Take the Summer “On” at Michigan
5 reasons why taking summer classes at Michigan is worth it
—By Joe Halpern, Muneer Hasso, and Nolan Trepeck
If there is one thing that all Michigan students know, it’s that Fall and Winter semesters in Ann Arbor can be quite stressful. Despite the unique charm that tailgates, cider mill trips, and fresh snowfalls have, Michigan students still have to wake up the next morning stressed over the looming deadlines that come from having 16 credits and numerous extracurricular activities. A simple solution to this problem is to take classes during the spring and summer sessions at the University of Michigan.
While many students may prefer to go home during summer, here are five enticing reasons to make Ann Arbor life a year-round affair.
1. Nature’s Hidden Gems
Nearly every student at Michigan has heard of–and likely visited–the Nichols Arboretum (‘the Arb’). The Arb is picturesque and near campus, thus making it the spot for students to walk, take pictures, and enjoy a day outside. The Arb’s popularity among students is well-deserved, but there are many other hidden natural gems in Ann Arbor that students should be aware of when deciding if they want to take spring/summer classes. The first of which is Bandemer Park, located on the shore of the Huron River. At Bandamer, you can enjoy a warm summer day in the sun and rent a canoe or kayak, or go tubing on the river. On a hot July afternoon, there is nothing more enjoyable than relaxing and tubing down the Huron River with some friends. Hudson Mills Metropark, one of Ann Arbor’s larger parks, allows you to hike in the woods, ride your bike, or enjoy the scenery. It’d be easy to get lost in the expansive, scenic trails that line the woods of Hudson Mills. Ann Arbor is known as ‘Tree City’, providing Michigan students with numerous ways to enjoy the beautiful green landscape in the summer.
2. Enjoy a Fresh Take on Culture
We’ve all struggled to sit through Romeo and Juliet or some other Shakespearean play in our high school English classes. Even those who find the plays themselves interesting may have gotten bored by the drab activity of class read throughs. Luckily, Ann Arbor offers a unique take on Shakespeare that brings his plays to life. While most Michigan students know about the Arb, few may have heard of Shakespeare in the Arb, which is put on every summer. This charming program allows Michigan students and members of the community alike to engage with their literary interests by watching a live Shakespearean performance within the natural beauty of the Arb. Sitting in the luscious grass amongst the wildlife while watching a wonderful performance takes what used to be a literary work and turns it into a fun experience to enjoy with friends and family.
3. The UGLI is Actually Bearable
All Michigan students know the feeling. You walk into the UGLI ready to start studying for midterms. You take a stroll around the basement, then the second floor, and so on, unable to find a place to sit and, as usual, Bert’s perpetually long line is annoyingly loud. Eventually, you give in, take the L, and trek back into the cold to find another place to study. This isn’t a problem during summers in Ann Arbor. Even during midterm season, the UGLI is deserted. You’re spoiled for choice for seats and rooms, even on the infamous second floor. Those four-person tables that are impossible to find during the school year? They are open and ready for your inhabitancy. You don’t have to worry about the noise level or about losing your seat the second you pack up to grab a coffee. The once stupidly busy UGLI suddenly becomes a haven for studying peacefully over summer.
4. Check Off Your Pre-Reqs
One thing that U of M students can agree on is that school isn’t easy. Loading up each semester with 15 or 16 credits can often take a toll on a student, especially with those pesky pre-reqs that have too many students and not enough student-teacher interaction. Taking your pre-reqs over summer offers the advantage of smaller class sizes, which means more one-on-one time with the professor. By taking classes during the spring or summer term in Ann Arbor, students can lighten their workload and enjoy their outside lives, take major courses and electives, and even graduate early! In addition to stocking up on credits, spring/summer term can serve as a GPA boost. Students often claim that summer courses are graded a bit easier and professors are in better moods. So, maybe instead of taking that unpaid internship, consider sticking around in Ann Arbor for the most beautiful time of year.
5. Dive Into Ann Arbor’s Food Scene
Most students at Michigan cook for themselves or eat in the dining halls. But when summer comes around and the weather gets warmer, why not venture into downtown Ann Arbor and enjoy the perfect summer meal? Ann Arbor is a diverse town with a diverse food scene, with no better example than Frita Batidos, a contemporary Cuban street food restaurant. The decor is warm and sleek, perfect for a summer’s evening. The burger-like fritas are comforting and delicious, while the batidos and other drinks are fruity, sweet, and colorful, exuding summer vibes. The lively ambience here is enjoyed best in the summer. After trying this unique Ann Arbor joint, go more traditional and venture off to Washtenaw Dairy, a community staple and local favorite. Their handmade ice cream is creamy and delicious. The front porch, busy with families enjoying a cold treat on a hot day, will make you feel right at home during a summer in Ann Arbor.
Feature Photo by Joe Halpern