The University of Michigan - Ann Arbor

The amount of possibilities that one has at his/her hands is unbelievable. The University of Michigan and the Ann Arbor community offers a multitude of student organizations, clubs, and community groups, ranging from religious student groups to the Humane Society. Any cause that you can think of is represented by some group.

The sheer variety of courses that one can take seems limitless, from classical archeology to engineering. Then there are of course the famed U of M athletics.

Ann Arbor is home to the University Musical Society, which brings year and year out some of the greatest musicians in the world of classical music. The campus provides a wonderful atmosphere with the bevy of cafes, bagel stores, ice cream shops, restaurants, used book stores, used music stores, etc. You have two theaters on campus, one that plays mainstream films, and another that is somewhat avant-garde.

The university community is wonderful. While Michigan is a large university, anyone can find his/her niche. You'll meet people from all walks of life, and from all over the world. Contrary to what I have read, the Michigan community does not comprise of only uptight East Coast kids. I had friends from Singapore, Turkey, India, China, Japan, Korea, Hungary, and so on.

I am not saying that my experience at Michigan was flawless, but the good greatly outweighed the bad. Sure, some of the classes are extremely rigorous and require some effort, and yes, the university is extremely large and one can initially feel somewhat alone, however, if you take the time, get involved in organizations, clubs, enagage people in your classes, or residence halls, you will never feel alone. Michigan will challenge you academically and socially. If you are willing to take that challenge head-on, and take the time to explore and take the advantage of what this great university and its community have to offer, you will always look back at those 4-5 years you spent in Ann Arbor at U of M and smile.