ORIENTATION ISSUE 2025
Dear Class of 2029,
Congratulations! High school has ended, and you’re about to embark on your journey as a University of Michigan student. Rather than thinking about college applications and waking up at 6 a.m., you can now worry about finding your way through the MATH (Mason, Angel, Tisch and Haven) building, trying to find a seat in the library during finals and not getting lost on campus. It’s not nearly as stressful as it sounds, I promise. Questioning what’s to come is much more stressful than actually starting college.
So, whether you’re feeling unsure of what’s next or excited for the fall, I ask you to sit down and read The Michigan Daily’s 2025 Orientation Edition.
This special edition of The Daily offers advice from Daily staffers who once started their journey where you are now. From what to wear to your first football game and walking around campus to how to balance extracurricular activities and finding new bookstores, this edition has tips and tricks from the people who know best. But don’t just pay attention to the advice given. Instead, think about your own journey and how it might relate to those that came before you.
College is the time for you. You’ll make new friends, figure out your academic passions and probably complain about “Michigan Math.” Soon, you’ll be a part of the U-M community. As scary as it may feel, set aside your fear and be excited for what comes next. Know that no matter what happens, this is your time to shine — and The Daily will be there every step of the way.
In approximately three months, your time as a University of Michigan student will officially commence. Enjoy your journey and cherish every moment, since those four years will fly by. Go to class, go to football games and put yourself out there. Remember that these next four years are for you, and, as The Daily always says: Make history, Daily.
Hail to the Victors,
Sophia Perrault 2025 Summer Editor in Chief
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What if I don’t leave my door open or go to office hours?
EZRA LEE Statement Columnist
Over the past few months, songs have been filling my ears — songs full of emotions that once existed as a distant thought. “Make it Shine” from “Victorious,” “We’re All In This Together” from “High School Musical” and “Ribs” by Lorde all felt like posing in front of the school bus on my first day of kindergarten while my high school neighbors, who looked like adults to me, got in their cars to drive to school instead. Recently though, getting older began to feel scary and the change that I have spent my entire life anticipating doesn’t feel like I expected it to. High school graduation isn’t full of smiles radiating certainty about our futures, and tears, as rooted in happiness as they may be, are still tears. As I prepare to move to Ann Arbor in the fall, college feels more daunting than it ever has before and the excitement and eagerness to grow up is replaced with a longing to spend just one more late night talking with my mom or one more early morning getting coffee with my dad. The idea of heading to college has made me regret the nights I stayed up late completing overdue assignments and preparing for presentations instead of going out with my sister or walking my dog. And yet, in the nearly endless cycle of this common trope — one where I look back on the last four years of my life and think about everything I have done right and wrong —
I see an opportunity to take a different angle.
Throughout senior year, I subscribed to the idea that once I got to college, I would start waking up at 5 a.m. to work out, stop comparing myself to others and maybe, if I’m lucky, try writing for the newspaper. I have two reflections. First, why wait? If I plan on deleting Instagram once I arrive at the University of Michigan in August, why not delete it now and spend that extra hour a day doing all of the things I wish I had done during high school? If I plan to stop comparing myself to others but have no strategies for that plan, how likely is it that I will achieve that goal? The answer to me is that while growing old does feel scary and time does seem to be flying by, over the following weeks before we leave for college, we have the chance to become our greatest selves. Whatever path we may be coming from and in whichever way we choose to spend this last summer — one full of excitement and apprehension — before the rest of our lives begin, we share many commonalities in our feelings regarding this coming fall. Additionally, this summer provides a much needed opportunity to take time, possibly for the first time since the start of high school, to reflect on who we are and who we want to be. I know it’s difficult to do something that might not seem to have anything more than a little personal value in the long term, especially if the present work seems boring or
frustrating, but over the next four years, a sense of self will become crucial to friendships, extracurriculars, classes and cultivating our happiness.
The time ahead of us is filled with ambiguity. Like most of you, I’ve heard the routine advice of “keeping your doors open” and “going to office hours,” but what about the other advice? What about the unspoken rules that have shadowed adolescence? What happens to them as we prepare to leave for college? Can I go through with that sleepover that I was always too afraid to ask for permission for? When I’m upset and I know that I don’t like to lean on people for support, am I prepared to have to call my mom or dad and ask them for advice? Did I get so caught up in wanting to grow up — acting old beyond my years and grinning when I was told “you have an old soul” — that now that adulthood appears for the first time as a sliver of light in the distance, this thing that I have craved so earnestly becomes something I am afraid of?
Before even arriving on campus, I have been filled with these doubts and questions surrounding my belonging at the University. Am I smart enough? Will I fit in? These are just a few of the questions that have cycled through my head. I have also wondered whether I know how to properly be a teenager or whether I know how to take a break when I need to or if I have an insatiable need to be constantly busy. I am sure that I am not alone in these ruminations.
Adopting a sense of inherent collectivism has allowed me to find strength in a community that I’ve barely joined. Sure, trepidation might be
natural for some while boundless eagerness may be instinctual for others, but rather than fearing this uncertainty, there is an opportunity to take everything for what it is and just as much for what it isn’t. I know that sentence sounds absurd; it comes from one of my favorite poems. In “Truth,” Hala Alyan writes: “Hunger is hunger. I got drunk one night / and argued with the Pacific. I was twenty / I broke into the bodies of men like a cartoon burglar. I wasn’t twenty.” Confused, nervous and excited, there is a commonality of feelings among incoming freshmen across the United States about what is to come over the next four years, but at the University, there is a strength in the unknown — a force that brings us closer together despite, or maybe thanks to, scattered and shared apprehensions.
And so I continue to question, why wait? When I began writing this article, I wanted to go beyond “keep your doors open” and “go to office hours,” so I reached out to students looking for advice. I didn’t
want to wait to be on campus and have to figure things out for myself. I also desperately wanted to find the key to college, the thing that would prepare me to step foot on campus this fall as the most flawless version of myself. Unsurprisingly and consistently, the most common advice was keep your door open and go to office hours (although you may be pleased to know that, after reaching consensus, Mosher-Jordan Residence Hall dining has the best chocolate chip cookies and the fourth floor tables of the Shapiro Undergraduate Library are the best place to study).
I was disappointed when I didn’t find any novel answers to my questions on successfully navigating college that I could put into this article. There was no magical suggestion that immediately calmed my fears, nor was there a solution to balancing some of the most wide-ranging and intense emotions that I have felt in respect to a major life event. Rather, what I did learn is this: Maybe all I can
Abigail Schad/DAILY
do is try to be my best self. No, that doesn’t mean being perfect and it doesn’t mean there won’t be nights where I am up late wondering who I can call when I need help; it means when those nights do come, I know someone to talk to. Instead of wishing for something or carrying anemoia for an experience I have not yet lived, I will work toward becoming the best version of myself over the next weeks leading up to the beginning of my college experience. When we do all get to Ann Arbor in August, there will be plenty to do — limitless possibilities, lifelong friendships to be created and learning opportunities beyond what many of us can imagine.
