It could have been because of the stellar reputation surrounding the majority of the University of Michigan's academic programs. The lively social scene, Greek system, and Ann Arbor itself could have also been significant factors. Even the promise of the football and basketball teams could have swayed you to bleed maize and blue for the next four years.
Regardless of the motives behind your decision, you have arrived at one of the greatest public universities in the country. You have packed all of your clothes, electronics, and other accessories needed for your all-too-small dorm room. The emotion that you are most likely feeling is excitement. And for good reason; the excitement during the first week in Ann Arbor is certainly palpable, not only because of excessive partying during Welcome Week, but because students are cognizant of the vast number of opportunities that await them. Ultimately, U-M's reputation will assist you in acquiring internship interviews and even job offers in the future.
The emergence of new opportunities, however, inevitably results in new challenges. Whether you are trying to pass organic chemistry or debate about fiscal policy with a professor, you will have to navigate your way around certain obstacles. There will inevitably be all-nighters in the Ugli as you are preparing for final exams. There will be group projects and visits to professors' office hours in order to get that grade you need for graduate school. Your ideas about politics, economics, even sports will be challenged not only by your professors, but your peers.
On the other side, there will be distractions that will seem all too appetizing. There will be hookups in the graduate library while your twenty-page paper is due the following morning. There will be visits to Scorekeepers or Rick's on Tuesday nights to drink away a breakup.
In the grand scheme of things, though, your experience at Michigan cannot be solely attributed to receiving top-notch grades. For instance, participating in the myriad of intramural sports and student organizations (especially the Review!) allows you to make new friends while learning lifelong skills that would never be taught in the classroom. Even partying on the weekends results in some life lessons (albeit, some that you may not be able to tell your parents). Simply put, moderation is important towards enhancing your college experience. College is a time to expand your boundaries and to challenge yourself with different experiences and activities. Make sure you don't miss out joining the Greek System, Michigan squirrel club, or whatever organization suits you.
Exploring Ann Arbor itself is also a necessity for new students. Ann Arbor is not your typical college town; with the city encompassing the university, you have a great opportunity to take your parents to dinner on Main Street, visit Kerrytown, or even just relaxing in the Arb. Ann Arbor has a great number of resources for any of your needs, and the cultural activities throughout the year, including Ann Arbor's famous summer art fair, are unrivaled in the state of Michigan. As a testament to its top-notch services it provides to students and its residents, even Forbes Magazine recently called Ann Arbor one of the "Best College Towns in the United States."
It is essential that you take advantage of everything that Ann Arbor has to offer. However, understand that the idea of an "Ann Arbor Bubble" starts to become a reality after a few months in Michigan. Campus life will inevitably become redundant and when this happens, make sure you spend a weekend or two checking out other attractions in Michigan. You can go to a Tigers game in Detroit or even hop over the border to visit the casino and bars in Windsor. Leaving campus, even for a weekend, is important not only to escape from classes and annoying friends, but to experience different types of activities that are simply not offered in Ann Arbor.
Ultimately, being a student at the University of Michigan presents its opportunities and challenges. Michigan is certainly a difficult school, and sometimes the academic demands seem to be overwhelming. In the grand scheme of things, however, school should never get in the way of your general education. Explore the corners of Ann Arbor, go party on the weekends, and go to every football game in the Big House (God help us). You will be guaranteed a college experience that is unique and virtually unrivaled throughout the country. Welcome to Michigan!
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