Victor Views Blog: A Student Perspective

Have you ever wondered what happens to the lost items at the University Unions buildings? Have you ever asked yourself what the strangest items we have gotten are? This is the article for you!

By the time March rolls around, New Year's Resolutions can be almost completely forgotten. Check out some advice from one of our Informaton Assistants on how to use U of M resources to accomplish your goals!

With finals week upon us, many Wolverines are experiencing high stress levels. While we can't do your papers, projects, and exams for you, we've compiled some tips to help navigate this time of year.

As the leaders and the best, Michigan students often put a lot of pressure on themselves to perform at the highest standards at all times. Because mental health struggles are not always visible to others, it can be hard to ask for help, especially when it starts getting colder and darker out. We've compiled some resources to help with those struggles. Life happens but it doesn't mean that you have to go through it alone.

November 8 is Election Day and everyone's vote matters! We've compiled some tips and resources to help everyone make an informed vote.

Registering for Classes

Are you accepted and considering attending the University of Michigan? Are you a current student and feeling nostalgic? Read a reflection from one of our student managers, Maddy, about her college application process and how she ended up at Michigan!

Read two different perspectives about the beginning of the school year and how they branch out on campus.

Balancing Summer Break and Academics 

Staying focused as you study for upcoming exams and meet homework deadlines can be difficult to do as a college student. Continuously seeking to meet the demands of our daily work as full-time students can easily lead to fatigue, stress, anxiety, and many other troublesome behaviors. However, I have found some ways to help me focus and wanted to share some tips with you.  

Take time out for your mental health

Finding Housing in Ann Arbor can be a very time consuming process and is filled with numerous questions: 

• What can I afford?

• Do I want and/or need roommates? 

• How close do I need to live to campus and what transportation is available? 

Mental health is just as important as physical health--arguably even more. Even the World Health Organization classifies mental health an integral part of personal well-being, on the same lines as financial, social, and physical well-being! So take some time to assess yourself and be sure to seek out the services you need.

Traveling out of Michigan or out of the country can get very complicated. The first time I traveled out of the country was my sophomore year and I had no idea where I should start. Since then, I have traveled to Costa Rica and Thailand and I am currently planning a graduation trip to France, Italy, and Rome. I have listed some tips and precautions that I feel are useful when planning to travel.

Are you curious about how to prepare for the upcoming winter? Check out this guide from student, Kelly Chang. As a Junior here at Umich, she gives you tips and tricks to stay warm, discusses how she has experienced winter, and provides some things you could purchase to get through this winter season.

For over 100 years, women have fought for equality. These have been fights for...
-The right to vote
-Equal wages in the workplace
-Safety against sexual assault and constant objectification
...you know, basic human rights.

In February, approaching love in all forms seems magical. It is the season to celebrate the love you hold for your significant others, friends, and family. Love and relationships can bring happiness to even the darkest days of winter, and that is worthy of a celebration. This celebration must never come at the cost of engaging in genuine, healthy, and fulfilling relationships.

Intimate Partner Violence on College Campuses

November 2018

It is one of the busiest times of year on campus, and everyone is dealing with their own academic, social, and career anxieties perhaps more than ever. While students at U of M know how to work harder than anybody, it is important to remember to relax and take care of the needs that will lead to your best health and happiness. Regardless of whether you are studying on campus or relaxing at home in the next month, here are the Wellness Resources to help you finish the semester on the right note!

September 2018

Everything is in full swing on the Michigan campus, which means plenty of items for you to keep track of. No matter who you are, everyone needs a hand in navigating Michigan programs, which is why we've put together a list of Campus Info's top online resources. Featured at the end of our list is a brand new Michigan digital resource, Maizelink!

Michigan Library Research Tools

June 2018

Though the campus is often much quieter in the summer, Ann Arbor will be thriving with events, fairs and activities under the sun this summer. You better get started right away if you want to accomplish of the Ann Arbor Summer Must-Dos before the craziness of classes start up in September. Below is a list of fun things to do during your summer.

Ann Arbor Farmers Market:

April 2018

"CONGRATULATIONS—You're In!"

