Residential Program
MSU GATE offers a Residential Program for students enrolled in IS4GT and MST/L during one week of the summer.
The Residential Program provides students with a unique opportunity to experience life on the Michigan State University campus. Participants stay in university residence halls, enjoy meals in the dining facilities, and take part in supervised evening activities designed to foster social connection and independence.
Living on campus allows students to develop valuable life skills—such as time management, responsibility, and self-reliance—while engaging in advanced academic coursework. It’s an excellent way for students to get a true feel for college life within a supportive and structured environment.
A Day in the Life: MSU GATE Residential Program
Curious what a day looks like for GATE’s residential students? Here’s a peek at a sample schedule that balances rigorous academics with the fun and independence of campus life at Michigan State University.
Wake Up: 7:00 a.m.
Start your day in the residence hall alongside fellow GATE students. Resident Assistants help keep mornings on track so everyone’s ready for the day ahead.
Breakfast: 7:45 – 8:30 a.m.
Fuel up with a hearty breakfast in the MSU dining hall—options range from hot classics to fresh fruit and cereals.
Walk to Class: 8:45 a.m.
Enjoy a short walk across MSU’s beautiful campus to your classrooms.
Class Time: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Engage in accelerated learning through IS4GT or MST/L courses, guided by expert instructors who challenge and inspire. Breaks and lunch vary throughout the day.
Lunch: Times Vary
Choose from a variety of meal options from MSU's food court style dining hall, guaranteed to satisfy the pickiest of eaters
Dinner: 5:00 – 6:00 p.m.
After class, unwind with dinner in the dining hall, reconnecting with friends and sharing highlights from the day.
Evening Activity: Times Vary
Evenings are where the GATE residential experience truly shines! Students participate in fun, supervised activities that balance learning with leisure—think team challenges, movie nights, campus scavenger hunts, game tournaments, arts workshops, MSU Dairy store for a scoop, and recreational time at the IM Circle or outside fields. These events help students build friendships, relax after a full day of classes, and explore the MSU campus community in a safe, structured setting.
In-Room Time: 9:00 – 10:00 p.m.
Return to your room to unwind—call home, shower, enjoy a snack, and prepare for the next day.
Lights Out: 11:00 p.m.
Rest up for another full day of learning, discovery, and fun!
COMPARISON OF RESIDENTIAL AND COMMUTER PARTICIPATION IN GATE SUMMER PROGRAMS
| Residential (R) | Commuter (C) | |
|---|---|---|
| Academic Classes | Both R and C students participate in the day’s academic classes. | |
| Lunch | Both R and C students are provided with lunch | |
| Social Activities | Because Residential students pay to stay overnight in the dorms, there are additional social activities planned for them in the evenings. | C students do not participate in evening social activities. |
| Camp Attendance | R students are not allowed to leave for the duration of camp, unless an emergency arises. Students can communicate with their family via phone and email in the evenings. | C students must be dropped off and picked up during the times designated. Arriving late, leaving early, or missing days of class is not allowed. |
SUMMARY OF GATE SUMMER PROGRAMS
| Residential available? | Commuter available? | |
|---|---|---|
| IS4GT (June 22-26, 2026) | Yes | Yes |
| MST/MSTL: Math, Science, Technology (June 22-26, 2026) | Yes | Yes |