University of Michigan-Ann Arbor Top Questions

What should every freshman at University of Michigan-Ann Arbor know before they start?

Vinna

I went to the University of Michigan with hopes of learning more about science in preparation for a career in medicine. My first two years in college gave me lots of opportunities to do so. Not only did I learn more about science through my involvement in research but learned more about my community and society and the great need for compassionate public servants such as doctors and public health practitioners. It is a safe haven for people who want to make a difference in the lives of others as they make a difference in their own. It is a great community to be in, academically or culturally. Indeed, the University of Michigan sets its students up for success and instills in them the importance of service and creates in them a passion for their chosen field and for people.

Lorena

I have been in college for less than a year. StilI I can say I have gotten many things from my short college experience. Thanks to my college experience I have the strength and capacity of working hard for achieving my short term goals. I have learned to effectively manage my time, and get everything done. I get to do my homework, and chores in time, and get chance to relax and have a healthy student live. I have also learned the importance of eating healthy, which helps a lot performance not only as student but also as a human being. I have learned the importance of taking care of myself, doing exercise and looking for ways of managing stress. The knowledge I have earned in top of all this great life lessons will stay with me forever and would help me become not only a successful person but also a healthy and happy one.

Lizette

College has broken me out of my protective shell of comfort and has made me fearless to explore aspects of myself previously suppressed by the status quo. For most of my life I did things because they “felt right” or because it was what my parents wanted, but never considered what I truly wanted for myself. Living away from home forced me to become independent and consequently, to become conscious of every action and decision I made. More often than not, I found that I could find no sound reasoning as to why I believed or did things other than because that was the way I was taught. By releasing the safety lines that tethered me to a fixed path, I have discovered what real passion feels like -- I no longer blindly follow a preset destination, but rather blaze bravely into an exciting and unknown journey.

Jasmine

I have gained more confidence in myself, which has made me progress with my studies.

Fuyun

I've developed into a more mature person.

Danielle

Outside of the traditional gain in academic knowledge and the completion of a degree in Spanish and mathematics, I value most the experiences I have had interacting with various types of personalities and in different types of situations. Working in groups allowed me to learn about the importance of constant and clear communication. It also gave me the practice of confronting people in a matter of fact manner, as to accomlish the task at hand in the most effective way without negative conflict. Attending office hours and asking questions in class, forced me to humble myself and turn towards others for help. Yet at the same time, it helped give me the drive to discover the answers and the reasons behind them. Working with faculty and interacting with staff other than my own professors opened my eyes to university life outside the student population. And lastly, attending a school with people of all different backgrounds (race, age, religion, etc...), allowed me to realize that people can have intelligent conversations and learn from one another when the true desire is there, without derogatory undertones.

Shundra

I am in my first year of college and I am going for my medical Administrative Assistant

William

My college experience so far has been a quite a wild ride. There have been times for fun, times for work, and occasionally a mixture of the two if you enjoy the subject. I've made a number of friends that I didn't know before I attended college, and I'm extremely grateful to have met them. If college has taught me anything thus far, it would be this: while you do have to work hard, and I mean HARD, to succeed, you also have to make time for other activities. My first semester of college was rather miserable as I made it a point to study all the time and wound up wearing myself out too much. During my second semester, I made sure to take time to hang out with friends, read a book, or even play games on the computer in between assignments and classes. I earned a 4.0 GPA that second semester; proof that hard work and no play is not always the best strategy. My college experience is valuable to me because it has changed my outlook on working and study strategies, and I've made great friends I'll never forget.

Ben

Stepping onto the cement pavements and staring at the breath taking buildings before me, I was initially intimidated by the reputation and appearance of the campus. I've heard a lot about the University of Michigan, how many prize winners and intellectuals emerged from the pool of students. I yearned to join their ranks, to walk among successful men and women and be proud of my efforts and what I've accomplished. College has provided me with infinite possibilities and many opportunities to pursue my interests, and even to try new things! Who knew running for charity would be so fun? Who knew there was a club that feeds squirrels? I'm grateful for the opportunities presented before me, but at the same time, because of all these choices I have, sometimes I still wish I haven't taken full advantage of all the resources at my arsenal. I'll continue to do well in school, but also I'll be more willing to try my luck at other activities, perhaps tight rope walking or juggling. And who knows what my endeavors will result in.

Daniel

Life-long friends, life-changing experiences, wonderful open-minded edcuation, close work with expert professors