Name: Eezer Agu
Degree Level: Graduate Student
Field of Study: The Helen Zell Writers' Program
Country: Nigeria
What is your favorite thing to do during your free time in Ann Arbor? Physical activities are my go-to when I don't have so many commitments. In my freest period, you'll find me at the gym five days a week. The night time is always the best time to ride a scooter around downtown.
What is one tip that you would like to share with new international students as they begin their journey as a U-M student? The University of Michigan is a rich institution. Be a scholarship mole, burrow the university websites (Rackham, International Center, CEW+, etc) for any grant you're eligible for and APPLY! Extra money is free therapy!
What is a fun fact about you that you would like people to know? I'm obsessively meticulous.
What are your hobbies? Photography and movies
Name: Queeny Gao
Degree Level: Graduate Student
Field of Study: Education (Design and Technology of learning)
Country: China
What is your favorite thing to do during your free time in Ann Arbor? Go to Bonbonbons and pick up a new flavor of chocolate, take chips to feed the squirrels on the lawn in front of The Diag.
What is one tip that you would like to share with new international students as they begin their journey as a U-M student? My advice to new students is to find a way to vent negative emotions. It's inevitable that life will bring us bad moments, what we can do is minimize their impact on us. Could be running, swimming, sweating at the gym, or hanging out with friends, meditating, etc. Learning to digest negative moods will help you put yourself into something worthwhile faster. College life goes by fast, enjoy it!
What is a fun fact about you that you would like people to know? I love talking to animals, even on complex topics such as the meaning of life.
What are your hobbies? Snowboarding（Beginner level but love it).
Name: Sergio Mendez
Degree Level: Undergraduate Student
Field of Study: Data Science Engineering
Country: Guatemala
What is your favorite thing to do during your free time in Ann Arbor? Walking around central campus and exploring new places in Ann Arbor to hang out with friends.
What is one tip that you would like to share with new international students as they begin their journey as a U-M student? Adapting to college can be challenging, so one tip I would share with new international students is to not be afraid of meeting people. Reach out to your classmates, neighbors, or explore the different student orgs (This is a great way to meet new friends!)
What is a fun fact about you that you would like people to know? I have 9 dogs at home.
What are your hobbies? I play soccer, tennis, and golf. I enjoy watching Netflix, working out and hanging out with friends.
Name: Harshit Nanda
Degree Level: Undergraduate Student
Field of Study: Electrical Engineering
Country: Zambia/India
What is your favorite thing to do during your free time in Ann Arbor? In my free time, I usually like to chill at the Diag with my friends or take a walk through the Arb. If there is a football (soccer) match going on, you will usually find me there with my friends.
What is one tip that you would like to share with new international students as they begin their journey as a U-M student? Be aware and awake at all times as there are going to be tons of opportunities around you, so make the best out of them. Furthermore, don't be afraid to ask for help as everyone is really friendly and you are not going to be judged by anyone.
What is a fun fact about you that you would like people to know? I love grapes. You will always find me eating grapes.
What are your hobbies? I love to play and watch football with my friends (I support Everton). In addition to that, I spend some of my time playing video games, watching anime or drawing.
Name: Phat Nguyen
Degree Level: Undergraduate Student
Field of Study: Nursing
Country: Vietnam
What is your favorite thing to do during your free time in Ann Arbor? I love going on morning/afternoon runs at the Arboretum, Burns park, and the neighborhoods around there.
What is one tip that you would like to share with new international students as they begin their journey as a U-M student? Practice reaching out to people whenever you have a question, concern, or just want to make new connections. It can feel really intimidating having to build an entirely new social network from the ground up, but from my experience initiating conversations with staff, faculty, students, alumni... I have been met with incredible support and warmth. Even if you run into a few negative interactions, I guarantee you will also run into those that can really change your college experience for the better. So whenever you notice a student you want to get to know, want to join a professor's research team, or is hoping to learn more about a career path from an alumni, you'll never know what will happen until you go up to them (or email them) and say hi!
What is a fun fact about you that you would like people to know? I recently reflected on my childhood and realized I have watched so many different seasons of the power rangers throughout my life, even though on many of those occasions I came across it by pure chance.
What are your hobbies? Singing, reading, sleeping, spending time in nature, watching anime with friends, spending time at a local Zen Buddhist Temple.
Name: Pritha Pal
Degree Level: Graduate Student
Field of Study: Aerospace Engineering (MSE)
Country: India
What is your favorite thing to do during your free time in Ann Arbor? Drive around and explore new cafes.
What is one tip that you would like to share with new international students as they begin their journey as a U-M student? Always be open to every opportunity that you can get, get involved in clubs, keep track of all the available resources, get to know your professors, definitely form study groups (you'll need it) and always check the weather forecast before stepping out.
What is a fun fact about you that you would like people to know? Fun fact about me would be that I get deja-vu(s) quite often and I sort of get prophetic dreams as well :)
What are your hobbies? Other than cribbing about overdue assignments & mastering rocket science, I love traveling, dancing and painting.
Name: Lakhvir Sohal
Degree Level: Undergraduate Student
Field of Study: Data Science
Country: Kenya
What is your favorite thing to do during your free time in Ann Arbor? Try out a new restaurant or go to Briarwood Mall.
What is one tip that you would like to share with new international students as they begin their journey as a U-M student? People at Michigan are friendly and are willing to help you so do not feel shy to ask for assistance or talk to someone.
What is a fun fact about you that you would like people to know? I love hiking and recently summited Mt. Kilimanjaro.
What are your hobbies? Watching any and all sports.
Name: Yiran Yang
Degree Level: Undergraduate Student
Field of Study: Computer Science
Country: China
What is your favorite thing to do during your free time in Ann Arbor? Picnic at The Arb or Law Quad on sunny days!
What is one tip that you would like to share with new international students as they begin their journey as a U-M student? Learn to say yes and also learn to say no. Try new things and say yes when you are invited, and it's okay to say no when you are busy. Take care of your mental health and don't be afraid to ask for help!
What is a fun fact about you that you would like people to know? I don't know how to ride a bike but I know how to drive.
What are your hobbies? Singing, dancing and painting.
Name: Zoe Zheng
Degree Level: Undergraduate Student
Field of Study: Mathematics
Country: China
What is your favorite thing to do during your free time in Ann Arbor? I like exploring different study spots on campus and kayaking on Huron River with my friends.
What is one tip that you would like to share with new international students as they begin their journey as a U-M student? I genuinely think grades are not the only important thing in university. There are so many things that deserve us to try, and these things can ultimately enrich ourselves and our college experiences.
What is a fun fact about you that you would like people to know? I talked to Justin Trudeau (Canadian Prime Minister) when I was in high school.
What are your hobbies? I enjoy playing tennis, playing the piano, listening to music, drawing and hanging out with my friends and families.
Do you have recommendations for a tea place in Ann Arbor? TeaHaus! They have a wall of different kinds of tea!