I remember getting an email from the Admissions Office with that subject line back in December of my Senior year (of high school, that is). I remember feeling ecstatic—in a kind of elated trance from the promising future that awaited me. I remember thinking that that future would involve me partaking in some kind of biological research: I could clearly picture myself pipetting some kind of cloudy liquid onto an agar plate.

April 2018

To my Freshman Self,

In the blink of eye, four years have come and gone, and you are now a graduating senior at the University of Michigan. Four years ago, it felt like you had all the time in the world to figure everything out. Those years have passed, and here you are, ready to face the real world as a grown up. You took every opportunity that college had to offer and conquered them. But along the way, you started to lose yourself in the chaos and stress of it all. Here are some things that I wish you had known and understood from day one.

For over 100 years, women have fought for equality. These have been fights for...
-The right to vote
-Equal wages in the workplace
-Safety against sexual assault and constant objectification
...you know, basic human rights.

February 2018

Happy Black History Month!

February is Black History Month! This is an important time for us to reflect on issues pertaining to equality, diversity, multiculturalism, and social justice.

February 2018

As a graduating senior, I have spent this entire semester trying to do all the things I wish I had accomplished in my past four years here. When I arrived on campus as a freshman I was like “woah, four years seems like forever!” but now four years later, let me tell you it actually flew by. I have met some amazing people, ate at a lot of amazing restaurants and accomplished most of what I would dub “My University of Michigan Bucket List.” Here is a list of some of the things I have done and some stuff I haven’t but really really wish I had:

January 2018

15  Weird Things Turned In to Our Lost & Found

At Campus Information, we interact with hundreds of students, faculty, and visitors each day. We also serve as a temporary home for all the items left behind. Almost 11,000 items have joined a part of our lost and found since 2010. Over the years, we have seen some bizarre items turned in. Here is a not-so-complete list of some of our funny and interesting finds*.

December 2017

Since the earliest days of recorded University of Michigan history (as early as 1861), the students and alumni have been referring to themselves as "Wolverines". While this moniker has proven successful for over a hundred years of intercollegiate sports, what is the reason for it? And moreover, what exactly is a wolverine?

November 2017

The Course Guide has opened up and is available for browsing.  When it comes to backpacking courses, CIC has a few tips and tricks to make sure you’re ready to get the most out of your registration:

September 2017

Fall is a great time to see new things in Michigan, but for those coming from out of state, it may be difficult to know just what we have to offer.  Here’s a quick list of a few things I personally enjoy during my favorite season in Ann Arbor.

Cider Mills

June 2017

“In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks.” – John Muir

Do you feel trapped in an urban jungle? Need to reconnect with nature? Well, you’re in luck! No need to head to the Appalachians—Washtenaw County offers a variety of quality hiking and recreation trails.

April 2017

Although being on campus in Ann Arbor is always fun and exhilarating, studying abroad is a great way to visit new countries, experience different cultures, and enhance your global perspective. Michigan has partnerships with a multitude of universities worldwide. Global Michigan and the Center for Global and Intercultural Study (CGIS) combined offer over 100 programs in over 45 countries.

March 2017

Although it may not quite feel like spring yet, it’s bound to be just around the corner!  The snow has finally melted for the most part, so that’s a good start, right?  And warmer weather means more fun things to do around campus!  Not sure how to take advantage of it?  Here’s a list of activities to enjoy outdoors!

December 2016

Trying to enjoy the winter weather but not sure how? This is your go-to guide for making the most out of Michigan’s snowy season! It’s safe to say that winter, and especially the holiday season, in Ann Arbor is magical. While just walking from place to place can provide you with plenty of cheer, here are a few activities that I personally love to do this time of year!

Sledding

November 2016

I looked down at my feet submerged in water, and then up at the Diag as I waded through the Michigan League fountain. It was official; I was going to be a Michigan Wolverine. I was told by my orientation leader that walking in this specific fountain towards campus would be the first of many Michigan traditions that I would take part in. I was also told that I would make this same walk through the fountain again once I graduated, except this time I would be walking in the direction away from campus.

November 2016

Sometimes, even in your early twenties, committing to buying that entire value box of condoms at the corner drugstore can be a blush-worthy experience. Perhaps you haven’t nailed down your specific approach to keeping yourself safe in consensual sexual encounters – and with the bombardment of options available in this day and age, it’s near impossible to have given each method a well-documented and focused trial before arriving at college as a traditional student.