But for now, and for the first few days of our new beginning, maybe our journey can start with an open door and time spent participating in office hours. Maybe in the simplicity of these suggestions, we will find the room, support and courage to create what I have no doubt will be the time of our lives.
Style guide for a Big House football Saturday
BOBBY CURRIE Daily Arts Writer
GGGOOODDD MORNING WOLVERINES!!! Welcome to the greatest university in the world, and furthermore, the greatest season Ann Arbor has to offer — football season. Whether or not you care about seeing Bryce Underwood’s legendary arm chucking a football across the Big House, there is no denying that the University of Michigan is a community dominated by our dedication to collegiate football, and its corresponding tailgates and partying. With such a big moment staring us all in the face, I am here to help out in the best way possible — outfit inspo. Almost every Saturday from now until November is going to entail early wakeups, the journey to various tailgates and nail-biting football games that are bound to result in a Michigan victory. Tailgating is not just part of our culture here at the University — it’s also one of the best opportunities for students, new and old, to make friendships and craft the perfect Instagram post to show your mom, dad and high school friends how much fun you’re having. Wearing a good outfit that blends both style and comfort is key to all of this, especially since it’s something you will probably wear for hours and hours on a football Saturday. Here are a few options I would suggest to survive the moody Ann Arbor weather while still looking way cooler than the person next to you.
Let’s build the outfit from the bottom up. On the feet I think the best option is, of course, a pair of sneakers. Sneakers are a classic sporty and aesthetic shoe that just scream “TACKLE THEM,” but
also offer the comfort necessary to survive the thousands of steps your Saturday is certain to have. Instead of the more “basic” Nike or Adidas sneakers, here are three suggestions for a cooler look that matches the comfort of your beloved Air Force 1s. Yellow Onitsuka Tigers, yellow or blue Puma Speedcats and the blue Adidas Forums. Thank me later for now, just run to purchase them before the first big game. Moving on to bottoms, I’m going to suggest a few options for the brief period of Michigan warmth, and then dive into some of the more helpful Michigan winter protectors. For the game or two where the sun is shining, I would suggest a baggy jean short. I like to find vintage ones in thrift stores or on Depop, but you can search “baggy jean shorts” on Google for some pairs online. Jean shorts are so versatile and easy to accessorize with a statement belt or some yellow and blue ribbon tied along the belt loops to keep that school spirit high, yet still fashion forward. For the inevitable cold, a simple jean is of course a good option, but I think to really stand out, a baggy pair of vintage track pants is best. Most of my track pants come from either the thrift store or Depop (can you tell I’m obsessed), but there are also some good ones online at Urban Outfitters.
Moving on to the top half, for our students who want to show off a little skin or maybe their gym gains from the Intramural Sports Building, a tank top is always a great option. For this I would highly suggest perusing through your local thrift store and pulling out any and all options you find with a yellow, navy or white color to match
our school’s color palette. This is the best way to find unique and elevated versions of a simple tank top while staying within budget. I found my dream navy tank with lace detailing this way, so trust me, I know what I’m talking about. If you’re not a tank lover, that’s OK, I would suggest a cool T-shirt that references the University in a more exciting way than just “Michigan.” You can find tees like that at University Vintage, located right on State Street directly next to Ondo Bakery, or being sold right outside the Michigan Union some days during football season.
During the winter months, I would suggest a good jacket to layer over your already killer outfit. A lot of times these months are survival of the fittest, and even making it to the games is an accomplishment. But if you do want to keep fashion a priority, I would again go back to University Vintage and invest in a high-quality parka-type jacket. The ones they offer there are genuine University vintage, so you can stay both stylish and
warm. With that complete, we have assembled a wonderful and stylish outfit that is sure to turn heads all the way from home to the Big House, yet I have a few more suggestions for the overachievers of the fashion world.
Change up that usual makeup for a pop with a winged blue liquid liner. I wear the NYX Epic Wear Liquid Liner in Sapphire every single game day, and it has never disappointed me. You heard me talking about ribbons earlier — Amazon sells multiple packs of different colored ribbons for cheap. Finally, finding a pair of black sunglasses will turn any outfit, boring or not, into a lesson on being the coolest person in the room. With that I will send you all on your merry way; have a happy and successful shopping spree. My final piece of advice is to remind everyone to cherish this time you have with your friends because you don’t realize how fast it all goes by — trust me, I’m speaking as a rising senior with only one fall left at the greatest university in the world.
Alum Emma Mati/DAILY
Year in Review: A Michigan athletics roundup
ANNABELLE YE & NATE SCHRECK
Summer Managing Sports Editors
For an athletic department that consistently charts in the top 10 of the NACDA’s Directors’ Cup, an award recognizing the nation’s top overall athletic department, Michigan boasts a wealth of teams that showcase its athletic prowess. National championships, Big Ten Tournament and regular season titles alike, the Wolverines’ 29 Division I sports teams continued to be one of the nation’s best in the 2024-25 school year. From every first-year head coach, transfer championship and record set, The Michigan Daily has you covered on the athletics on campus.
November 2024
Football upsets No. 2 Ohio State, beating the Buckeyes for the fourth time in a row
Squaring off against its arch rival, Michigan entered the game as a heavy underdog. An up-and-down season mired in a quarterback battle culminated in the Wolverines facing up against the eventual national champions, which was not a game that they were predicted to win. But as the defensive line stifled the Buckeyes’ offensive attack and junior kicker Dominic Zvada chipped in key field goals, Michigan escaped Columbus with a 13-10 victory.
Field hockey upsets No. 1
Northwestern to capture
Big Ten Tournament title
In a matchup of two of the Big Ten’s best field hockey programs, the Wolverines toppled the eventual national champions, the Wildcats, in a 1-0 shutout victory. Senior forward Alana Richardson’s goal in the second half put Michigan ahead for good as it closed out its ninth Big Ten Championship. Against a Northwestern team that beat up on teams with its high-powered offense, the Wolverines’ staunch defensive strategy was their key to victory.
December 2024
Football defeats Alabama in ReliaQuest Bowl to end turbulent season on a high note
In another matchup against a college football powerhouse, Michigan outlasted the 11th-ranked Crimson Tide in a 19-13 victory. Again powered by their defensive line, Michigan defeated Alabama in the postseason for the second consecutive season. The team also included seven future 2025 NFL Draft picks, three of which were taken in the first round. February 2025
Swimmers Lindsay Flynn and Hannah Bellard wins individual Big Ten titles, while Michigan’s 4×400 freestyle relay broke the Big Ten Championship meet record en route to winning the event title
March
2025
Men’s basketball wins the Big Ten Tournament title Despite entering the Big Ten Tournament as the No. 3 seed, Michigan defeated No. 2 seed Maryland and No. 6 seed Purdue before they secured a win over No. 5 seed Wisconsin in the Big Ten Tournament Championship. A team led by its frontcourt received key performances from its guards as it battled its way to its first Big Ten Tournament Championship since 2018.
Men’s basketball advances to the Sweet Sixteen in the NCAA Tournament in Dusty May’s first year First-year head coach Dusty May showed his ability to perform in March during his NCAA Tournament run with Florida Atlantic. And in his first year with the Wolverines, he parlayed his previous Tournament success into wins over No. 12 seed UC San Diego and No. 4 seed Texas A&M. While Michigan fell to No. 1 seed Auburn in the Elite Eight, its performance in the first two rounds points to a program on the upswing.
