University of Michigan International Center

As a shopping lover, you might be an expert in shopping in your home country, but I’m sure you will need these tips and strategies to survive in the overwhelming shopping choices and stores in the US. Save for the most necessary ones. Here in Ann Arbor, first and foremost, you need to be well equipped for winter because winter is not far when fall comes. In order to survive in the five to six months’ winter time, you need to get your winter clothes ready. Winter clothes usually cost more than summer t-shirts, so be prepared to spend some good amount of money on your winter clothes to keep you warm and comfortable. Don’t buy too much when clothes are on sale before you make sure you really need them. Consider textbook as a part of your budget. Don’t expect you can deal with textbooks within a few bucks. However, there are still ways to save on textbook spending. I believe most of you know about Amazon, but how about Amazon Student Prime. Currently, Amazon has six-month membership ...

The weather in Ann Arbor is totally unpredictable and sometimes extreme; as Jeff Foxworthy once said, "If you've ever worn shorts and a parka on the same day -- you might be in Michigan." It could vary unexpectedly and in a very short span of time. Some days might start sunny, heavy rain for the afternoon (may be with thunderstorm warning) and might get too cold in the evening. Ann Arbor averages 45-50 inches of snow per winter season. We had our snowiest winter on record last year with 90.3 inches, but some years can have much less snow, on the order of 25-30 inches. Either way, it will be an experience if you’ve never seen one before. But winter can be fun and I can assure you no picture can do the beauty of a fresh snowfall justice. Now, as a college student, there is NO better time than Fall in Ann Arbor! The trees turning colors, apple cider, U of M football, the crisp weather- there is no time like it (Ann Arbor is a huge college town, as you may already know)...

As is expected of a university town, Ann Arbor is known for its diversity and vibrancy. One of the beautiful things about the city is how the University and the city are so intertwined that within the central and south campuses you are sometimes unaware of where one stops and the other begins. As a result of this diversity, night life in Ann Arbor is a varied experience, and depending on what your flavor of fun or penchant for relaxation is, you might have several options available to you to choose from. With its host of restaurants, bars, lounges, and clubs, Ann Arbor has a very active night life. If you’re like me and after a week of classes you enjoy relaxing with music, dancing, and games like billiards or darts, then the establishments below and a host of others can cater to your needs. Habana Located in the basement of the restaurant Lena, on the corner of Main and Liberty, Habana is one of my favorite night spots. Thursdays here is Salsa night, and the music is pre...

Fortunately, with a school the size of Michigan, there are countless number of on-campus resources that are available to support you, often at no additional cost to you! For instance, you probably know the International Center by now and how it can assist you. For me, one of my biggest challenges is developing a new friendship group after arriving in the U.S. The residence hall is a great place to make friends! If you live on campus, you will meet your resident advisor soon after moving into your residence hall. They will serve as an invaluable resource to you whether by answering your questions or by putting on events so you can get to know the people in your residence hall. I made solid friends by attending the first community dinner my RA hosted and the fun events they hosted throughout the year. In addition, exams can be very stressful since many tend to occur during the same week. If you ever feel down, stressed or overwhelmed. Don’t hesitate to pay a visit to the Counse...