Name: Timilehin Ayelagbe
Degree Level: Doctoral
Field of Study: Anthropology
Hometown: Ibadan, Nigeria
What is your favorite thing to do during your free time in Ann Arbor? I love to go sightseeing.
What is one tip that you would like to share with new international students as they begin their journey as a U-M student? There are resources for almost anything. All you really need is to ask the right question to the right person.
What is a fun fact about you that you would like people to know? I meditate so well in the closet.
What are your hobbies? Reading and hiking.
Name: Mohamed Elrayyes
Degree Level: Masters
Field of Study: Biomedical Engineering
Hometown: Gaza, Palestine
What is your favorite thing to do during your free time in Ann Arbor? Exploring new restaurants is something that never fails to entertain me in Ann Arbor. The city's diverse culture has a significant impact on the variety of restaurants available from different areas of the world. And I know you're going to ask which spot is my favorite one. I love Indian food, so Shalimar Restaurant is my top pick (P.S. try to go before noon so you can enjoy the open buffet).
What is one tip that you would like to share with new international students as they begin their journey as a U-M student? One tip I would like to give all new international students is to give yourself some time to adapt to the new culture. A huge majority of you have never been to the US before, so you will experience culture shock at the beginning (which is perfectly normal; we’ve all been there). Just give yourself some time to accommodate the changes in your life, and always remember that we are here to help you if you need anything in your non-academic life. Another tip is about living away from your family and friends. This can have a significant impact on your life, especially during the first semester or year. The advice is to use this time to get to know yourself more. Living alone will help you discover things about yourself that you have never been exposed to before. This self-discovery will have a huge impact on your decision-making and improve your relationships because you will establish clearer boundaries, leading to more authentic connections.
What is a fun fact about you that you would like people to know? I used to enjoy swimming when I was a kid, and I would stay in the swimming pool until my fingers started to wrinkle.
What are your hobbies? Cooking, going to the gym, traveling.
Name: Jasper (Po-An) Hsieh
Degree Level: Masters
Field of Study: Environment and Sustainability
Hometown: Taipei, Taiwan
What is your favorite thing to do during your free time in Ann Arbor? Watch movies at the State Theater.
What is one tip that you would like to share with new international students as they begin their journey as a U-M student? Go out and try to seize the day while you study in Ann Arbor no matter what you aim to achieve. The University of Michigan is a great place to learn and make connections. Don’t miss the chance to explore and get involved!
What is a fun fact about you that you would like people to know? I have been to more than 25 states, even Alaska and Hawaii, but haven’t visited downtown Detroit.
What are your hobbies? Traveling, hiking, backpacking, playing video games and board games.
Name: Adya Jatia
Degree Level: Undergraduate
Field of Study: Biochemistry
Hometown: Kolkata, India
What is your favorite thing to do during your free time in Ann Arbor? My favorite thing to do during my free time in Ann Arbor is to get Boba 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? One tip I'd like to share with new international students as they begin their journey as U-M students is to remember that while the campus might initially seem huge and overwhelming, it will soon feel much smaller and more intimate. This transformation happens as you start making great friends who will turn your college years into unforgettable memories. Embrace every opportunity to connect with others, whether through classes, student organizations, or social events.
What is a fun fact about you that you would like people to know? A fun fact about me is that I've had 15 dogs at one point.
What are your hobbies? I love to paint and play volleyball.
Name: Zhuo (Zoe) Li
Degree Level: Undergraduate
Field of Study: Biopsychology, Cognition, and Neuroscience
Hometown: Beijing, China
What is your favorite thing to do during your free time in Ann Arbor? Argo Park Kayak!
What is one tip that you would like to share with new international students as they begin their journey as a U-M student? If you're good at cooking, your life will be easier, and you'll become popular :)
What is a fun fact about you that you would like people to know? My favorite dogs are German Shepherds.
What are your hobbies? Basketball, Mountain Hiking, Billiards, Guitar
Name: Mariana Martinez
Degree Level: Undergraduate
Field of Study: Economics and Entrepreneurship
Hometown: Miami, Florida and Bogota, Colombia
What is your favorite thing to do during your free time in Ann Arbor? Go on walks in the Arb and 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? Definitely go to the fall club fair [Festifall] in the diag!! Joining clubs and communities on campus is the best way to make a large campus feel small and welcoming!
What is a fun fact about you that you would like people to know? I speak 4 languages.
What are your hobbies? I love to go on walks, read, workout and cook.
Name: Dicle Taskin
Degree Level: Doctoral
Field of Study: Architecture
Hometown: Ankara, Turkey
What is your favorite thing to do during your free time in Ann Arbor? Seeing a movie at the Michigan Theater.
What is one tip that you would like to share with new international students as they begin their journey as a U-M student? Make sure to attend as many orientation sessions as possible to learn about all the resources available at the University of Michigan.
What is a fun fact about you that you would like people to know? I recently adopted a rescue dog named Leon.
What are your hobbies? Watching films, knitting, reading, biking, goofing around with Leon.
Name: Eva Hayes Whelan
Degree Level: Undergraduate
Field of Study: Biology, Health, and Society (BHS) and Economics
Hometown: Dublin, Ireland
What is your favorite thing to do during your free time in Ann Arbor? I love finding new spots on campus to get smoothies and tea.
What is one tip that you would like to share with new international students as they begin their journey as a U-M student? Don’t be afraid to make mistakes, everyone is here to support you.
What is a fun fact about you that you would like people to know? My first time travelling to the U.S. was for University!
What are your hobbies? Pilates, reading, learning new languages and travelling.
Name: Terry Wu
Degree Level: Graduate
Field of Study: Environment & Sustainability
Hometown: Jiangsu, China
What is your favorite thing to do during your free time in Ann Arbor? Visit the Diag and Nichols Arboretum to see and interact with animals.
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 prepared for Michigan's winter, since snow may fall as early as late November! January temperature can be as low as -20 degrees Celsius (-4 degrees Fahrenheit).
What is a fun fact about you that you would like people to know? I have not visited any Disney Park in the world.
What are your hobbies? Soccer, such as the Premier League.
Name: Xiaohan Ye
Degree Level: Undergraduate
Field of Study: Statistics
Hometown: Hefei, Anhui, China
What is your favorite thing to do during your free time in Ann Arbor? Drive around and discover new places to have fun.
What is one tip that you would like to share with new international students as they begin their journey as a U-M student? Don’t take on too many classes, internships, and research opportunities all at once.
What is a fun fact about you that you would like people to know? I had the same high school entrance exam score as my twin brother.
What are your hobbies? Ping Pong, Swimming, Cooking, Guandan