Between Classes | Quiet Spots To Recharge by Nicole Zha

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 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 relaxation. They are evenly spread across Michigan Union, Pierpont Commons and Munger Residential Hall. 


The MCard access policy adds an extra layer of security if you accidentally fall asleep, which happens surprisingly often. Note: new massage chairs installed at Hadley Recreational Centre.

 

Donald Hall Collection


 


Ruby red walls, old portraits, and shelves holding thousands of screenplays make Donald Hall Collection feel like the birthplace of cinema. It’s a great spot to chill, date or find your next favorite movie. Occasionally, movie screenings occur in the small theatre room, surrounded by shelves of tapes and CDs.

 

The librarian is a friendly old man with exquisite taste in film. You might be lucky to meet the next auteur or have the place quietly to yourself. Open Monday to Thursday from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM on the 5th floor of North Quad.

 

 

Art & Live Music



Many locations have pianos (e.g., East Quadrangle, Pierpont) that you could play or simply listen to. For more privacy, try the music practice rooms (e.g., South Quadrangle) for their soundproof walls.

 

UMMA, the campus art museum, hosts free visual art exhibitions covering diverse themes and media. Stare at an oil painting for ten minutes, then hear the guide interpret it completely differently. Afterwards, visit the café and absorb winter sunlight through its drop-down windows, accompanied by the scent of coffee and the sound of laughter.

 

Building Corners

 

Many corners of campus buildings quietly brew a “Do Not Disturb” mode upon entering. They are great for taking naps, calling friends, or eating lunch.

 

-              Basement of the League (microwave included).

-              4th floor of the Union.

-              Hatcher Library floors 4~5, study carrels (individual rooms with great views).

 

At the end, I hope your days in Ann Arbor become something to cherish rather than to simply count down. These are some quiet spaces to visit between classes, but the International Center offers many more activities to be explored.

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