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For many students, Ann Arbor is their home exclusively from August to May; they move in for classes and leave soon after their finals are over, choosing to spend their summer at an internship, working in their hometown, or traveling. In my opinion, among the opportunities for University of Michigan students, especially those who live off-campus, the most underrated is living and working in Ann Arbor. It’s the choice I decided to make, and while campus may be a bit quieter, I’ve found that embracing a calmer and slower version of campus has shown me a side of Ann Arbor I would’ve never discovered otherwise. If you’re taking extra classes or working on campus, here are a few ideas for embracing your Ann Arbor summer!

Ann Arbor Fairs and Events

While student life is at a lull, Ann Arbor flourishes in the summer with plenty of community events, fairs, and festivals. Practically every weekend, a tent is being set up somewhere within walking distance from campus with live music, food trucks are lined up against the street, and vendors from all over the Midwest are setting up with artisan and specialty goods. With a quick walk downtown, you can take advantage of the iconic Ann Arbor Art Fair, which runs from July 16-18 and brings around half a million visitors to the area. In June, Top of the Park is an admission-free summer festival featuring live music, movies, and community exhibitions right here on campus. For those looking for a weekly fair, the Saturday Kerrytown Farmer’s Market is also a local staple. Throughout the summer, I try to stay tuned to the Destination Ann Arbor Calendar for more information on upcoming events.

Exploring the Outdoors

In my opinion, the authentic beauty of the city is at its peak in the summer. From the Matthaei Botanical Gardens to kayaking the Huron River, Ann Arbor is full of natural beauty, much of which is reserved for those who choose to stay in the summer. As an avid enjoyer of the Arb, seeing the peonies in full bloom and hiking along the river with friends has been my favorite pastime. Campus is particularly stunning this time of year: One can always spot swaying hammocks, laid out picnic blankets, and scattered students lounging in the shade of the Diag.

Day Trips

Ann Arbor is also conveniently located, and the possibilities for a day trip are endless. Detroit is easily accessible for students without a car on campus via the bus system, and students can enjoy the Detroit Riverfront, visiting Comerica Park and watching a baseball game, or seeing touring artists. For those more interested in getting away from the city, I recommend taking a trip to Belle Isle, an island in the Detroit River connected by a bridge, to visit the free park and conservatory. Also, for students able to travel internationally, taking a quick trip across the border to cities like Windsor, Canada, can be a great and accessible way to visit a neighboring country.

Conclusion

Finding peace in the quiet of campus and discovering the city in new and adventurous ways can grow a newfound love for Ann Arbor, and nearby destinations, in the summertime. It may be a different experience from fall on campus, but with some time away from classes, I’ve been able to see the city’s charm come to life in the warmer months. There’s always a new restaurant to try, live music to listen to, and an event to explore. After a long two semesters of classes, summer break is a much-needed time for students to unwind, and what better way to spend it than in Ann Arbor?