Getting ready for a new year at Michigan? There's no one right way to do it, but there is lots of good advice. ResNavs Rocco, Pranavi, and My share their approach to preparing for what's ahead.
Rocco Albanese (Senior, LSA Econ)
Preparing for the return to campus may be exciting for some, while others may find it intimidating. How you prepare for this time of year kind of depends on what year you’re entering, but either way, there’s a lot to look forward to.
My first year, I spent the most time ever preparing for school. As some of you might be doing right now, I prepared a list of things I needed for the year, walked to my classes so that I wouldn’t be late on the first day, and began packing clothes and other essentials. One thing that I realized upon entering college was the sheer number of obscure things that I used day-to-day that I just forgot about, so make sure to think thoroughly. Besides this, I think that a big part of preparing for the year is connecting with old friends and meeting new people–when you get here for the year, I’d encourage you to push yourself out of your comfort zone a bit and introduce yourself to new people.
Another thing that I would encourage you to do is check what events are happening around campus. One website that I would recommend is Happening@Michigan, which displays a calendar of campus-wide events that are going on. A couple of these are definitely ones that you should plan to attend if you’re an incoming student, such as Festifall, where you can find various clubs that you might find enjoyable. There may be some related to your major, a job you want, or a sport you might like–whatever it is, I’d say it’s important to check before coming in.
The other main thing I would suggest, which is helpful for everyone, is to create a schedule for yourself to maintain good time management throughout the semester. (Many people here use Google Calendar.) Sometimes, especially with lots of classes, things can get overwhelming quickly. However, setting aside time each day to study, exercise, go to sleep, and whatever else you might find important will ensure that you’re able to stay on top throughout the semester.
Overall, preparing to return to college may be a bit scary, yet stepping back and making time to be ready will be important in ensuring that the semester goes smoothly.
Pranavi Jarugula (Sr, Pre-Dental)
The end of summer always sneaks up on me. One moment I am enjoying long afternoons with iced matcha and no deadlines, and the next my inbox is filling up with syllabi and campus event announcements. At the University of Michigan, that shift into back-to-school mode is more than just buying notebooks. It is an entire vibe, especially with Welcome Week kicking off the year. Whether you are a first-year student figuring out the bus routes, a transfer trying to get your bearings, or a returning Wolverine ready to reunite with friends, a little preparation can make the transition much smoother.
Before classes start I like to set aside some time to get my academic and personal life in order. That means checking my course schedule on Wolverine Access, making sure I know where my classes are, and setting up my calendar with all the important dates like drop and add deadlines and football games. I also double-check bus routes and have my backpack setup so I am not scrambling during Week One. If you are moving into a new residence hall or apartment, label your boxes and keep a small kit with essentials like snacks, chargers, and toiletries so you are not digging through piles to find what you need.
Welcome Week is one of my favorite times at U-M because campus is buzzing with energy. The Diag is packed with student org tables, music, and giveaways, and it is the perfect chance to sign up for things you never knew existed, such as the squirrel-watching club or a cappella groups. You do not have to commit to everything you see, but it is worth taking the time to explore. Events like Festifall, Late Night at the Union, etc. are not just for first-years. Every year I find something new by stopping to talk with people at a table or attending a free event I saw on the Happening at Michigan calendar. If you feel awkward about going alone, invite a roommate or classmate and turn it into a small adventure.
With so much happening during Welcome Week, it can be tempting to go nonstop from morning to night. It is important to pace yourself. The semester ramps up quickly, and you will be glad later if you take a quiet afternoon to recharge. The Law Quad lawns, Nichols Arboretum, and the Michigan Union lounges are all great places to relax between events.
One of the best things you can do before classes start is begin making connections. This is not just career networking. It is about finding your people. Introduce yourself to the person sitting next to you at Convocation, ask questions at resource fairs, and follow social media accounts for your school or college so you stay in the loop. U-M can feel huge, but those small interactions make campus feel much more welcoming.
Back-to-school season can be overwhelming, but it is also full of possibilities. With a little preparation, an open mind, and a willingness to explore, you can set the tone for an amazing year. So grab your Maize and Blue gear, bring your curiosity, and Go Blue!
My Tran (M Ed Grad)
I still remember my first time arriving at the University of Michigan (U-M). It was a whirlwind of emotions - a mix of excitement and nervousness. I could hardly believe I had been accepted as a graduate student at U-M. However, as an international student and also a non-traditional student, I carried a lot of worry. I wasn’t sure if I could keep up with the intense academic pace. I feared I wouldn’t fit in, and I even told myself it was okay not to have any friends because I didn’t know anyone yet.
Looking back, I realize I spent so much time in my own head that it drained my energy. I wasn’t open to making new connections right away. I kept my distance, unsure of how to begin. But thankfully, everything changed once classes started. In every course I took, I received so much support, not just from professors, but from my friends too. What started as small talk slowly grew into real friendships. We studied together, encouraged each other through stressful times, and checked in on one another’s well-being. By the end of the semester, we were inviting each other over for dinner, sharing our favorite traditional dishes, and laughing like old friends.
At first, I thought I was the only one with a different background because most of my classmates were U.S. citizens. But soon I learned that they came from diverse roots, too. One had parents from the UK, others had family from Italy, China, and Korea. Each of us brought something unique to the table, both in our stories and in the meals we shared. Our dinners became little celebrations of where we came from, full of flavors and memories from our cultures.
Two semesters passed, then three months of summer came and went. And now the only thing we wonder is how time went by so quickly and how we’re going to find time for all the hangouts we’re planning before graduation sneaks up on us.
So, if you ask me for advice on how to get ready for a new school year, here’s what I’d say: don’t spend too much time worrying. Let yourself enjoy the days as they come and experience this journey alongside the new friends you’ll meet. It goes by faster than you think, and it can be more beautiful than you ever imagined.