Places to Hang Out with Friends

After a week of busy studying, where can you go hang out with your friends over the weekend? Here are some ideas:

If you want a relaxing, quiet evening, the Museum of Art (UMMA) on State Street and the Museum of Natural History in the Biological Sciences Building might be the ideal places. UMMA is one of the largest and finest university art museums in the U.S., and it is free for everyone. Inside the museum, you will see art from across time and space, from Chinese ink paintings to contemporary installation art. They have a new exhibition once in a while so you can always see new collections when you visit the museum. 

On the second floor of the Museum of Natural History, there is The Hall of Evolution. That is the place where you can see the skeleton of dinosaurs! There is also a Planetarium & Dome Theater within the Museum. 

If you love outdoor adventure, jogging in the Arb or kayaking in the Huron River sound like great choices. 

Nichols Arboretum, also known as the arb, is a large park located across from Mosher-Jordan (MOJO) Dining Hall and by the hospital. There is a 2.6-mile loop trail perfect for walking, hiking, or biking. The large field within the park is a perfect place for a picnic. During the spring and summer, you will see all kinds of flowers blooming in the sunshine. 

Kayaking in the Huron River is also a popular activity during the summer. The water might be too cold for the winter. If you decide to kayak, I suggest you make sure that your phone is waterproof and avoid wearing glasses because if you lose them in the water, it will be really difficult to find them. Also, remember to keep a distance from tree branches. The last time I fell into the water was because my kayak was stuck in a tree branch and flipped over. 

For the nightlife enthusiasts, the nightclubs around campus might be a place you can grab a drink with your friends and dance away your stress. Cantina and Necto are 18-plus while most nightclubs are 21-plus. Cantina is located on the south side of the central campus and Necto is on the north side and is famous for LGBTQIA+ Friday Nights. Necto invites famous DJs once in a while. Last year, I had a memorable night at the Vicetone concert. 

There are no set rules for having fun. Maybe an ice cream date at Ben & Jerry’s or a movie night at The State Theatre is perfect for you. Hope you all can enjoy every weekend you spend at the University of Michigan. 

Written by Yiran Yang

Summer Orientation Peer Advisor

Undergraduate Student

China