Balance: Academics and Social Life

One of the things I appreciate most about MSU is the balance between academics and social life.

Sure, MSU is known for its lively tailgates, themed outings and game days, but there’s also a strong academic culture. Many students here take their studies seriously—including myself. You see it in the number of students who make the Dean’s List and in the passion for learning that’s felt across campus.

This mix of fun and dedication resonated with me because college should be about both personal growth and academic achievement. MSU provides the best of both worlds. It’s a place where I can enjoy the full college experience while staying focused on my education and future career.

However, choosing MSU wasn’t just about academics or sports. It was about growth. Most people from my hometown tend to stick to the same three schools and stay within familiar friend groups. MSU represented a fresh start—a chance to meet new people, build new connections and embrace a completely different environment. It was a big leap outside my comfort zone, but I knew that’s exactly what I needed.

So, Why MSU?

At the end of the day, Michigan State was the right choice because it offered the perfect mix of opportunities, challenges and experiences that are shaping me into the person I want to become.

If you’re considering MSU, my advice is simple: Choose MSU. Get outside your comfort zone, embrace new experiences and see for yourself why so many students—even from thousands of miles away—choose to call MSU home.