Take it from us: if you're in Ann Arbor for the summer months, the view seems different. Here are a few student perspectives about the vibe, things to do, and ways Michigan changes during these less hectic terms.
Rocco | Time to Relax and Learn
In my opinion, summer in Ann Arbor might very well be the best time to be here. While fall is also great (football, leaves changing colors, etc.), there is a wide range of activities that take place here in the summer that you won’t want to miss out on. For one, Argo Pond is great when it is warm outside. I run in that area often, and one of the pit stops that I generally make during the summer is the “docks.” Here, tons of students hang out and swim in the reservoir. Argo Pond is also well known for tubing. This is a great activity to do and, during the summer, it is one of the many things that I tend to do outside with my friends. Some other things that I do in the summer here, which I don’t really get the chance to at other times during the year, are tennis, frisbee golf, and regular golf. I’ve already started to get into these activities this year and I can’t wait for the upcoming weeks when I’ll get to do them more often.
Another reason why I like Ann Arbor so much in the summer is because of how few people there are. Lately, when I need to get work done or want to read a book, I’ve been going to places like Ross, which is usually packed. However, I’ve often been the only person there these first few weeks this summer, which has been incredible. The low population and the lack of disruption will be nice for me this summer, as I am in the process of studying for the LSAT. This takes lots of dedicated study time, so right now is perfect for it. Another thing that I am doing a lot of this summer is working, which is common for most students.
Finally, I have some trips planned this summer. In late June, my family and I are heading out to Hawaii, which I am really looking forward to. I also have some weekend trips to various places with my friends planned. Overall, I think that coming and going from Ann Arbor this summer will allow me to grow a ton, by enabling me to focus on learning, health, and friends, and I really couldn’t wish for anything better than that.
Pranavi | Space to Think
There is something quietly magical about Ann Arbor in the summer. The crowds thin, the lines at Bo’s Bagels get shorter, and the pace of campus life shifts from a sprint to a stroll. As a student who is used to the packed sidewalks and fast-moving energy of fall and winter semesters, summer brings a rare stillness and a surprising clarity.
This year, my Michigan summer experience looks a little different. I am spending it prepping for the DAT (Dental Admission Test), balancing study schedules with the gentle hum of a slower season. While it might not sound glamorous, there is something grounding about being here during the spring and summer terms. Without the rush of midterms, meetings, and a thousand overlapping responsibilities, I have been able to center myself—both academically and mentally.
Studying for the DAT is no joke. It is intense, detailed, and sometimes downright frustrating. But being surrounded by Ann Arbor’s quieter version of itself makes it just a little easier. I have started claiming “study zones” around campus: the Law Library when I need silence, the Diag for some fresh air and review sessions, and the LSA building to get the outdoor and indoor feeling when I study.
What I did not expect was how different the campus feels in June compared to January. There is more space to think—literally and figuratively. More time to breathe between studying sessions. More sunlight to shake off the stress. And when the grind gets heavy, a walk along the Huron River or a quick visit to the farmers market resets everything.
So no, this summer is not packed with big events or wild adventures. But it is bringing something even better: a season of focus, peace, and unexpected appreciation for the quieter side of Michigan. If you are around campus this summer too, I hope you get a chance to slow down and notice it. Because sometimes, the calmest moments are the ones that shape us the most.
My | Changes in Schedule
I've been in Michigan for over three years now, and each of my summers here has unfolded in a different way. This summer is no exception, as I experience it from a new perspective, that of an international student pursuing a master’s degree in Higher Education.
Last summer was a relaxing one, filled with slow days and time to fully enjoy the summer vibe, like nature walks at Maybury and Kensington Metroparks. But this year is quite the opposite: it's been an incredibly busy time. I'm continuing my internship with the MaCSS Scholars Program, where I've been helping prepare for the Summer Institute for our incoming students. At the same time, with a sense of excitement, I’ve taken on a second position as a Graduate Assistant for Resource Navigators at the Michigan League.
There’s something special about this experience. I never imagined that I would one day be employed at the Michigan League, a place I had visited but always wondered about the activities that took place beyond hosting campus events. Or that I’d be working alongside Jeri, who manages Happening @ Michigan, a platform I frequently visited throughout the school year to discover resources and events to share with MaCSS students, all the while unaware of the person behind it.
Life is full of surprises like that, and the most beautiful part is that these moments are happening in the summer, when Michigan is at its best: golden sunshine, cool breezes, and vibrant days.
Even though my schedule is packed with these new work experiences, I still find the time to enjoy Ann Arbor’s natural beauty. I’ve been watching the peonies bloom from tight buds to full blossoms, taking in their fragrance as I walk the winding trails of Nichols Arboretum. Nature reminds me to slow down and appreciate its quiet magic.
If you're also a busy student this summer, don't forget to explore the scenic trails, plant collections, and diverse natural spaces at Nichols Arboretum and Matthaei Botanical Gardens.
Summer may pass quickly, but it's also the perfect time to recharge and begin the new academic year with renewed energy.
Kat | Reflect and Recharge
Taking this break from my educational journey has given me a much-needed pause and an opportunity to reflect and recharge. While I initially hoped to take some classes, I’m grateful for the chance to explore both academic and personal interests outside the classroom.
I’ve been working at a local law firm in Ann Arbor, and it’s been eye-opening to experience more of the city’s personality beyond its university setting. Ann Arbor feels more vibrant than the college town I once saw it as. Without the rush of student life, I’ve discovered parts of the community I hadn’t noticed before. Just ten minutes from home, I came across a scenic trail along the Huron River — something I had no idea existed — and I’ve gained further appreciation for the city’s commitment to green spaces and natural beauty.
Additionally, when I’m not working, I’ve been planning a wedding — because I recently got engaged!
It’s been a little harder to stay connected with friends from the semester, as many are out of state for internships or travel. Although, this has given me the chance to reconnect with friends from my previous institution and spend more meaningful time with family. I've also had the joy of being home more with my cats, who are definitely enjoying the change in routine.
Since the end of the winter semester, I haven’t been on campus much aside from a few hours each week for work. That’s about to change: starting next week, I’ll be on campus full-time for a month as part of the MaCCS Summer Institute — a scholar’s program I’m excited to be part of. I found out about MaCCS through clubs and campus events I joined to feel more connected to the U-M community, and I’m so glad I did. The program perfectly aligns with my goals: gaining academic experience and mentorship from math faculty, while also building friendships with peers in similar fields.
I’m both excited and a little nervous as the start of the Institute gets closer, but I’m looking forward to preparing for upcoming classes— especially linear algebra this fall — and becoming even more immersed in the Michigan math community.