Women’s basketball falls to Notre Dame in the second round of the NCAA Tournament after season defined by its young stars
Men’s ice hockey gets eliminated from first round of Big Ten Tournament by Penn State, ending a tumultuous season abruptly
Trent McFarland wins the Big Ten Indoor Championship title for the mile run Wrestler Jacob Cardenas wins 197-pound Big Ten title
April 2025
Men’s gymnastics wins fifth consecutive Big Ten title
Men’s gymnastics wins the national championship For the first time in 11 years, Michigan won the NCAA Championship. Among the stellar performances at Crisler Center, junior Fred Richard took home the all-around title while graduate Paul Juda won the parallel bars title.
Men’s lacrosse suffers defeat to Rutgers in the Big Ten Tournament, ending a season full of ups and downs
May 2025
Softball wins second consecutive Big Ten Championship after upsetting No. 9 UCLA
After a tumultuous season landed them the eighth seed in the Big Ten Tournament, the Wolverines leaned on stellar pitching to push through the tournament. They upset No. 1 seed Oregon in the quarterfinals and No. 2 seed UCLA in the finals, claiming their second consecutive conference tournament title.
CONTINUED AT MICHIGANDAILY.COM
Alum Lila Turner/DAILY
Emily Alberts/DAILY
Georgia McKay/DAILY
Alum Sydney Hastings-Wilkins/DAILY
To decorate a dorm: an art and a journey
CLAUDIA MINETTI Summer News Editor
Growing up, my mom rarely let me put up posters on my walls because she claimed they would ruin the paint. When I first moved into my childhood bedroom, I chose a light purple for the walls. I still loved my purple walls, but I wanted to hang colorful posters and fairy lights draped over polaroid pictures of my closest friends. In secret (and out of an act of rebellion), I hung my first poster in my closet: a picture of the character Thrawn from Star Wars that I acquired from the book aptly named “Thrawn”.
During my junior and senior years of high school, I slowly transformed my childhood bedroom into a space that was a reflection of myself. Naturally, my first purchases were fake vines and fairy lights. However, I never got around to hanging any posters as I had originally planned. I collected trinkets, polaroid pictures and souvenirs in a mini treasure cove in the corner of my room.
When I first entered East Quad Residence Hall freshman year, I was excited to decorate a new space to be my own little corner of the world. Within the first few days, I started envisioning the type of room I wanted to have. Like any incoming freshman, I saved every aesthetic dorm room picture on Pinterest for inspiration.
I could have chosen a minimalist look, with white walls and a potted plant in the corner of my windowsill. Or, I could have made it as loud as possible with bright colors spilling into every nook and cranny to the point where every guest would have to exclaim, “She’s got personality!”
Many ideas swam through my mind, and it was comforting to know I had the liberty to decorate however I wanted.
In search of the perfect posters, I attended the poster sale at the Michigan Union. For hours, I was mesmerized by the array of drawings, photographs and prints filling the hall. By the end, my arms were tired from flipping through books of posters, but I eventually carried back five prints of all different styles.
After putting up the final decorations, I realized my room didn’t have a theme. I hung blue and green fairy lights, overprints of fairies and cats above my bed. I rested a gnome on my drawer with a sign that read “BREATHE” next to it. I attached a picture of my favorite YouTuber across from my desk and I overflowed my windowsill with succulents I collected from a dorm neighbor.
There was nothing minimalist about my room and not every corner had the spark of color I had imagined, but I loved the home I had created for myself. For me, dorm decorating brought a sense of independence and expression
I had never experienced before. Throughout the semester, I made new friends and reconnected with old ones from high school. During that time, I visited many dorms and saw even more decorating styles. Some of my friends had posters of their favorite artists, while others decorated their beds with multi-colored pillows. One friend kept a vine in their room that wrapped around the window and touched a succulent. Another friend kept a desk filled with gifts from family and friends back home, while her roommate displayed her favorite albums. What I loved was that no one had the same dorm as another. Even when someone’s walls remained bare, their desks held memories from home, or the windowsills revealed a part of themselves. To me, these moments perfectly encapsulated dorm decorating. Even if the walls are undecorated or if the room is minimally decorated, these details don’t make a one dorm more or less special than another. Yes, our rooms can be a reflection of ourselves, but they are
also a place we care for ourselves. Our rooms present us with an opportunity to unwind or sneak under the covers for a late afternoon nap. They give us the space to dance and sing out loud (but not too loud because the walls are paper-thin). They provide a place to host late-night gossip sessions with your roommate or a party floor for when your friends come over on a Saturday night.
The way our rooms are decorated reveals parts of ourselves to others, and there is a unique sense of acceptance that comes from doing so. I found that no one judged how my poster colors didn’t match or how I didn’t have a fluffy rug because they knew how much I loved watering the plants in my room or resting on my pink reading pillow. Instead, we were more concerned about navigating Mason Hall or calling our parents to convince them we were not staying up late to finish homework. No one should ever judge someone else for how they choose to express themselves. CONTINUED AT MICHIGANDAILY.COM
Breaking Down Campus Plan 2050 by Michigan Daily Podcast Section
As most students know, the University of Michigan is constantly updating its infrastructure. Its current plan, Vision 2034 has ideas to increase sustainability and capacity for students in coming years. However, its new detailed proposal, Campus Plan 2050 expands this vision with more plans for connectivity, further climate regulation goals, accounting for a larger academic community at the University of Michigan. With everything spanning from connecting North and Central campuses, increasing athletic facilities, and promoting diversity and interdisciplinary learning, this plan will surely shape the future of campus life.
In this episode of the Daily Weekly, we will unpack what Project 2050 entails as a whole, including specific goals for civic engagement, sustainability, education, health, and campus connectivity. Plus, we talk to two faculty members from the Taubman College of Architecture and Urban Planning to learn more about the plan from
Walking your way through UMich, one step at a time
KAYLA LUGO Daily Staff Reporter
During my first year at the University of Michigan, I would occasionally walk to get around campus, but I was mostly taking the bus or paying for an Uber. That all changed in winter 2025, the first semester of my senior year, when I made a serious commitment to myself to improve my health. And the easiest way to do it? Walking.
The first time I made a round trip from Alice Lloyd Residence Hall to the Michigan Union, it felt like a marathon, but over the course of the semester, I’ve noticed major health improvements such as weight loss and stress reduction. As you prepare to start your freshman year, realize it’s the perfect time
to improve your health without adjusting your busy schedule to make time for the gym. It might sound impossible at first, but trust me, making the conscious choice to walk instead of driving or taking the bus can pay off in major ways.
We’ve all heard the countless horror stories about the dreaded “Freshman 15,” the tendency for students to gain about 15 pounds during their first year at college. Between events with free food, late-night study sessions with pizza and coffee for fuel and dining halls that are the college equivalent of Golden Corral, those unburned calories will add up. But even just 30 minutes of walking a day is good exercise. That’s roughly the equivalent of a round trip from North Quad Residence Hall to Ross School of Business
or a one-way trip from South Quad Residence Hall to the School of Public Health. By the end of the day, you might be surprised by just how far you’ve walked, and by the end of the week, you’ll realize just how much exercise you’ve done without even trying.
