Get the inside scoop about life at U-M and applying to Michigan from Office of Undergraduate Admissions staff and guest student and faculty writers.
On a campus of almost 45,000 students, I was unsure how I would get the same opportunities as other students, especially as a first-year Wolverine. However, the Michigan Research and Discovery Scholars (MRADS) has an abundance of opportunities exclusively for its members, one of which includes going to a prestigious conference. Here's a little bit more about my experience.
When I first started at U-M, one of my biggest dilemmas was relearning how to take notes. My class schedule was a mix of introductory courses in lecture halls and smaller, discussion-sized classes geared toward first- and second-year students. I had some idea of what the note-taking should look like in the latter setting, but when it came to lecture halls, I was less certain.
Don't miss this interview between U-M's Adam Eickmeyer and mentor Dr. Laura Olsen.
When the winter 2020 semester concludes, I will finish my final full semester at the University of Michigan. In the four years since I first moved to Ann Arbor, my life has changed in every way imaginable, and I encourage all of you future members of the #Victors2024 class to make every second count. Now, as I prepare to find and enter a career working at the university, I’d like to highlight three of the most important takeaways from my time as an undergraduate.
I have always been a big believer in the idea that university is for exploration – of the planet, and of the mind. While it isn’t appealing for everyone, moving 2,000-plus miles to begin my college career granted me the adventure I desired. There is something to be said about leaving your home and everyone you know armed with the statement, “See you in four months” and a couple of suitcases weighing less than 50 pounds. I felt free to reinvent myself in my new zip code, free to start over, free to be truly independent.
The first thing I thought when I arrived at the University of Michigan for my very first time was, “Holy cow, this is a big school,” and my second thought went along the lines of, “I don’t know if I’ll ever be able to get around this place.” I wasn’t worried about learning directions; I picked that up in a matter of weeks. Instead, I was anxious thinking about if my body could handle the 25 minute walk from Oxford Houses to the Nursing Building.
Networking has become a buzzword among young and aspiring professionals. But what is it, really? An essential component of hustle culture, networking is often reduced to shallow conversation with “real” adult professionals or a means to an end, but it’s really much more. Networking is both a tool and a skill; it is an opportunity to build valuable (although yes, sometimes surface-level) connections and also develop your sociability.
What is Living ArtsEngine? Perhaps you know it as the only Michigan Learning Community (MLC) on the mysterious (and criminally underrated) North Campus. Or maybe you’re unsure of how to categorize it – is its focus art, or engineering? (Hint: it’s both, and more!)
As a prospective member of the #Victors2024 class, you may already be considering joining the Michigan Marching Band. Because our athletic bands are such a beloved extracurricular on campus, let’s take a quick look into my personal experience as a drummer in the Michigan Basketball Band.
Lloyd Scholars for Writing and the Arts (formerly known as the Lloyd Hall Scholars Program) is a close-knit, supportive, and diverse community where students can grow, learn, and be creative, regardless of their major. Established as Michigan’s first Living-Learning Community in 1962, today we offer innovative writing and arts classes, student-led clubs, poetry awards, leadership opportunities, and an arts and literary journal.
