It's the week before move-in, when fall suddenly becomes crystal clear with its details, demands, openings and opportunities. So what's on the minds of the ResNavs team as they plan to return to campus? Sound like you? Check it out!
Anya | Engineering Masters Candidate
I am currently transitioning to a new living situation so my free time will be focused on those tasks. Since I am staying in the same location, there is no packing involved, rather, my focus is on cleaning the previously covered spots of my apartment before I can place new items there. I am also in need of a “space reset” so I am trying to plan out how to rearrange my apartment. Some items I need to make sure are accessible--as the semester does not go well without them--are my craft supplies, mini blender, and foldable reusable bags. My craft supplies, mainly for crochet/knitting, keep my hand busy in long lectures and on the almost daily bus rides to and from Central Campus. The mini-blender is for smoothies when I wake up late and need a quick breakfast or when I want a quick snack. The foldable reusable bags go in my backpack and are perfect for when I accumulate new items throughout the day or even just want to carry my lunchbox, sweatshirt, and craft supplies all in one hand.
In terms of planning for the fall, I work on populating my calendar. (I personally use Google Calendar and color code based on the event type.) I start by adding recurring events for my class times with each course getting its own color. I am going for a blue/green theme this year and using some of the color options I usually ignore, like “avocado.” I then put in events I know are happening (like days off of school or work events). Finally, once Canvas opens, I like to put in assignment due dates and other important information located in the course syllabi. Having my calendar as a quick reference for the tasks of the day and week really helps me stay organized and on top of things once the semester gets busy.
Alex | LSA Political Science Senior
As fall gets closer, the main thing on my mind is how I am going to manage everything without burning myself out. I will be entering my last year at U-M, taking a heavy course load, working, and commuting from Dearborn Heights. I am excited to be this close to graduating, but I also know this semester will require me to be more prepared than I have been in the past.
My first step is to sit down and look at my schedule before classes start. I want to know which days will be long, when I can study, and where work, the gym, and my other responsibilities will fit. I have learned that when I leave everything until the last minute, even small tasks can become stressful. Having a general plan will help me stay on track without feeling like every minute of my day needs to be controlled.
Packing is part of that too. Since I will be commuting, forgetting a charger, notebook, food, or gym clothes could throw off my entire day. I plan to prepare my bag at night and bring everything I need so I can stay on campus instead of driving back and forth.
I am also thinking about what comes after graduation. During this year, I want to start looking for a job that I can work during my gap year before law school. I plan to begin studying for the LSAT in January and take the exam in August 2027. Starting early will give me enough time to prepare without trying to do everything at once.
Going into the fall, I want to balance school, work, sleep, and the gym while still giving myself room to breathe. I do not expect every week to go perfectly. I just want to begin the year prepared, adjust when I need to, and keep moving toward graduation and law school.
Justin | Computer Engineering Senior
Since I’ve been living on campus for the last two summers, gearing up for a new school year isn't really about packing heavy suitcases or moving into a new dorm. For me, the biggest transition is all about resetting my mindset and daily routine. Summer flexibility usually means late nights and relaxed hours, so getting ready for the semester means intentionally shifting back to a structured daily schedule. I start adjusting my sleep routine early so morning classes don't feel like a shock, and I clean off my desk to visually signal to myself that it's time to get focused.
Looking back at past transitions, like during my sophomore year when I met with my department advisor to switch major tracks, each year brings a different kind of preparation. This semester, my main focus is gearing up for my major design course. I need to spend time brainstorming project ideas that allow me to apply everything I’ve learned so far, while also setting a strong foundation for my future studies and career path. To make sure I can manage the heavy design workload alongside other courses, my strategy during the first two weeks is to attend a few extra lectures, helping me build a balanced and manageable schedule.
Finally, the most crucial part of getting ready is building a solid plan to handle all the upcoming deadlines. During the summer, it’s way too easy to procrastinate and push things off, but with a busy semester ahead, I need to stay disciplined. My goal is to make sure I block out enough time in my calendar for reviewing for exams and prepping for job or internship interviews alongside my daily coursework. Shifting away from summer procrastination takes some effort, but setting up these habits early helps me start the term feeling calm, organized, and ready for whatever comes next.