Whenever you miss the Blue Bus or it’s just too packed to squeeze in, the most time-efficient option would be to pull up your Maps app and speed-walk to class. But who knows what you’ll discover along the way if you take it slow! You might find a secret shortcut, a cute chubby squirrel that you send a picture of to all your contacts, the perfect outdoor study spot for sunny September afternoons or even a new all-time favorite restaurant on South University Avenue. Walking also opens doors for
connection. If you’re out for a casual Sunday stroll through the Diag, you could run into a member of the Squirrel Club feeding peanuts to a squirrel, or a classmate from your lecture that you’ve never gotten the chance to speak with before. Five minutes later, you’re both ranting about your professor or brainstorming ideas for an essay due this weekend that neither of you have started. Some of my best college memories didn’t happen in classes, but on the walks to and from them. And when you’re not buried in your phone waiting for a bus, you’re far more likely to notice a friendly face or start a spontaneous conversation. Over time, walking makes this huge campus feel a little smaller and a lot more personal.
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Don’t say ‘yes’ to everything
SARAH ZHANG Opinion Analyst
At the end of my freshman orientation two summers ago, my group leader left us with a piece of advice: Say yes to everything. So, when I arrived on campus a few months later, I thought the only way to enjoy the college experience was to throw myself at each campus event, introduce myself to every new face and attend as many mass meetings as I could.
To me, making the most of these special years meant seizing every opportunity that could turn into a lifelong memory. I bought into the perception that a well-spent four years could only be a highlight reel of large friend groups, football games and nights out. While I tried to say yes to everything, I ultimately felt drained by superficial interactions with people whose names I forgot and unmotivated to attend club meetings where I sat on the periphery.
Two years later, however, I found a solid group of friends and discovered both my academic and personal passions through a few meaningful student organizations. For the first time, I felt genuinely connected — to campus and myself. I realized that my initial mantra of seizing every opportunity was a recipe for fatigue and disappointment. You do not have to attend every event, talk to everyone or say yes to everything to make the most of your college years.
In fact, attempting to take advantage of every new opportunity on top of managing the college transition can quickly
stretch you too thin. Saying yes to everything heightens the risk of mental exhaustion and social burnout from the onslaught of new experiences. You have a limit on how much you can accomplish in a day or week, and recognizing you cannot do everything is an important first lesson in college.
While putting yourself out there is valuable, choosing how to engage in campus life should be intentional, not indiscriminate. Reflecting on moments you took pleasure in — and letting go of those you didn’t — is essential for a more sustainable and enjoyable four years.
While there are certainly some events to avoid, there are some that you should not miss. First, attend Festifall and browse Maize Pages to see what organizations interest you. Then, narrow the list down to just a few clubs that you plan to actively participate in. Many students claim involvement in a long list of activities, but maintaining engagement in too many organizations while balancing classes is often unsustainable and dilutes your involvement in each organization. Quality always trumps quantity in terms of your extracurriculars. When attempting to maximize your impact in each one, you should also maintain balance in your routine and prevent burnout.
Over the course of my four semesters, I joined eight different organizations. Now, I enter my third year of college with active involvement in just two clubs. CONTINUED AT MICHIGANDAILY.COM
Why you should embrace a liberal arts education
SETH GABRIELSON Summer Senior Opinion Editor
As a freshman, I was enamored with the predictive power of physics, viewing it as the pinnacle of human achievement. However, my introductory physics course prompted a shift in my perspective. While still intrigued by the subject, I craved a balance between theory and practical application, particularly in aerospace. I was fueled by a lifelong passion for flight and an intense fascination with science fiction. This led me to pursuing a dual degree in physics and aerospace engineering, a path where I could combine theoretical depth with hands-on engineering skills.
During this time, like many freshmen, I was taking my firstyear writing seminar. Toward the end of the term, my professor gave what he called his “shameless pitch for the humanities.” Holding a Ph.D. in French literature, he emphasized the importance of the humanities and the liberal arts as a whole, tracing their roots back to ancient Greek thinkers like Plato and Socrates. Initially, I didn’t see the value in including humanities and social sciences in my undergraduate studies. However, about a week later, I discussed this advice with a respected mentor. He pointed out a compelling historical trend: the longer one’s education remains broad and unspecialized, the more prolific you will become.
A brief scan of this history proves this point. Leonardo da Vinci studied a wide variety of disciplines, from art to science to engineering, even delving into anatomy. In doing so, his breadth of knowledge allowed him to impact multiple fields. Benjamin Franklin’s experiments with elec-
tricity complemented his work in natural philosophy. And, through mixing philosophy with his studies in politics, he became the prolific diplomat we know him as today.
Some may argue that focusing solely on science, technology, engineering and math is the most lucrative path, given the high-income potential in these areas and their concerns about the perceived “death of the humanities.” While it’s true that STEM majors often command higher starting salaries and face higher demand in certain industries, education doesn’t have to be an either-or proposition. By integrating STEM and humanities studies, you can cultivate a broader skill set and perspective. Embracing a well-rounded education that encompasses both STEM and humanities can lead to greater creativity and problem-solving abilities.
Perhaps most interestingly, research shows that when your undergraduate education remains broad, you will earn more in your lifetime, independent of socioeconomic status when entering college. It shows that those with a liberal arts education have a more than 60% chance of landing in the top two highest tax brackets in the U.S.
Realizing the importance of a comprehensive education, I crafted an ambitious five-year undergraduate path at the University of Michigan. This included pursuing three majors (physics, aerospace engineering and philosophy) and a minor in German. Additionally, I dedicated two years to French language courses, joined a drama class and participated in the TEDxUofM speakers team to enhance my public speaking skills. I also decided to write to refine my persuasive and informative abilities.
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The literary culture of downtown Ann Arbor
THE MICHIGAN DAILY BUSINESS BEAT
In an exploration of Ann Arbor’s robust and diverse literary scene, The Michigan Daily’s Business beat spoke with seven downtown bookstores. Each article in the larger project, titled “The literary culture of downtown Ann Arbor,” aims to capture each store’s unique offerings and contribution to the community. Read excerpts from these articles below.
The Dawn Treader Book Shop:
The ‘multi-generational shop’
From Polish history and stage magic to young adult and mystery books, The Dawn Treader Book Shop has recycled used and brand-new books throughout the Ann Arbor community since 1976. Originally a bookbindery, the shop eventually started selling used books. After several relocations, Dawn Treader became a wellknown spot for Ann Arbor residents to find their latest read on East Liberty Street.
In an interview with The Michigan Daily, current owner Africa Schaumann said some of her favorite memories while owning the store include customers calling the store a safe space to the time the shop coordinated an engage-
ment, stringing lights from the bookshelves and taking photos for a newly-engaged couple. She said the bookstore has maintained a unique home-like quality that has kept customers coming back over the years.
