My Ideal Day in Ann Arbor

My agenda for a day with no real agenda.

By Sarika Waikar September 24, 2024
My Ideal Day in Ann Arbor

Energizing Start

To start, I wake up early but not too early, giving myself time in the morning to make a wholesome breakfast and choose a fun fall outfit. Then, I go on a walk through my neighborhood and down Packard Street, soaking in the crisp air. On my way, I stop at Argus Farm Stop, where I pick up a honey matcha latte — one of my favorite local finds. Local simply tastes better, and the latte gives me the perfect boost to start my day.

Late Morning Focus

Feeling motivated, I head to the LSA Building to get some work done. Today’s focus is planning out the fall calendar for my professional fraternity, and the quiet, focused environment helps me concentrate. I love sitting by the large windows, where I can look out and take in the busy activity of campus as I knock out some of my to-do list.

After a productive couple of hours, I decide to catch up on some reading. I love to read but don’t normally carve out the time to, so on my ideal day I make it a priority. Today I choose a realistic fiction novel that’s been on my list for months, getting a few chapters in before I head into lunchtime.

Lunchtime Break

For lunch, I meet up with a few friends at Amer’s on State Street for one of their famous acai bowls. It’s a staple spot for students, and the fresh fruit is exactly what I need to recharge. The conversation flows as we talk about upcoming events on campus and exciting weekend plans.

Amer’s acai bowls are always a hit with my friends, and they’re the perfect balance of refreshing and energizing for the middle of the day. If you haven’t tried one yet, I highly recommend it.

Afternoon Stroll

After lunch, we decide to enjoy the beautiful weather with a walk through The Arb (Nichols Arboretum). The seasonal colors and peaceful trails are a perfect backdrop for catching up and de-stressing from the busyness of the semester. Spending time in nature helps me reset, and I always leave The Arb feeling calmer and more focused.

As the afternoon winds down, I head over to the Law Quad. This historic part of campus is stunning at any time of day, but especially during golden hour, with the sun setting behind the magical Gothic architecture.

Dinner at Miss Kim

As the evening approaches, I head over to Miss Kim, an amazing Korean restaurant in Kerrytown, for dinner. The menu is incredible — tonight I opt for the tteokbokki, simmered rice cakes, one of my personal favorites. The restaurant’s locally sourced ingredients and vibrant dishes make it a standout in the Ann Arbor food scene. Plus, it's always nice to support local businesses that focus on sustainable practices, as mentioned with Argus Farm Stop.

Dinner is relaxed but energizing, and it’s a great way to wind down from the day’s activities before heading out for the evening.

Night at Dominick’s

To end the day, I meet up with friends at Dominick’s, a classic Ann Arbor spot known for its casual, welcoming atmosphere and large Italian menu. It’s the perfect place to wrap up the day, chatting and laughing with friends on the back deck. With both a full stomach and heart, I head home for the night and get a good night’s sleep, looking forward to the week ahead.

In Closing

Ann Arbor offers a unique mix of opportunities for productivity, relaxation, and socializing. From the vibrant local cafés to the peaceful trails of The Arb, this city provides a perfect backdrop for balancing the demands of student life while still making time for reflection, connection, and fun.

S. Waikar
Sarika Waikar

Sarika Waikar is a current senior majoring in communication and media with minors in entrepreneurship and environment. She is from Evanston, IL (just north of Chicago!) and was a global ethics intern at Deloitte this past summer. At U-M, she's president of her entrepreneurship fraternity, SEPi, a research assistant for the Department of Communication and Media, and a teacher's assistant at Towsley Children House. She loves travel adventures, exploring Ann Arbor, cooking new dishes, and hanging out with friends!