Hey everyone!
My name is Luciana (Lulu) Zecchin, and I’m a first-year from Chicago. I’m hoping to study either Public Health or Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology. College can get pretty stressful, especially during midterms and finals, but it’s so important to take a step back, make sure you’re doing okay, and actually have some fun. There are tons of ways to destress and relax at Michigan, so here are some of my favorites!
Take a Breather Outside
When I’m feeling overwhelmed, one of the first things I do is go for a walk (as long as the weather isn’t terrible). Ann Arbor has so many great spots to just stroll and clear your mind. Some of my go-to places are the Arb, the Diag, the Law Quad and Ross, or Frat Row. If I want a change of scenery, I’ll take a bus up to North Campus and wander around there. Most of the time, I just throw on some music or a podcast and enjoy the fresh air, but walking with friends is always fun too—just chatting and catching up makes the stress feel a little lighter.
Getting off-campus
Another great way to take a break is by exploring the incredible city of Ann Arbor. There are so many fun spots just outside of campus, and sometimes a little adventure is exactly what you need. I love shopping at Pitaya, getting dinner at Frita Batidos, and grabbing coffee at Ondo’s (I recommend either a chai latte or the Biscoff latte). And if I’m in the mood for a chill night, catching a movie at the Michigan or State Theater is always a good idea. Ann Arbor has so much to offer, so grab some friends and go explore!
Hang out in Mojo
If you don’t feel like leaving the dorms, Mojo is actually a great place to just hang out. The dining hall is perfect for a little sweet treat (I always make an Oreo Blizzard when I need a sweet treat), and the communal spaces are super cozy. You can watch a movie, play games, grab a snack from the Blue Café, or even challenge your friends to a game of ping pong, shuffleboard, or the piano. There’s always something to do, and it’s a great way to take a break without going too far.
Events Everywhere
On campus, there are always events happening, whether it’s a club hosting something fun, an academic program doing a giveaway, or one of the awesome MRADS events right in Mojo. And if you’re into sports (like I am), Michigan has so many games you can go to! Football, hockey, and basketball are always a blast, but I also love checking out some of the more lowkey games like lacrosse, field hockey, soccer, or gymnastics. It’s a great way to take a break and cheer on the Wolverines!
Me Time is Key Time
And of course, sometimes you just need some alone time to recharge. Whether that means watching Netflix in bed, journaling, reading, or just lying there doing absolutely nothing, it’s totally okay to take time for yourself. Having that balance is so important, and it’ll help you feel way more refreshed when it’s time to tackle schoolwork again.
At the end of the day, college is stressful, but there are so many ways to take a break and enjoy yourself at Michigan. Whether it’s going for a walk, exploring Ann Arbor, hanging out in the dorms, going to campus events, or just chilling alone, find what works best for you. Don’t forget to have fun along the way.
Go Blue!