“(Customers) come to the bookshop for comfort, and so we’re really interested in providing that and take it seriously,” Schaumann said. “A lot of people come in and they say, ‘Wow, this reminds me of my grandfather’s den’ — it’s just an evocative space for people.”
Vault of Midnight:
The comic haven
Nestled in downtown Ann Arbor, Vault of Midnight has remained a local center for comic fans since 1996. Graphic novels, manga, board games and collectibles line the store’s shelves. Themed tables of figurines and monthly book selections greet visitors near the entrance, while the basement reveals a room lined with countless games, ranging from classic board games to strategy-heavy roleplaying games. Co-founded by Curtis Sullivan and Steve Fodale and now expanded into Detroit and Grand Rapids, the store has evolved into a Main Street staple known for its unique atmosphere and eclectic inventory.
The comic book store has cultivated strong ties with the local community, supporting events like FestiFools and facilities like the Ann Arbor Skatepark. In an interview with The Daily, Sullivan said Vault of Midnight was designed with inclusion in mind and aims to make comic culture accessible regardless of background or familiarity with the medium.
“We want everybody to be a customer,” Sullivan said. “There is something for you in the comic book space — it doesn’t matter who you are or how you interact with the world.”
West Side Book Shop:
The oldest bookstore
Amid near-constant construction within the city of Ann Arbor, West Side Book Shop has remained steadfast in its original location on 113 W. Liberty St. for decades. West Side Book Shop occupies the John Haarer Building, named after late 19th-century photographer John Haarer, who set up a photography studio in that space. The Haarer family later expanded the studio to include a book and stationery store, which continued operating until Ann Arbor purchased the building in 1964. Celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, West Side Book Shop is the oldest operating book-
store in Ann Arbor and continues to be a place to find a new read among its selection of used, rare and antiquarian books.
In an interview with The Daily, Jay Platt, West Side Book Shop founder and owner, said that in light of the creation of the internet and rise in technology use over the past 50 years, he believes it is still important to have physical bookstores.
“(The) internet has changed (things) quite a bit,” Platt said. “I still believe in open book shops where people come in and actually feel and see the book, handle it and just browse.”
Literati Bookstore:
The literary meeting ground
Located on East Washington Street and South Fourth Avenue, Literati Bookstore is home to a wide variety of written works, with genres ranging from poetry and architecture to fiction and history. Literati was founded in 2013 by Michiganders Hilary and Michael Gustafson. Before moving to Ann Arbor, the couple worked in Brooklyn; both held literary jobs, with Hilary Gustafson working as a sales representative at Simon & Schuster and Michael Gustafson working as a freelance writer. After the liquidation of Ann Arbor-based bookstore chain Bor-
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Madalyn Braun/DAILY
ders in 2011, Hilary and Michael Gustafson returned to Michigan and founded Literati.
Named Publishers Weekly’s Bookstore of the Year in 2019, Literati continues to be an Ann Arbor staple, hosting book clubs, poetry and prose readings and book releases. With strong ties to the University of Michigan, Literati collaborates with the Institute for the Humanities, Ross School of Business and the Helen Zell Writers’ Program, managing all book sales for the Zell Visiting Writers Series. The bookstore is also home to a public typewriter, open to customers to write notes and share their thoughts. In an email to The Daily, Peter Ho Davies, director of the Helen Zell Writers’ Program, wrote Literati is significant to both current and former students.
“Literati is a great asset to the local literary community,” Davies wrote. “We’re grateful to them for selling books at our visiting writer events, and in their own excellent reading series, they’ve host-
ed many of our alumni for book events.”
Third Mind Books:
The ode to the Beat Generation
Located at 118 E. Washington St., Third Mind Books takes a specialized approach to bookselling in Ann Arbor, offering first-edition and rare Beat Generation literature among other vintage books and literary paraphernalia. The Beat Generation was an American literary subculture in the 1940s and ‘50s characterized by the rejection of societal norms and themes of spirituality, sexual liberation and freedom and experimental writing styles. Though the establishment has only existed in brick-and-mortar form since June 2022, Arthur Nusbaum, head curator and founder, has been conducting operations online since 2010, garnering a global customer base. The bookstore derives its namesake from the novel “The Third Mind,” written by William S. Burroughs and Brion Gysin.
In an interview with The Daily,
LSA rising senior Joe Provenzano, Third Mind Books vice president, said Beat authors and their publications have remained significant over the past 70 years.
“I think it is especially important to people of our generation because they don’t realize how influential these individuals are in securing the freedoms that we have now — this entire generation of free thinkers who really broke down a lot of barriers for us,” Provenzano said. “It’s easy to take them for granted because these freedoms seem so evident now.”
Crazy Wisdom Bookstore: The ‘bookstore of consciousness’
Located on South Main Street in the center of downtown Ann Arbor, Crazy Wisdom Bookstore serves the Ann Arbor community through its focus on books about consciousness, ranging from holistic health and bodymind therapies to psychology and spiritual practices. Owners Bill Zirinsky and Ruth Schekter bought Crazy Wisdom from its founder, Aura Glaser,
in 1989, who actively practiced Tibetan Buddhism and was deeply interested in women’s spirituality.
The store used to be a small shop on North Fourth Avenue until Zirinsky and Schekter relocated to a building on Main Street in 1999. The new owners renovated the much larger space and won an award for their historical preservation efforts. In an email to The Daily, Zirinsky wrote that the bookstore is well-known in the downtown area and houses a wide variety of books about spiritual traditions around the world.
“Crazy Wisdom’s tagline has always been a ‘bookstore of consciousness,’” Zirinsky wrote. “We specialize in books about all the spiritual traditions of the world, psychological growth, holistic/ integrative medicine, sustainability, and conscious living. In addition to books, we also have lovely jewelry, statuary, cards, tarot decks, incense, and candles.”
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Madalyn Braun/DAILY
ELIZA PHARES Opinion Columnist
Ditch the laptop, pick up a pencil
If you are a student at the University of Michigan or any medium-to-large university, you have probably looked up in a large lecture to see a sea of students on laptops playing The New York Times Games, shopping online or completing homework for other classes. I am unfortunately guilty of using class time to complete the Wordle or catch up on work in other classes. After leaving class one day realizing I had no idea what was discussed, I decided to switch to handwriting my notes. I found myself remembering lectures better and engaging with material at a deeper level. Handwriting notes leads to better retention of lecture materials and more active engagement overall due to fewer distractions from computers and other devices. Handwriting notes also allows students to take a break from technology and disengage for a bit, something increasingly needed in a technologized world.
Fortunately, scientific evidence backs up my personal experience. In a study by the Norwegian University of Science and Technology’s developmental neuroscience laboratory, participants who hand-wrote notes recorded higher levels of brainwave activity than those who typed notes did. Researchers argued students were not thinking while they were typing, but rather that the information went in through students’ ears and out through their fingertips. Handwriting notes leads to better retention of materials, stronger engagement during lectures. Studies also show a clear correlation
between handwriting and performing positively on tests.
