Learning to embrace winter in Ann Arbor
Rhiju Chakraborty, Undergraduate student in Public Health Sciences
Winter used to be a season that filled me with dread. Not anymore!
Winter in Ann Arbor is a special scene right out of a postcard. Sometime after Halloween, but before campus gets covered in a blanket of snow, changes occur on campus. From the falling of red and gold foliage, faces tightly wrapped in multicolored scarves, and a noticeable chill in the air. These early signs of winter used to cause me despair and stress leading up to the first blanket of snow.
To me, winter signaled colder weather, early sunsets, and frankly, isolation. In the cold, I would see my friends less and stumble through the snow to get to class. But recently I have had a change of heart. I’ve realized that my attitude towards winter has been a bit unfair.
It’s taken almost three years of being a student at the University of Michigan, but I’ve come to understand that winter doesn’t have to be a cold or lonely time. There are many things Michigan students can do to make the most of this chilly time of year. So below, I’ve included some tips for other Michigan students who might be “winter haters,” so that they don’t need to spend three years (like me) to learn about all the benefits this season has to offer.
Michigan sports
Inches of snow can never stop Michigan Wolverines from having fun on game day (I can personally attest!). From hockey games at Yost Arena, to cheering on Michigan basketball at Crisler Center, the infectious energy on gameday doesn’t end after football season. Cheering on winter sports at Michigan has helped me connect with friends and fill the weekends with excitement.
Outdoor snow activities
For lovers of snow, Michigan’s got some things that you cannot afford to miss! Each year, the first fall of snow is marked by a snowball fight on campus. It’s as if everyone just knows that the first snow should be commemorated with a snowball-flinging ceremony! Students across campus come to gather on the Diag, put on their gloves, and throw snow at one another. My one piece of advice: Duck!!!
Or, if you prefer to keep a safe distance from any snowball flights, students can enjoy a peaceful, snowy walk through campus or nearby nature trails in Nichols Arboretum.
Exploring local restaurants
Ann Arbor has a diverse, international food scene with over 400 restaurants to try out! No matter if you’re looking for comfort food or something new, Ann Arbor has got some amazing restaurants to offer. Winter is a great time to check out Madras Masala, the #1 ranked Indian restaurant by the Michigan Daily. Evergreen Restaurant has a soup that heals my soul. And I will not stop talking about the amazing fritas at Frita Batidos.
But if you’re still struggling to find the restaurant that speaks to you, fret not, I’ve got you covered with this comprehensive list.
Ann Arbor arts & culture
Beyond great restaurants, a rambunctious student body, and world-class athletic teams, Ann Arbor has an incredible arts and culture scene. Visit museums like the Kelsey Museum of Archaeology, the Museum of Natural History, and the University of Michigan Museum of Art (UMMA) where you can see art by Picasso, Andy Warhol, and Kandinsky. You can also meander through local bookshops, visit the Michigan and State Theatres, listen to live music at The Ark or Blind Pig, or catch a performance at Hill Auditorium. The best part? You’ll have a great time, even on Michigan’s chilliest winter day.
Essentially, the fun doesn’t have to stop when the snow falls. That’s the main lesson that I’ve come to learn through my years at the University of Michigan.
So don’t be me and wait three years to learn all the things this frequently-feared season has to offer. Even if the sight of snow outside your window fills you with dread, be proactive, invest in some quality winter clothing, and find the things (because they exist!) that make you see this season in a new (and warmer) light.
About the Author
Rhiju Chakraborty is an undergraduate student at the University of Michigan's School of Public Health and College of Literature, Science, and the Arts pursuing a dual major in Public Health Sciences and Communications and Media. Rhiju is passionate about storytelling and bridging
the gap between healthcare and the public. After graduation, Rhiju aims to work in
life science communications and is exploring graduate studies in health policy and
biopharma advertising.
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