October 2016

An Amateur Foodie’s Guide to U-M Dining Halls

One of the biggest perks of living on a college campus is having access to the magical places known as dining halls, where endless supplies of delicious food are just a swipe away. Here at the University of Michigan, we are nationally known for being “Leaders and Best” in the classroom, but also in the quality of our dining program. As an amateur foodie myself, I took to our University’s seven dining halls to find out what makes Michigan Dining so great!

September 2016

If you’re new to campus, or even if you have a year or so under your belt, Festifall and Northfest are exciting events to look forward to.

August 2016

‘Twas the night before move-in day and all through the states, every student was stirring with anticipation, as they had to wait!

July 2016

So what will I start off with? The weather? The school? The spirit? The college town? The people? As an international student, everything was so new to my college experience. Ever since middle school, my parents had planted the seed in my head of studying abroad. I wanted a new experience. I was frightened and excited at the same time. I was scared I would not meet people at orientation, would not make friends in class, or would be paired with a weird roommate (or maybe I would be the weird roommate haha!)  

June 2016

A popular activity amongst the locals and students of the Ann Arbor area is taking a float, paddle, or SUP down the Huron River. If the coming warmer days of the summer season leads you to the liveries, use the following information to get the most out of your trip (or consecutive trips, because once is just not enough).

Ann Arbor has two liveries, Argo and Gallup, which are open daily for river trips and boat rentals without prior reservations.

May 2016

Dating back to its inception in 1960, the Ann Arbor Art Fair has upheld its mission to increase the public’s awareness and appreciation for the fine arts and crafts by creating a space that fosters the connection of the artists within the Ann Arbor community and around the world, as well as the general public.

April 2016

The end of the school year is fast approaching, and, if you're living in a residence hall, it’s time to start thinking about move-out. While it might not be as stressful as moving in, there are a lot of different policies and processes to be aware of. In order to help you prepare, we’ve gathered the most common concerns here.

When and how to move out

March 2016

In college, the library can feel like your best friend when you spend so much of your time there studying (or at least trying to with friends). What if libraries were really your best friends? here is a list of some U-M libraries as if they were people’s best friends (aka dogs). Familiarize yourself with the full list of libraries and check them out in person to see if we are spot on.

1. Shapiro Undergraduate Library (UgLi)—Golden Retriever

July 2016

So what will I start off with? The weather? The school? The spirit? The college town? The people? As an international student, everything was so new to my college experience. Ever since middle school, my parents had planted the seed in my head of studying abroad. I wanted a new experience. I was frightened and excited at the same time. I was scared I would not meet people at orientation, would not make friends in class, or would be paired with a weird roommate (or maybe I would be the weird roommate haha!)  

February 2016

Looking to learn something new without stressing about essays, tests, and grades? The University of Michigan offers a world class assemblage of museums and cultural treasures just waiting to be explored. Take a short walk from the UGLi or your favorite campus study spot, and check out these five Museums:

1. The Kelsey Museum of Archaeology

November 2015

No relationship is perfect, especially when it comes to roommates. For many of us, living with friends or acquaintances is a new experience, and sometimes a frustrating one! But fear not, there are plenty of tips, techniques, and resources that you can apply to turn your dorm, house, or apartment into a home.

October 2015

Fall break: Every Wolverine looks forward to this time of year as an opportunity to take a break from classes, catch up on studying, and brag to friends who go to other schools about this mini break. Here are some tips on how to make your fall break as amazing as it should be.

September 2015

In your discussion or seminar classes, you probably have encountered a peer who has identified or introduced themselves as a “Residential College (RC) Student”, and perhaps you have wondered “What does that even mean?”

August 2015

I’m sure you can feel the excitement and nerves as you prepare to leave for college.  As if dealing with the emotions of leaving home and setting off on your own aren’t enough, you also need to be sure you pack everything you need for life in the res hall.

Now, I won’t bore you with the painfully obvious items like hygienic supplies and school supplies because we all (well, most of us) want to smell good and be able to take notes.  Rather, I am going to share with you a few essentials that will make survival in the dorm that much easier.