A growing number of professors are banning technology in class due to distractions and growing evidence that handwriting is better for students. In a survey of more than 2,500 university students taking classes in large lecture halls, twothirds reported they use their laptops for off-task activities. Laptops aren’t only distracting for the user, but also for the people around them. A study by professors at McMaster University and York University found that students sitting by someone who was using a laptop to do something other than take notes performed worse on tests.
Additionally, most students who use laptops are doing some sort of multitasking, whether that be listening to a lecture while finishing up math homework or trying to take notes and check emails. Students think they can multitask and still absorb lecture material, but they can’t. While multitasking is
possible, humans simply aren’t that good at it. When multitasking we are more prone to errors and become less efficient overall at our work. In order to learn, we need to focus, and students cannot do that when distracted by games on their laptops. This also makes for an inefficient use of time. Students are wasting an hour of their time not paying attention in lectures only to have to go home and learn the material outside of class.
However, laptops have cut down our paper consumption and helped the University achieve lofty sustainability goals and efforts. It takes about 20 liters of water to make one piece of paper, using up freshwater, which is limited. While this is true, laptops, generative artificial intelligence and cloud usage are far more environmentally harmful than paper manufacturing. Students may also need to use computers for accessibility reasons or for coding classes where paper isn’t an option. For these reasons, it makes sense
that students should use their laptops. But in general, switching to handwritten notes may significantly change a student’s experience in the classroom by allowing them to engage more actively with course materials. It also should be noted that as a student population, we are addicted to our technology. On average, Americans spend more than five hours a day on their phones and are used to having technology seconds away from their reach. This isn’t okay. 83% of Generation Z say they have an unhealthy relationship with their phone. We need to be more open to taking breaks, especially in learning environments. Practicing taking a break from technology by handwriting notes will not only allow for a better learning experience, but it’s also a vital time to take a break from our technology and fully engage. Next time you are in class, ditch the laptop and pick up a pencil. You may be surprised what a difference it makes.
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WILLIAM FOLBE Opinion Analyst
The University of Michigan. Known for its competitive nature and national prestige, the school is a draw for ambitious students everywhere. The Big House is synonymous with the 2023 championship team that keeps 110,000 faithful fans returning every Saturday to chant “Go Blue!” with their fellow Wolverines despite a losing season.
Another iconic landmark of the University is the lively Diag. Although it can be as obnoxious as Times Square from time to time, there is no avoiding it. Clubs set up fundraisers as students try to eagerly evade bikers and skateboarders on their dreaded walk past the Burton Bell Tower to an 8:30 a.m. class in the basement of the Modern Languages Building.
These landmarks are unquestionably the University of Michigan. The University of Michigan Museum of Art is working to be added to that list of iconic campus symbols. UMMA’s team of dedicated staff works tirelessly to prove just how vital the arts are to a college campus. They are striving to redefine what a campus art museum can be. The museum’s marketing and public relations team collaborates with curatorial staff, artists and exhibit technicians to create strategies to bring more students and visitors through its doors.
Part of the initiative to attract more people was the “Creative Campus Voting Project,” which gained national recognition from reputable publications like The New York Times and PBS. This project is meant to peel back the pretentious curtain
I just don’t get it
that art museums might have to some people and students. Students can proudly practice their civic duty in a space where all voices are heard through artistic expression. Although it may sound pretentious, voting in an art museum is like being part of an exhibit that celebrates the importance of participating in democracy.
There is no doubt that the arts are underappreciated at the University and at college campuses across the U.S.
At a Big 10 school like Michigan, the students and donors often favor places like the Ross School of Business, School of Engineering and LSA, which can lead to art majors having a negative reputation on campus.
The last big public donor to give money to the art school here at the University was the person they named the school after. Penny W. Stamps funded the Stamps School of Art & Design with a $32.5 million gift in Sep-
tember 2012, attracting students who are looking to pursue a career in the arts.
Compared to the hundreds of millions of dollars that other colleges on campus receive, there is no question that the Art & Design school is hidden in the shadows of engineering and computer science on North Campus.
In an interview with The Michigan Daily, Art & Design freshman Lilah Chow spoke about her experience as an art student at the University.
“If someone says they’re a biochem and aerospace dual major or something crazy like that, I’m just like, oh … I study art and design,” said Chow.
This negative reputation of Art & Design students stems from the cliché of the struggling artist. One thing that the University, faculty and students need to do is appreciate the role that the arts play in their everyday lives.
Take a look at the Law Quadrangle, for example: Every student
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at the University of Michigan, at least once, wanted to feel like they went to Hogwarts for a day. Without artists, the Law Quad could look like another MLB.
“It’s a field where you can either succeed or get nothing out of it,” Chow said. “If you think of an art school kid, you’re thinking of somebody that’s not serious about education.”
Chow sees art as an escape from the scary world we live in. She feels fulfilled when her piece is finished because it is the result of figuratively putting pen to paper in an unorthodox and purely creative way. Just like Chow sees her work as an escape from reality, the museum can serve a similar purpose. The staff at UMMA are not asking you to be an avid museum-goer but to be grateful for the availability of a space that welcomes free thought and introspection without the burdens of everyday life.
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ADRIANA SEAGE Opinion Columnist
Throughout high school, college was the exciting adventure I was always waiting for, and when the time finally came to leave home, I couldn’t have been any happier. The first few weeks of school were so exhilarating that I barely had time to process the fact that Ann Arbor was my new home. But as the initial excitement faded and campus life became familiar, a different reality set in.
Homesickness is the feeling of emotional distress experienced when adjusting to a new and unfamiliar environment. It is a mix of discomfort, insecurity and uncertainty with where you are now and a longing for something predictable, consistent and stable, like high school friends, family and home.
This goes beyond just missing a physical location — it is also anxiety from changing routines and lifestyles. An increase in
Normalize homesickness
cultural distance can exacerbate this feeling since the greater the contrast between a student’s home culture and their university environment, the more difficult the adjustment. Additionally, culture shock might cause a student to withdraw rather than actively integrate into campus life, amplifying the feeling of homesickness. Although homesickness is an overall negative experience, it can serve as its own type of catalyst. The discomfort of missing home may motivate students to actively seek ways to make campus feel familiar. By seeking out new friendships and engaging in campus activities, one can foster a sense of belonging, integrate themself into their new surroundings and build a supportive community. Several studies have shown that social connection is a powerful antidote to homesickness, demonstrating that it is not merely something to overcome but a driving force for personal growth and the creation of a new
sense of home.
Nevertheless, these feelings are difficult for any college student no matter how far their home is: 69% of first-year college students report feeling homesick. There is a common misconception that the moment you arrive at college, you should be fully independent and ready to live away from home. Experiencing homesickness is often unfairly seen as a sign of immaturity and shame.
Many people mistakenly believe that homesickness is only a first-semester issue and disappears once a student acclimates. In reality, students often face homesickness throughout their time in college. While there is pressure from society to overcome these feelings as quickly as possible, this creates a sense of guilt, making students feel like they’re failing at the “college experience” everyone else is enjoying.
Homesickness is not just a passing sadness to “get over”; it is a mental health problem that can
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develop into severe issues such as anxiety and depression. It can also lead to performance issues in school and withdrawal from society. The societal expectation to “move on” deepens feelings of isolation when acclimation to new surroundings doesn’t happen as quickly as expected.
