Name: Bhuvaneshwari (Bhuvi) Yadav Killadi
Degree Level: Master’s
Field of Study: Masters of Science in Mechanical Engineering
Hometown: Visakhapatnam, India
What is your favorite thing to do during your free time in Ann Arbor?
I love exploring new cafés and restaurants, taking walks through Nichols Arboretum, and trying out different events happening around campus. Ann Arbor always has something new to discover!
What is the favorite and/or most helpful resource that you use on campus?
The International Center has been one of the most helpful resources for me. It made navigating life as an international student much easier, from immigration questions to orientation and community events. I also use the Duderstadt Center often when I need a quiet place to study.
What is a "hidden gem" that you enjoy/would recommend in Ann Arbor?
Honestly, my favorite way to explore Ann Arbor is to pick a direction and just walk. Some of my favorite cafés, restaurants, and little shops were places I found completely by accident.
What is a fun fact about you that you would like people to know?
I'm always the person who says, 'Let's try that!' even if I've never done it before.
What are your hobbies?
Exploring new cafés, trying different cuisines, thrift shopping, traveling, watching soccer, and finding new places to explore around Ann Arbor.
Name: Collins Izuchukwu Chimezie
Degree Level: PhD
Field of Study: Chemical Biology
Hometown: Imo State, Nigeria
What is your favorite thing to do during your free time in Ann Arbor?
Go to the cinema to see some movies, go to a park.
What is the favorite and/or most helpful resource that you use on campus?
MDEX app = to check for the bus going to campus, MyUofMHealth = to monitor doctors' appointments.
What is a fun fact about you that you would like people to know?
I love watching football (soccer), football analysis, and finding new places to tour. I like running outside when it's cool.
What is a "hidden gem" that you enjoy/would recommend in Ann Arbor?
Running around Ann Arbor in spring time/early summer is so cool. The weather is just right! Please also try out Blank Slate Creamery for Ice cream. I think it's the best in Ann Arbor.
What are your hobbies?
Running, watching movies, reading, watching premier league
Name: Gaukhar Zhubanova
Degree Level: Master’s
Field of Study: School of Education
Hometown: Kazakhstan
What is your favorite thing to do during your free time in Ann Arbor?
My favorite way to spend free time in Ann Arbor is hanging out with friends, reading a book outdoors, and taking evening walks around campus to enjoy the sunset.
What is the favorite and/or most helpful resource that you use on campus?
The University Libraries, especially Shapiro Library, because they're a great place to study and work. I also enjoy the events organized by the International Center. They've helped me meet people from around the world, learn about different cultures, and feel more connected to the campus community.
What is a fun fact about you that you would like people to know?
My name means "diamond" in my language. My family prepared a few name options, and my two-year-old brother chose mine by drawing lots :)
What is a "hidden gem" that you enjoy/would recommend in Ann Arbor?
Nichols Arboretum is one of the hidden gems in Ann Arbor, peaceful and perfect for walks. I also think Dollar Tree is a really useful store that many international students may not know about, but it’s great when you first move and need affordable essentials.
What are your hobbies?
I enjoy reading, taking evening walks, and spending time with friends. I also like trying different cuisines from around the world, and watching K-dramas.
Name: Jennie Zhang
Degree Level: Master’s
Field of Study: Data Analytics
Hometown: Henan, China
What is your favorite thing to do during your free time in Ann Arbor?
My favorite thing is exploring different parts of Ann Arbor little by little, from cafés and bookstores to parks and campus buildings.
What is the favorite and/or most helpful resource that you use on campus?
The Student Support Team is one of the most helpful resources on campus. They support students with academic planning, problem-solving, and connecting with the right resources. To me, they serve as an important bridge between students and the support available at U-M.
What is a "hidden gem" that you enjoy/would recommend in Ann Arbor?
Visiting Gallup Park is a great way to get out of campus and enjoy Ann Arbor. The peaceful atmosphere there—especially on sunny days—is truly refreshing. You can take a walk, go boating, have a picnic, watch the sunset, and feed the ducks and geese.
What are some good restaurants or cafés in Ann Arbor? (Personal recommendations)
Korean Fried Chicken: Noori Chicken, BBQ Chicken
Pizza: Cottage
Poke Bowl: Poke Fish Sushi
Korean cuisine: Macheko, Nagomi Sushi and Korean BBQ, Kang’s
Bubble tea: Möge Tee, Coco
Chinese cuisine: Lan City Noodle Bar, Palace Tang, Empire Dynasty, YPBOR F.M
Vietnamese restaurant: Paris Banh Mi
Mexican restaurant: Chapala Mexican Restaurant
Name: Jiazhen (Sophie) Miao
Degree Level: Undergraduate
Field of Study: Mechanical Engineering
Hometown: Belgrade, Serbia
What is your favorite thing to do during your free time in Ann Arbor?
