By Katherine Held
Along with my fellow MSU Law Class of 2026 graduates, I am currently deep in bar exam preparation. It did not take long to discover that bar prep is essentially a full-time job. The days begin to blend together, the multiple-choice questions seem endless, and somehow every conversation eventually circles back to torts, civil procedure, or property.
With that cheerful introduction out of the way, I have also learned something equally important: bar prep is a marathon, not a sprint. While discipline and consistency are critical, so is taking care of yourself. Building breaks into your study schedule is not a luxury—it is part of setting yourself up for success on the days of the bar exam. Maintaining your well-being throughout this time is just as important as completing another practice essay.
For anyone who finds themselves needing additional support from professionals, MSU offers excellent mental health resources through CAPS , and the Michigan Judges and Lawyers Assistance Program provides support tailored to those in the legal field.
As someone who is still learning the best ways to navigate bar prep, I thought I would share something I know a little more about: enjoyable ways to step away from the books and enjoy a well-earned break around the East Lansing area.
For free entertainment, the Lake Lansing Friday Night Concert Series offers a relaxing evening of live music by the water. If your ideal recovery involves movement rather than sitting, Sunday morning yoga sessions are a great way to reset after a long week of studying. Until August, recent MSU graduates can also take advantage of free paddleboard and kayak rentals , which offer a perfect opportunity to spend a few hours outdoors and away from screens.
Summer in East Lansing also brings several excellent community events. The Summer Solstice Jazz Festival fills downtown with live music, while Downtown Summer Sound concerts provide free entertainment throughout July. If you have always wanted to try salsa dancing, Lansing Shuffle's Latin Dance Nights offer a fun excuse to trade flashcards for footwork. You may also enjoy social community events hosted by the Council of Graduate Students, including a picnic party and a Summer Circle Theatre meetup.
If you are willing to spend a few dollars, Lansing offers plenty of options as well. Catching a Lansing Lugnuts baseball game is a classic summer tradition and an easy way to spend an evening with friends. The MSU Sailing Center rents kayaks and paddleboards for those looking to get out on the water. Potter Park Zoo's 21+ Zoo Nights combine animals, food, and adult beverages into a uniquely Lansing experience. For fans of comics, gaming, and pop culture, Capital City Comic Con provides an entertaining weekend escape from bar prep reality.
Most importantly, remember that taking a break is not falling behind. Whether you spend an evening listening to music, paddling on the lake, cheering on the Lugnuts, or simply enjoying dinner with friends, those moments of rest can help sustain you through the long weeks of studying.
And after all the outlines, essays, flashcards, and practice exams are complete, make sure you save a little energy to s-P-A-R-T-Y on July 29. You've earned it.