Clinical psychologists attest that the best way to alleviate homesickness is to normalize it. The more conversations about homesickness we have — with our peers or campus-wide programs — the more the stigma against it decreases. By collectively acknowledging how homesickness promotes personal growth, students can feel more comfortable opening up about their situations.
Colleges play a crucial role by promoting resources and creating safe spaces for students to share their experiences. At the University of Michigan, Counseling and Psychological Services is the main mental health resource available to all students. However, many students, especially first-years, may not be aware of the support offered, and the CAPS system may not be right for everyone.
Another way students can overcome sickness is by keeping in contact with home. Regular phone calls can provide the sense of comfort many are missing and, if possible, occasional trips home can offer reassurance and calm anxiety. However, that is not possible for everyone and might be counteractive as it could reduce campus immersion. Instead, students should opt to establish a structured routine with classes, campus activities and downtime to create stability and a sense of normalcy.
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Discounted student tickets available now! Visit ums.org for a full 25/26 season listing.
A college girl’s guide to breakups
ANGELINA AKOURI
Summer Editorial Page Editor
Some of my favorite stories from my friends or drunk girls in club bathrooms usually begin with “You will not believe how we ended things.” The rest is relatively predictable, especially when the cited reasoning for the breakup ends up being: “It’s not you. It’s me.”
I don’t find joy in knowing that the life of the person pouring their heart out to me, sometimes a complete stranger, is in shambles. However, it does put a hint of a smile on my face to know that after decades, the relationship between bad breakups and cliche one liners is stronger than ever.
In my experience, many breakups nowadays consist of some form of ghosting, though it’s hard to constitute any form of separation as a “breakup” if the relationship was never truly defined in the first place. Sure, my situationships and I went on dates, but nowadays a collection of dinners or trips to the bar doesn’t really mean dating. When one or both of us decided the “relationship” had run its course, we practiced the subtle art of never speaking again and dodging each other in public.
These slow fades and ghostings cause feelings of emptiness after a few wasted weeks and facilitate the idea that no matter how amazing the relationship was or how far it progressed, the ending is usually an unproductive disaster. While there’s really no nice way to dump someone, there are certainly right ways to break someone’s heart.
Call me old-fashioned, but the idea of letting a relationship fizzle out on its own, whether it’s platonic or romantic, seems spineless. It seems that, in the
21st century, young people prefer ghosting over other methods, even the tried-and-true, “We can still be friends, though.”
We live in a society where technology and dating apps make it easier for people to communicate. This can create more options for connections, but ironically, all they seem to do is give people more opportunities to avoid the discomfort that comes with a face-to-face break up. Now when someone messages to make plans or follow up on yesterday’s not so exciting date night, you simply ignore the call and switch your phone to “Do Not Disturb.”
While dodging any form of confrontation seems ideal in theory, clicking “ignore” does more harm than good. Avoiding the reasons a relationship might not have worked means missing out on an opportunity for growth.
One of the boldest post-break up interactions I have ever witnessed was when my friend explained in detail why her and her situationship ended things. After I asked how she got so much information out of her “man of one month,” she pulled out her phone and showed me
a Google Form. She used it to ask all her failed relationships in-depth questions as to why it didn’t work out.
Needless to say, she got some pretty constructive input explaining why they decided to end things. Although some reasons were out of her control, others were completely avoidable. With each response, she found comfort in knowing that sometimes general incompatibility ends modern romance affairs. And if it does end based on things she can control, she has the opportunity to work herself in the process.
When you think about it, barring an actual Google Form, giving the other person feedback is the best way to break up. If the person you are dumping might have deserved your time at one point, they also deserve your honesty when you head for the exit.
Ending a relationship and knowing that you were truthful and considerate of the other person’s time allows both parties to process the relationship in a more thoughtful way. An unambiguous ending forces the “exes” to evaluate what they’re truly looking for and learn what may or may not
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work for them in the future. It helps you understand how people perceive you, which heightens self-awareness. In turn, this can lead to an even more respectful potential relationship.
Genuine conversations that evaluate what went wrong make the closing “let’s keep in touch” or “I hope we can still be friends,” more sincere. People can be honest to a fault, or have their reasoning misinterpreted. But, as long as they’re cautious and respectful, there’s no reason a usually difficult discussion can’t be constructive. Then, the once romantic relationship can hopefully remain a friendship, avoiding the subsequent fade-out all together.
Breakups are never going to be easy, but, at the very least, they should be transformative. We need to embrace them as an opportunity for personal growth that will help us form healthier relationships in the future. This way, a lose-lose situation becomes, at the very least, a chance for self-improvement. With feedback focused mindsets, we can shift the narratives surrounding breakups toward actively thriving in them, not just surviving them.
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Exercise the brain, logout of ChatGPT
ANNA SPERRY Opinion Analyst
At the beginning of each semester, the temptation to use artificial intelligence to reduce time spent on assignments becomes stronger. Students can get an answer to their questions within seconds — regardless of whether it is the most correct answer, platforms generate responses to satisfy users’ requests. AI has grown at an unprecedented rate; chatbots such as ChatGPT, a generative AI tool that responds to prompts using data to create new content, has more than 400 million weekly users, more than double the number of users from the previous year.
As the technology continues to develop, it becomes easier to ask a chatbot for solutions instead of spending time working through a
problem alone. Students, including myself, jump to AI to summarize readings, generate essay topics and solve problem sets. Just two years ago, this solution would have never come across my mind, but now, AI is infiltrating most aspects of our lives. Even so, the solution to the problems AI creates is to stop using it as much as possible.
The use of ChatGPT among American teenagers doubled from 2023 to 2024. As a result, younger generations have more than likely formed a dependence on the extremely accessible program.
A reliance on technology can prove to be unhealthy and harmful. AI diminishes an individual’s growth and cannot replicate interactions and experiences with other humans. When students go to ChatGPT instead of working through and breaking down questions, they deny themselves an
opportunity to struggle through and the satisfaction of solving a problem. Without this crucial cognitive process, individuals are at a disadvantage because generative AI does the work for them. Students must be proactive with the rise of AI by finding the balance between using the resource for academic growth and academic dependence.
Ultimately, students attend college to earn an education. Using shortcuts, such as ChatGPT, to summarize readings and answer problem sets effectively hinders any progress and learning made in the classroom while paying thousands of dollars for a degree. Students should spend their undergraduate experience earning a degree, not using ChatGPT to cut corners.
AI is unreliable as well. The program generates summaries
of many researched topics, passing them off as completely truthful, but misleading stories and unchecked facts remain possible. Without conducting the proper research, individuals may use the information and facts obtained from AI as fact.
