Blog

As a senior who's just about to trade in my campus ID for a cap and gown, I’ve been reflecting on all the little moments that have made my time at Michigan unforgettable. The big things — like game days at The Big House and late nights at the UgLi (undergraduate library) — are basically rites of passage. But there are also some underrated gems and Ann Arbor traditions that deserve a spot on your U-M bucket list.

Here’s my list of 10 things every Wolverine should do before walking across that graduation stage:

1. Stroll Through Kerrytown’s Farmers Market on a Saturday Morning or Afternoon

Wake up early (or at least early-ish), grab a coffee from RoosRoast, and walk through the stalls filled with fresh flowers, handmade soaps, warm pastries, and local produce. It’s the kind of slow Saturday morning that makes you feel like you’ve got your life together, even if you stayed up too late the night before on TikTok.

2. Go to a Sporting Event That Isn’t Football

Don’t get me wrong, The Big House is iconic. But the energy is just different at the Yost Ice Arena during an intense hockey match or in Crisler Center watching women’s basketball crush it. The crowds are smaller (which can be a perk in my opinion), but the spirit is just as real. Plus, tickets are way easier to snag, and all other sporting events — except for men’s ice hockey, football, and men’s basketball — are free with your Mcard. 

3. Go to a Student-run Comedy Show

Groups like ComCo and The Impro-fessionals are hilarious. The shows are affordable (or free) and filled with that real, chaotic student energy that you don’t get in more polished or professional spaces. My suggestion is to engage with the performing members if they ask for audience interactions to make the most of your experience. Warning: Your stomach may hurt from laughing so hard.

4. Walk Through the UMMA – and Hit the Gift Shop

The University of Michigan Museum of Art is more than just a rainy-day option. It’s packed with everything from classic to contemporary pieces and free to visit. But here’s the real tip: the gift shop. It’s the most underrated place for artsy greeting cards, mini prints, and thoughtful gifts for anybody on your list!

5. Take a Stroll Down Main Street and Explore

Main Street has serious charm. I love spending an afternoon browsing through record stores like Underground Sounds or getting a pick-me-up at CupsnChai. The shops feel like a time warp in the best way. If the weather is warm, or even remotely warm, Blank Slate Creamery is non-negotiable. 

6. Visit the Shops in Nickels Arcade

You’ve probably walked through Nickels Arcade a million times, but have you actually stopped and gone inside the stores? Comet Coffee is a tiny, cozy haven with rich espresso and French pastries that make it the perfect study spot if you can grab a table. And Arcadian Antiques is full of treasures — think vintage jewelry, old postcards, and the perfect random birthday gift for a friend. 

7. Hammock in the Diag on a Sunny Day

The Diag in both early fall and late spring is pure joy. Between the frisbee games, Spikeball tournaments, and someone inevitably playing an instrument, there’s something very magical about it. Bring or borrow a hammock, post up between two trees, and just relax. Bonus points if you spot a squirrel carrying (or eating) something way too large for its size. 

8. Rush the Field After a Win at the Big House

There’s nothing like the adrenaline of a Michigan football win, especially when it’s a huge game. If you ever get the chance to rush the field, do it. It’s wild, it’s chaotic, and it feels like you’re part of something way bigger than yourself, which is truly the embodiment of Michigan. It’ll be a blur of blue and maize, high-fiving strangers, and an overwhelming sense of pride.

9. Make Your Own Pizza at Markley

If you’re on a meal plan, or with a friend swiping in who happens to have guest passes, this station lets you throw on toppings and sauces like you’re on “Chopped.” Add all the pineapple you want. No one’s judging. And trust me, it’s worth the trek to Markley. You could even go for a sunset walk in the Arb (Nichols Arboretum) after!

10. Final Thoughts: Step Outside Your Comfort Zone

College isn’t just classes and credits — it’s made of moments like these. So whether you’ve got four years ahead of you or just a bit left, don’t forget to live it. Step outside your comfort zone, explore the corners of campus you’ve never seen, and soak in every second. Take it from a graduating senior, time indeed does fly.

Go Blue, forever!