It's midway through winter at Michigan; what to do? Take the advice of students who've been there. Whether it's staying physically active (weightlifting, anyone?), attending low-pressure events, using MDex for a great bus tracker (so you're not left standing the cold), or staying in sweats with friends, we've got your answers for surviving the remaining weeks until spring.
Pravani Jarugula
Let’s be real. Winter at the University of Michigan can be rough. The sun disappears at like 4:30 pm, the sidewalks turn into ice rinks, and suddenly getting out of bed feels like a full workout. If you have ever felt more tired, unmotivated, or just “off” during winter semester, you are definitely not alone.
One thing that really helps with winter well-being is keeping some kind of routine. When it is cold out, it is easy to skip class, stay in your room all day, and lose track of time. Even doing small things consistently can make a difference. Walking to class instead of watching a recording, studying in a new building, or grabbing coffee between lectures can give your day some structure. Getting outside, even for a few minutes, helps more than you might expect.
Staying active during winter is also huge, especially when seasonal stress starts creeping in. U-M makes this pretty easy with places like the IMSB. If lifting is not your thing, that is fine. You can walk on the track, swim, or try a group fitness class with friends. Moving your body helps clear your head and break up long days of sitting in lectures or staring at a screen.
Winter is also a good time to actually use campus spaces that feel cozy. The Michigan Union and the League are perfect for studying, meeting friends, or just warming up between classes. Hanging out in shared spaces can help fight that winter isolation feeling. Going to club meetings, events, or talks is another easy way to stay connected without having to leave campus or spend money.
Academically, winter can feel intense, but it can also be productive. With fewer distractions, it is a good time to lock in on your goals and figure out what works for you. Studying with friends, going to office hours, or forming a study group can make classes feel less overwhelming. Asking for help early is way better than waiting until everything piles up.
Most importantly, be kind to yourself. Winter is hard. Getting enough sleep, eating regularly, and taking breaks are not things you need to “earn.” If you are struggling, there are so many campus resources and people who want to help. Checking in on your friends and letting them check in on you matters more than you think.
Winter at Michigan is long, but it does not have to be miserable. With the right balance of routine, movement, connection, and self-care, you can get through the semester and maybe even find parts of winter you enjoy.
Ruheen Qadeer
Winter at Michigan can feel long, gray, and honestly a little brutal, but it can also be a really special time if you know where to look. Between classes, work, and trying to stay warm, winter well-being is all about finding small moments that make campus feel lighter and more human.
One of the easiest ways to reset is simply getting outside, even when it’s cold. A quick walk through the Diag after a fresh snowfall or along the Law Quad at night can be surprisingly calming. If being outdoors isn’t your thing, the UgLi and Hatcher offer cozy corners perfect for studying with a hot drink, journaling, or just sitting in silence for a bit. Sometimes well-being looks like giving yourself permission to slow down.
U-M also has plenty of winter-friendly things to do that don’t involve freezing. The Michigan Union and League constantly host low-pressure events like crafts, game nights, and free food (always a win). The Palmer Facility and IMSB are great places to release stress, whether that’s swimming, lifting, or taking a group fitness class with friends. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, CAPS workshops and drop-in resources are there, even if you just want tools to manage stress better.
Winter can feel isolating, but it doesn’t have to be. Checking in with friends, trying one new campus event, or building a small routine can make a huge difference. At U-M, winter well-being isn’t about doing everything, it’s about finding what keeps you grounded and getting through the season together.
Nicole Portmann Munoz
I often hear that winter term feels dreary; the excitement of fall has settled, the weather turns into a familiar shade of gray, and the temperature just keeps dropping. It feels easy to retreat into our dorms and apartments. But here is what you really need to know for this term to defend against the winter slump:isolation is the hardest part of Michigan winters.
That’s where the MDex app comes in. If you haven’t downloaded MDex yet, consider it your official peer-to-peer recommendation. It is widely known as one of the best apps about Michigan for a reason. It was created by fellow students who understood the struggle. Why is it a winter-term essential? Well, first, it's the bus tracking. In the pain of 15-degree weather, while you're wondering when the bus will come, MDex offers real-time tracking for both the U-M and Ann Arbor buses. Second, MDex uses an interactive map that aggregates events, clubs meetings, and giveaways every single day. When it’s cold, but you need a good reason to venture out, seeing a notification for a free pizza event might be all the encouragement you need at that moment. As ResNavs, our job is to help you find a way to go through your journey here. And while we know U-M can feel overwhelming at times, especially when the weather turns harsh, using tools like MDex makes it easier to find fun, connect with friends, and make the most of the semester!