I love getting food with my friends. There's a great cheap gelato and pizza place that's my favorite place to frequent!
What is the favorite and/or most helpful resource that you use on campus?
Definitely taking advantage of how many academic journals your school email can provide for you for free; great for writing papers and research!
What is a fun fact about you that you would like people to know?
When I was around 9, I performed a cha cha dance in front of my country's first lady for women's day
What is a "hidden gem" that you enjoy/would recommend in Ann Arbor?
If you love east asian cuisine, Way 1 is the best place in the city to get groceries! Although it's a bit far (since it's on north), it has a great selection of east asian foods a lot of international east asian kids might have grown up with for a great price.
What are your hobbies?
I love painting, pottery, baking, visiting museums and coffee shops, and going to thrift stores in my free time.
Name: Mohammad Ali Kazmi
Degree Level: PhD
Field of Study: Electrical & Computer Engineering (Major: Optics & Photonics)
Hometown: Dhaka, Bangladesh
What is your favorite thing to do during your free time in Ann Arbor?
Walking around downtown & central campus, Hiking in the arb, Playing soccer
What is the favorite and/or most helpful resource that you use on campus?
NCRB and Duderstadt Center
What is a fun fact about you that you would like people to know?
Do not mistake me with the boxer, Muhammad Ali.
What is a "hidden gem" that you enjoy/would recommend in Ann Arbor?
Kayaking at Argo Park
What are your hobbies?
Sports (mostly cricket & soccer), Video Games and Photography
Name: Nic Zha
Degree Level: Undergraduate
Field of Study: Psychology + Cognitive Science
Hometown: Beijing, China
What is your favorite thing to do during your free time in Ann Arbor?
Visit the arb! It changes with seasons but stays the same structurally. Great place to meditate or bond with ppl!
What is the favorite and/or most helpful resource that you use on campus?
Academic advising center— my friends are all really good friends with advisors. Even if they can’t solve the problem, they will lead you to the right person. They also are older and will provide good consulting responses (future planning, etc.) regarding industries, U.S. vs hometown differences.
What is a fun fact about you that you would like people to know?
I can touch my nose with my tongue.
What is a "hidden gem" that you enjoy/would recommend in Ann Arbor?
Screenplay library in NQ
What are your hobbies?
Screenwriting, basketball, vibe coding, thrifting
Name: Paula Galvan Vega
Degree Level: Undergraduate
Field of Study: Economics
Hometown: Monterrey, México
What is your favorite thing to do during your free time in Ann Arbor?
I love exploring coffee and vintage shops around Ann Arbor, going on walks near campus, and trying new places with friends.
What is the favorite and/or most helpful resource that you use on campus?
One of the most helpful resources I use on campus is the library system, especially for quiet study and academic support. I also think advising resources are very helpful for navigating classes and opportunities.
What is a fun fact about you that you would like people to know?
A fun fact about me is that I am very organized and love making itineraries, lists, whether it is for a trip, busy school week, making groceries, or a fun trip. I just love to plan.
What is a "hidden gem" that you enjoy/would recommend in Ann Arbor?
A hidden gem I would recommend in Ann Arbor is The Docks at Bandemer Nature Area. Even though people know about it, it is not as well known among younger students. It is a peaceful spot by the water where you can relax, tan, read, or go for a nice swim. It is especially nice when the weather is good, and it feels like a little escape without being far from campus.
What are your hobbies?
I love hot yoga, reading, cooking, going to the gym, and hiking.
Name: Tai Yang
Degree Level: PhD
Field of Study: Biostatistics
Hometown: Anhui, China
What is your favorite thing to do during your free time in Ann Arbor?
Working out at Hadley, our new campus gym!
What is the favorite and/or most helpful resource that you use on campus?
ELI Conversation Circles
What is a fun fact about you that you would like people to know?
I compete in stair-climbing competitions! My most recent one was climbing the Key Tower in Cleveland, OH.
What is a "hidden gem" that you enjoy/would recommend in Ann Arbor?
Mr. Yun — a Korean restaurant you won't want to miss.
What are your hobbies?
Road trips, hiking, weightlifting, stair climbing, and off-roading.
Name: Willy Mak
Degree Level: Master’s
Field of Study: Environmental Policy
Hometown: Lima, Peru
What is your favorite thing to do during your free time in Ann Arbor?
Attend classical music concerts.
What is the favorite and/or most helpful resource that you use on campus?
Passport of Arts, Maize & Blue Cupboard, MDex
What is a fun fact about you that you would like people to know?
I always look for strategic long layovers because it allows me to explore new cities with cheaper tickets flights
What is a "hidden gem" that you enjoy/would recommend in Ann Arbor?
Halloween Concert
What are your hobbies?
Biking and attending cultural events.
What is a piece of advice for new UM members?
Do not stress yourself with many activities and enjoy the process of discovering who you are here at UM.