Blog

If you’re anything like me, the idea of winter in Michigan can be a little intimidating. The snow, the wind, the freezing temperatures — it can feel overwhelming on top of everything else going on as a student. But after spending almost four years here, I’ve learned that winter is actually one of the best times to explore everything this state has to offer. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, a foodie, or someone who just wants to stay warm, there’s truly something for everyone.

Go Ice Skating at Yost

Every winter, Yost Ice Arena offers public skate sessions for just a few dollars, including skate rentals. Whether you’re channeling your inner figure skater or just trying not to fall (like me), it’s a classic A2 (Ann Arbor) winter activity. Plus, it’s indoors, aka a huge win.

Warm Up With Some Hot Chocolate

Winter is the perfect excuse to go on a hot chocolate tour of Ann Arbor. Some of my top picks:

☕ Zingerman’s Next Door Café – Rich, European-style hot chocolate

☕ Lab Café – Minimalistic vibes and delicious hot drinks

☕ Sweetwaters in the Michigan Union – Classic, comforting, and you can find a study spot after!

☕Dining halls – Look out for hot chocolate bars in the dining halls!

Hit Up Free Student Events

Being a financially minded student means always exploring free and minimal-cost options, which luckily there are many of at this university. Look out for:

UMMA After Hours – The U-M Museum of Art hosts cool late-night events with music, snacks, and exhibits. Be sure to keep your eyes peeled for these on their website!

Movie nights at the State Street Theater – I love this theater, but I almost love the student discounts more. Often you can catch a feature film for less than $10, which makes buying popcorn and soda feel like an even sweeter treat.

Rec Sports Free Weeks – Ever wanted to try yoga, Zumba, or a spin class? Keep an eye out for free fitness class weeks at the IM Building, which is super close to campus.

Cheer on Michigan Basketball and Winter Teams

Winter means one major thing at U-M: basketball season. Even if you don’t have season tickets to men’s basketball, you can usually find student tickets for resale at a reasonable price and women’s basketball games are free with a U-M student ID (Mcard). The energy in Crisler Center is unmatched, and it’s a perfect way to stay in good spirits while supporting the school. Plus it’s a fantastic excuse to wear your warmer football gameday outfits from the fall! Students can also attend any other Michigan varsity sporting event (excluding football and men’s ice hockey) free of charge with a valid Mcard.

Take a Walk Through the Arb 

The Nichols Arboretum (aka the Arb) isn’t just for sunny picnics. In the winter, it turns into a peaceful, snowy wonderland. Bundle up, grab a coffee from RoosRoast, and take a walk along the Huron River, with music and noise-cancelling headphones of course if you’re like me. If you’re feeling adventurous with friends, bring a sled and snow pants — there are a few solid hills for a fun winter activity.

Host a Cozy Night In

Not feeling the cold? Easy answer: stay in! Grab some friends, make hot cider, and have a game or movie night. You can even buy games off Facebook marketplace for a cost-efficient option if you don’t have any. Students are always selling old items for awesome prices.

Explore Kerrytown’s Markets

When it’s too cold to walk around Main Street, Kerrytown’s indoor markets are a great spot to wander. The Ann Arbor Farmers Market still runs on Saturdays from 8 a.m.-3 p.m., even in winter, and places like Spun (a cute yarn store, hey maybe you’ll pick up knitting as a winter hobby) and Found (a vintage + gift shop) are fun for browsing. Plus, you can grab a bite at Miss Kim or Kosmo’s for some delicious Korean comfort food.

Get a Group Together and Go to Trivia Night

If you’re looking for a fun, low-key night out, trivia nights are so underrated in my opinion. A few Ann Arbor spots like HopCat (Tuesdays) and Good Time Charleys (Wednesdays) host free trivia nights where you can test your knowledge, enjoy good food, even better company, and maybe even win a prize. It's a great way to bond with friends while staying warm indoors.

In Closing

Winter in Ann Arbor isn’t just about surviving — it’s about making the most of it. Whether you’re out in the snow or staying cozy indoors, there’s always something to do. So layer up, grab a friend, and embrace the season! Go Blue!💙❄️