University of Michigan International Center

Moving to a totally new environment can be stressful, and the academic rigor of U-M tends to exacerbate the issue. I remember being best friends with Google Maps to help me navigate through the campus when I walked around my first two weeks of school. With a constant battle against time and shivery-cold winter, I had to look into means of transportation other than just walking. Now, I would to share what I have learned in the past year with you. Lyft / Uber Most people already know what Lyft and Uber are, but let me introduce them to those who do not. Lyft and Uber are companies that help users connect with drivers within the proximity through a mobile app. By having both apps, users have access to a driver almost whenever. I like Lyft and Uber because all the drivers are controlled and regulated by big companies, lowering the risk of me falling into a sketchy situation. The user is charged based on time and distance traveled, but the app is very helpful when you are c...

Winter weather in Michigan is definitely famous for being bitterly cold, harsh winds, and lots of snow. Although this may be true, there are definitely ways to combat this winter weather and even learn to enjoy the season! Ann Arbor winters average temperatures from -15 ° C to 3 ° C. There is usually a lot of snow, especially in December and January, and it gets darker much earlier. The best way to combat the cold is with proper clothing, jackets, and winter accessories. Different clothing materials also have an impact on how effective they will be. Anything made of wool, down, cotton, and/or fleece is surely to be a protectant from the winter weather. Winter clothes and accessories are essential to surviving a Michigan winter. These items include: winter coats, sweaters, boots, gloves or mittens, scarves, hats, headbands or ear muffs, thick socks, and long underwear (long johns or thermal underwear). Although some of these may seem unnecessary as the winter continues, they are al...