Daniel Espinoza
Winter at U-M can feel intense, but it’s also when the low-key, cozy parts of campus life matter most. When it’s dark by late afternoon and you’re juggling classes, small rituals and gentle routines can make the season feel softer instead of just colder. U-M’s well-being resources emphasize that rest, connection, and simple joy are just as important as productivity when it comes to feeling steady during the semester.
Some of my favorite winter resets are the calmest ones. Movie nights with friends in someone’s living room, or a reserved space in the Union, make a typical Wednesday evening worthwhile, especially when everyone shows up in sweats with blankets and a mismatched lineup of snacks. Casual cooking nights, like trying a new pasta recipe, cookie baking, or doing a DIY “build your own” taco or ramen bar, can make being indoors feel intentional instead of isolating, and they create built-in time to talk about life beyond classes.
When I do want to get out but still keep things relaxed, campus has plenty of mellow options. Events like Winterfest help you discover student orgs that host craft nights, game nights, and low-pressure socials throughout the semester, while libraries and study spaces become unofficial hangout spots for “quiet togetherness” with friends. Even a short walk to a cozy café or a slow loop around the Diag, Arb, or a nearby neighborhood counts as winter well-being: small, manageable ways to move, breathe, and remember there’s a world outside your to-do list.
Katherine Wenske
Although a native to Michigan and I love the winter, Ann Arbor weather – particularly the wind – is a whole other beast. So, I have attempted to spend the least amount of time outdoors, which has allowed me to explore some buildings and new study spots that I otherwise wouldn’t have considered. And, since it is the beginning of the semester, studying places in general aren’t super crowded. At least the ones I go to. I have been enjoying the Tappan Hall Fine Arts Library. It is super quiet, has lots of cool-looking old books, and still plenty of windows so I still get some sun.
I also seem to get into moods for listening to more classical music or jazz, which is why I loved when another ResNav and I took some Cook Scholars to the U-M Stamps Collage Concert! UMS also has some upcoming musical events that I have been checking out: plus students get a discount. It is not only supporting the arts, but also an excuse for a date night and to stay out of the cold.
A habit I have been trying to maintain but have been terrible at is working out consistently. Since I am not super close to campus – as in a short, walkable distance – I am super unmotivated to go to the physical gym. However, I have always been active growing up and I notice my focus, as well as thinking is better after consistently working out. So, I recently got some weights and started being relatively consistent with the workouts on the ANDA app. I have just noticed this format is more easily attainable for my schedule and even if I can workout for 10 minutes, that is better for me than not doing it at all.
Justin Zhu
Surviving the long winter in Ann Arbor can feel exhausting and a little gray, especially when those midwestern winter storms start sweeping through town. However, instead of hibernating in your dorm all day long, there is a lot to explore around Ann Arbor during the winter semester.
The best and fastest way to beat the cold is to get your blood pumping. Try some indoor sports: whether it’s pickleball, futsal, basketball, or volleyball, it will be an instant social battery recharge. It reminds you that you aren't in this alone, but with teammates that are sweating for the same goal as you do. If you aren’t interested in playing, you absolutely should go support the Wolverine men’s basketball team on their road to March Madness. I recently went to the Crisler Center and was blown away by the passionate performance from the players and the energy of the fan community. It is definitely worth the price to see this incredible performance.
While staying active is great, remember that the winter blues are real. Be good to yourself. When you are at the library, try to find a spot by the window where the sunshine can nourish you while you work. Treat yourself with a marshmallow latte after a long study session at the League. Studying in winter can be harsh on your mind. If you ever feel overwhelmed or sad, please reach out to CAPS. Whether you need a full chat or just want to sit with a light therapy lamp, a healthy mindset is critical to thriving during the winter term.
The snow will eventually melt and spring will return well before commencement marks the end of the semester. Until then, stay positive and stay warm. This snowy season will become another fond memory of your time in Ann Arbor.