If we take a break from the use of AI — assuming it is possible — we may find ourselves more prepared for the job market and world ahead of us. Developing skills that AI cannot replace will be essential for the future, as any tasks that AI can complete will most likely become automated. Students should be aware of the rise of AI in the job market and account for it. Using ChatGPT to complete assignments does not prepare students for the real world, which is arguably the purpose of college. Students must focus on developing skills that AI cannot repli-
cate. Instead of using ChatGPT to answer icebreakers or brainstorm essay topics, individuals should come up with answers on their own. Regularly using ChatGPT forms muscle memory, and over time, individuals lose their creativity, can experience burnout and harm their career. Students who focus on learning and strengthening skills AI cannot replace are stronger candidates in the workforce.
The future of AI is unknown, but we are in control of our responses and use of technology. Take time to solve the complex problem, or use your personality to answer an icebreaker. It is important to balance the benefits of AI while staying aware of the risk of overreliance. Get to know the details of the program and how to ask the right questions.
It’s unrealistic to expect individuals to completely halt their AI use; instead, they should focus
on growing the skills that AI cannot replicate. Students — use AI to become a more competitive job applicant, but be wary of over
using the program. AI and other generative technologies are not disappearing but becoming a competitor in the job market. As such,
students should limit their use of AI to develop their irreplaceable characteristics and avoid dependence on the technology.
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Freshman 15, working out and staying healthy in college
LIV FREY
Summer Senior Opinion Editor
The summer before my freshman year, I was in the best shape of my life. I worked out five days a week, lifting weights and running multiple miles. I was eating well. I started noticing muscle in places I never had before. Surely, I could continue this regimen in college with no problem, right? Right?
In short, no, I could not. On my first full day in Ann Arbor, I decided to explore the on-campus gym closest to my dorm, fully intending to work out. However, once I got there, I was overwhelmed trying to locate the weightlifting machines. Just as I figured out where to put my bag, my sole hair tie inconveniently broke, causing me to turn around and head back in defeat. I resumed my routine from the summer once I was brave enough to go back, but quickly learned that carving out gym time every single day of the week while trying to balance 17 credit hours, clubs and socializing was impossible.
To state the obvious: Your freshman year of college is a huge adjustment on your body. You’ll be walking a lot more, your diet will change and the Freshman 15, the shorthand description for the weight many people put on when they arrive on campus, is ever-looming. But once you settle in, it’s possible to stay healthy while in college. Below, I break down how to navigate fitness your freshman year in three digestible steps.
Step one: Locate the closest on-campus gym and off-campus fitness centers
There are three on-campus gyms: the Intramural Sports
Building, the Palmer Field Temporary Facility and the North Campus Recreation Building. The IM Building is located on Central Campus and closest to residence halls in the Central Neighborhood. Palmer Field is also located on Central Campus, but is closer to the Hill dorms. The NCRB, as the name suggests, is on North Campus, and is closest to Baits II Residence Hall and Bursley Residence Hall.
During Welcome Week, take a day to explore the different gyms and how to get there. The University’s bus system — the Blue Buses — can take you to gyms that are further away from your dorm.
The Bursley-Baits bus stops at the NCRB, while Commuter North and Commuter South stop at the IM Building. Don’t worry about working out that first week when you get to college. I guarantee that taking a week off, especially during a major transitional period, won’t negatively impact your progress.
Each gym is slightly different, but they all offer more or less the same amenities. All facilities have weightlifting machines, cardio machines and locker rooms. The
IM Building has an outdoor track and free parking for people with cars on campus. The NCRB has a lap pool. Both the IM Building and the NCRB have intramural sports, but Palmer only has workout equipment because it’s a placeholder for the new Hadley Family Recreation & Well-Being Center that’ll open in 2025. There are also other fitness places close to campus. Soul Cycle, located on South University Avenue, is popular for people who are looking for cycling classes. L.A. Fitness, Crunch and Planet Fitness are also close to campus; the only caveat is that you would have to pay for a membership, whereas the on-campus gyms are part of your tuition, giving you access to them during the semesters you are enrolled at the University.
Step two: Find a routine that works for you
First, figure out if you are a morning person or an evening person; One is not better than the other. If you like to plan out your day using a calendar or a planner, carve out times for the gym (including how long it takes you to get there!). As you’re
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planning out times, figure out what kind of exercises you will be doing on each particular day. Weightlifting, cardio, intramural sports, dance class, pilates — the options are limitless. No matter what you do, always remember to warm up first. Warm-ups should typically last between 5 and 10 minutes and help stretch out key muscles you’ll be using later.
Classes and club fitness events are nice because they have a set start and end time. When working out on your own, you’ll get a feel for how long your sessions should last. Personally, I like to keep my lifting sessions around an hour (including warm-up and cool-down), doing five to six different exercises for three to five sets each, increasing the weight up to 80% of my max. Depending on your goals, cardio can be done for 15 minutes after a weightlifting session (recommended for people who are lifting and want to bulk) or on a standalone day for however long you want (recommended for people who are lifting and want to cut).
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MILES ANDERSON Statement Contributor
You will burn out. Everyone does. You may think you are stronger than burnout, but, trust me, you aren’t. This isn’t a dig on you as a person. You got into the University of Michigan, meaning you’re likely passionate and driven. But trust me, you will burn out. According to a survey done by the American College Health Association, around 80% of students reported some level of burnout and for 40%, it made it hard to even function. The odds are not in your favor.
You may be asking yourself, what is burnout and why is this loser lecturing me on it?
Burnout is a state of mental, physical and emotional exhaustion brought about by immense stress. I can tell you from experience that your first year of college
Burnout will happen
will be stressful. You will have your mental, social and academic limits tested. You’ll take the hardest classes you’ve ever taken, meet more people than you ever have and be more stressed than ever before.
In the fall of my freshman year, I thought I wanted to go into the medical field. So, I took a STEM-heavy schedule to try and get ahead of things, and I piled on the early classes to make sure I would get up early and get everything done for the day. I thought I could handle it. After all, I had done so much in high school and was able to keep up with anything thrown at me.
As classes started and the reality of a college workload set in, I quickly realized that I was kind of screwed. It was only 16 credits, and a full-time student schedule includes anywhere between 12-18, but it was still stifling. I would spend hours upon hours
solving homework problems, trying to read ahead and scrambling around to try and write papers about topics I knew next to nothing about.
I was also doing my best to join new extracurriculars and meet new people. I was going around to just about every organization on campus to see if any interested me. To this day, I’m still on several email lists for clubs I never joined.
I figured I would try a bit of everything and keep doing it. I didn’t — because no one can do everything and remain sane. I did find one or two that I loved, though. One of those was The Michigan Daily; I never wrote for my school newspaper, but I joined The Daily because one of the current co-Editors in Chief yelled at me in the Diag and handed me a sticker. I was also trying to talk to as many people as I could to try and find those lifelong college
friends that everyone talks about. It was constantly draining my social battery and not working particularly well.
Moving a million miles a minute to stay on top of everything I had signed up for was difficult, to say the least. By the end of the semester, I was dead tired and knew that if I continued pushing myself like this for four more years, I would become a shell of myself. I also realized I actually had no interest in medicine. I just wanted to prove to myself that I could do it — plus I sucked at chemistry, which didn’t help. Even if I hadn’t come to this realization so early on, I would likely have discovered this later in my college career regardless. But because of my burnout, I was able to escape from the jail I put myself in and pursue things that actually interested me.
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