University of Michigan International Center

    Live Well, Spend Nothing: U-M’s Zero-Cost Guide By: Willy Mak Summer Orientation Peer Advisor Graduate Student Peru Starting your U ‑ M experience doesn’t need to be expensive. As someone who values quality, I’ve spent time researching and experiencing the best zero ‑ cost resources available to students. My time at Michigan has been shaped by generosity and support, so consider this guide a small gift to incoming Wolverines who want to start their journey with a little more financial peace of mind. Groceries: Maize & Blue Cupboard Visiting this place each week feels like a treasure hunt. You never know what you’ll find: mangos, avocados, even Lindt chocolates. It’s one of the easiest ways to get high quality groceries for free, and it’s designed to support students without stigma. Entertainment and Food: Ann Arbor always has something happening, and many events are completely free, often with food included. Would you like to go ice-skating? Have you ever wondered wa...

  The Ultimate Weekend Getaways from Ann Arbor By: Mohammad Ali Summer Orientation Peer Advisor Graduate Student Bangladesh One of the best parts of being a student at the University of Michigan is having so many great places to explore within a weekend. When I first arrived in Ann Arbor, I mostly stayed around campus because everything was new to me. As time went on, I realized that some of my favorite memories came from weekend trips with friends. Whether you’re looking for a big city, a relaxing lakeside escape, or a unique small town, there are plenty of great destinations just a few hours away. Mackinac Island This summer, I visited Mackinac Island for the first time, and it quickly became one of my favorite places in Michigan. Since cars are not allowed on the island, everything feels peaceful and unique. My friends and I rented bicycles and rode around the entire island, which took us about two hours. Along the way, we stopped several times to enjoy the incredible views of ...

  Where to Work Out A Guide to the University of Michigan's Campus Gyms by Tai Yang Author: Tai Yang Summer Orientation Peer Advisor Graduate Student Country of Origin: China Why the Gym Mattered to Me When I began my doctoral program at the University of Michigan, I also started building a more systematic workout routine. Over time, the gym became more than a place to exercise. It gave structure to my days, helped me find a better balance between research and life outside school, and encouraged me to pay more attention to my diet and sleep. For international students adjusting to a new academic environment, I think this kind of routine can be especially valuable. Hadley: My New Go-To Gym Before the Hadley Family Recreation & Well-Being Center opened, I often worked out at the temporary recreation facility at Palmer Field because it was the closest option to my department. Now, Hadley has become my first choice on Central Campus. Hadley opened in June 2026 and is now the lar...

  Finding Balance at U-M | Easy Ways to Move, Recharge, and Reduce Stress By Paula Galvan Vega Summer Orientation Peer Advisor Undergraduate Student Country of Origin: Mexico Starting college can be exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming. Between classes, assignments, student organizations, work, and trying to meet new people, it is easy to feel like you always need to be doing something productive. However, taking care of yourself is also an important part of being successful at U-M. Wellness does not have to mean spending hours at the gym or following a perfect routine. It can be as simple as walking outside, taking a yoga class, stretching between study sessions, or giving yourself time to rest. The most important thing is finding something that makes you feel better physically and mentally. Find movement that you actually enjoy Exercise can look different for everyone. Some people enjoy lifting weights or running, while others prefer yoga, Pilates, dancing, cycling, or si...

  Between Classes | Quiet Spots To Recharge   By: Nicole Zha Summer Orientation Peer Advisor Undergraduate Student China   Whilst weekends are fun, weekdays could be repetitive. I found myself drowning in cycles of boredom, running between lectures and the gym, living merely for the weekends. Coming home one day, I saw the photo of my childhood self on the fridge: so vibrant, lively and happy. A tear dropped from my weary eyes. Looking back, I realized I was not simply tired: I was slowly forgetting how to enjoy ordinary weekdays.   Many international students experience this. Transitioning to the U.S. meant everything was done differently, from making friends to something as simple as crossing the road. Below are some on-campus spots to help you recharge during a busy weekday.   Student Life Wellness Zones   Dim spaces with massage chairs, a Zen garden, and students asleep on couches and sandbags, the Student Life Wellness Zones promise an hour of relaxat...

  Finding Home Away From Home | Tips for Making Friendships on Campus By: Jiazhen Miao Summer Orientation Peer Advisor Undergraduate Student Serbia Moving to a new country for college is exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming. As an international student, you're adjusting to a new culture, navigating an unfamiliar campus, and building a support system from scratch. One of the biggest challenges isn't academics, but finding meaningful friendships. When I first came to the University of Michigan, what I imagined my college experience would look like ended up being very different from what I actually enjoyed most. Looking back, I'm glad I kept an open mind, because some of my closest friendships came from opportunities I never expected.  Though it sounds simple, the best way to find your people is just by being at the University of Michigan, and exploring everything this university offers. Browse the university's events calendar, Happening @ Michigan, keep an eye out...

  What I Wish I Had Known Before My First Semester at U-M  By Jennie Zhang Summer Orientation Peer Advisor Graduate Student Country of Origin: China  When I first arrived at the University of Michigan, I thought I needed to get familiar with everything as quickly as possible: the campus environment, course requirements, academic planning, the pace of study, and all the university resources. Looking back now, I wish my past self had realized that adjusting to college life isn’t a race. Here are my five pieces of advice for freshmen: You don't have to figure everything out right away, but there are some things you can prepare for in advance. When you first arrive in the U.S. or at U-M, it’s totally normal to feel unfamiliar with your new surroundings, the campus, your course schedule, and classroom culture. Some students may seem to adjust to a new environment quickly, but everyone’s experience and pace of adjustment are different. Rather than constantly comparing yourself ...