Tips for surviving MSU graduation weekend

EAST LANSING - Graduation isn’t all smiling photos in green gowns next to Beaumont Tower.

Whether you’re heading to East Lansing this weekend to attend graduation at Michigan State University or a resident battening down the hatches in preparation, here are some tips to avoid headaches.

• Stay away (if you can): With students continuing to move out and thousands of their family members set to arrive Friday and Saturday, it’s best to avoid campus unless you want to wait for long lines of cars and massive groups of clueless out-of-towners crossing roads regardless of traffic signals. Remember, it's still illegal to run down pedestrians. 
• Take graduation photos another day: Everyone wants a photo in their cap and gown next to the Spartan statue or in the shadow of Spartan Stadium. Come back next weekend, when there won’t be lines hundreds of people long. In addition, look for more obscure locations where you’re less likely to find errant Bud Light cans, such as the children’s garden or the Beal Botanical Garden or the maintenance closet on the fourth floor of McDonel Hall.

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• Prepare to wait for popular campus-area eateries: You might have your student loans paid off before you get a seat at Crunchy’s or the Peanut Barrel this weekend. "We expect it to be quite busy," said Mike Krueger, owner and general manager of Crunchy's. He advises groups to call ahead, although doing so doesn't guarantee you'll be getting your Crunchy burgers or Long Islands before those who arrive first.
• Have a plan and prepare to walk: Parking will be available at several lots on campus, including near the intersection of Trowbridge and Red Cedar roads as well as south of campus at the northwest corner of Mt. Hope Road and Farm Lane. Both of these lots also have shuttles running Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. and from 7 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Saturday. Parking will also be available at several lots in East Lansing. For more information, visit commencement.msu.edu/maps.
• Take it slow and remember to breathe: Parents, remember that graduates may well be suffering from the effects of overenthusiastic celebration. Don't make loud noises or sudden movements. Students, remember that parents have paid dearly for the chance to watch their offspring walk across the stage. Don't ruin the moment. Annette Erwin, housing and university relations administrator for the City of East Lansing, recommends looking toward the smiling faces of soon-to-be graduates.“You can’t help but smile seeing green gown-wearing students walking down the sidewalks,” she said.
• Remember, it’ll all be worth it next week: East Lansing is far quieter during the summer months with students back at home. So drink it in, along with a beverage of your choice while sitting at a table on an outdoor patio that you didn't have to wait for.

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The undergraduate convocation at MSU will take place at 1 p.m. Friday at the Breslin Center, followed at 3:30 p.m. by the advanced degree ceremony. Both are free and open to the public.Visit commencement.msu.edu/ for information on individual college ceremonies, which run through Sunday.

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Contact RJ Wolcott at (517) 377-1026 or rwolcott@lsj.com. Follow him on Twitter @wolcottr.