5 Ways to Stay Connected to the Community during Quarantine
From fitness to the arts, there’s something for everyone
—By Alyssa Maria Melani, Sam Schoenfeld, and Alex Andersen
Getting the full student experience during the swirling chaos of the COVID-19 pandemic can be challenging, especially as we battle the isolation of remote learning. While the vivacious nature of Ann Arbor and the U-M campus is hindered by quarantine, the community has adapted by providing students with new virtual experiences. Here are five virtual opportunities to stay connected to campus and other U-M students.
1. Stay Fit and Energized: Virtual Fitness Classes
It can be difficult to stay motivated to move when students are trapped at home. Virtual exercise classes are a great way for students to stay active while staying safe. The University of Michigan Recreational Sports is now offering virtual Group X Fitness classes seven days a week— from Yoga to Cycle to Total Body Strength, and so many more—at an affordable rate. At around 45 minutes to 1 hour in length, these classes will get your heart rate up and your stress levels down. A Group X Pass for the Winter 2021 semester is $35 for over 50 classes per week. Classes are scheduled throughout the day, so students with a heavy workload can always find time to participate. If students are looking to branch out from the typical Group X class selection, there are a number of Fitness Studios around town that are also providing virtual classes. Some of these studios include the Ann Arbor YMCA, aUM Yoga, Vie Fitness & Spa, and more!
2. Show Streaming: Engage With Performances Online
A great way to fill the time while supporting a local Ann Arbor business is by streaming movies through the Michigan Theater. With a vast online movie selection, the Michigan Theater offers affordable viewing of a variety of online films from their archives including categories like “Documentaries,” “2021 Oscar Submissions,” and “Black Films.” In addition to the Michigan Theater’s offerings, the University of Michigan’s School of Music, Theater, and Dance is hosting a virtual performance season. Although information for their upcoming Spring Season has not yet been announced on their website, check back soon for show and ticket information. If neither of these options fit your interests, consider looking into the weekly Arts at Michigan Events or U of M Arts and Culture department events. On both homepages you’ll find a diverse offering of free events ranging from live discussions and zoom workshops to movie nights and local theater production streamings.
3. Virtual Art Exhibits: A Digital Museum Experience at UMMA
Explore the virtual exhibit, Sight & Sound, at The University of Michigan Museum for the Arts (UMMA). In collaboration with students in the U-M School of Music, Theatre, & Dance, UMMA is showcasing a virtual tour of its Collection Ensemble, which guides the viewer through the exhibit by capturing the museum’s sculptural and two-dimensional pieces in video. The virtual tour is accompanied by students’ original musical recordings, mimicking the physical museum experience. The exhibit features 9 inspirational tracks, such as “Void,” “Sketches of Self,” and “Speak no Evil.” While in-person access to UMMA is temporarily restricted due to Covid-19, this online exhibit is perfect for getting a taste of the arts virtually and affordably. Additionally, it’s a great way to remotely support and discover creative work by other students. Beyond this exhibit, UMMA also hosts a wide selection of other virtual events, such as their writer series, discussion, and workshop, all of which can be found on their events calendar.
4. Community Connection: A Catalog of Clubs on Maize Pages
As students venture into another semester of hybrid learning, many students may continue to feel disconnected from the social scene at UMich. One cure for this is joining a new club or organization on campus. Although the semester has already started, many clubs are looking for new members and it could be a great way to connect over zoom and form some quarantine friendships. An amazing resource is the University of Michigan Maize Pages, an online database which houses the information for every student org on campus. There you can not only scroll through the pages of club offerings, but also search through the highlighted public events sponsored by U of M. If nothing peaks your interest, consider starting your own club! According to U of M student Sophia Sherman, “starting a club has allowed [her] to meet so many new people.” Additionally, a great way to become involved is by joining Greek Life. Although Winter Rush and COB have ended, you can support chapters through attending fundraising and philanthropy events. If you’re interested in rushing, keep your eyes peeled on social media throughout the summer for updates regarding the Fall COB process.
5. Hone a New Skill: Zingerman’s Virtual Cooking and Baking Class
During quarantine, it has become increasingly common for students to spend their free time learning a new skill or honing an existing one. With BAKE!, Zingerman’s teaching bakery, students can learn how to bake different bread, cake, and pastry items from the comfort of their own homes. BAKE! also provides cooking classes, so students can learn new recipes for their dinners at home. Some classes are hands-on, where the virtual participants cook alongside the chef. These classes are so loved by the Ann Arbor community.
According to Dara K., a resident of Ann Arbor, “I never hesitate to recommend Zingerman’s classes for either the novice or seasoned baker.” Other classes are demos only, so there is something for everyone depending on the student’s skill level and commitment. After attending a BAKE! classes, students will leave the class with a new recipe right from Zingerman’s. For some specific classes, the experience includes supplies needed to recreate the bakery item or entree dish at home.
These past few semesters have looked a little different than usual. Whether you’re living at home or enjoying the occasional Ann Arbor sun, these are just a few ways to stay connected to the campus and community. Hopefully soon we’ll all be back together again to experience these fun activities, and others, in person.