Even though you've seen all of the banners and heard it nearly a thousand times by now, let me say it again: Welcome back to Ann Arbor! Back to lectures, papers, exams, work ... and a little bit of free time, too.
So what's there to do during the weekend around this place?
Ask anyone you meet, and you will probably get at least a slightly different answer. No matter what you consider the ideal way to have fun, you can probably find it here, along with many other activities of which you never would have thought.
Of course, there are the parties - and what parties they are. These out-of-class fiestas are basically grouped into two main types - fraternity parties and house parties - with lots of other small subgroups thrown in.
Though both are amazingly popular, some prefer house parties to those centered at Greek houses. Nita Bharti, an LSA sophomore, said, "I like house parties better because it's a lot more fun when you know who's throwing it and you know a lot of people at the party. And I don't know a lot of the Greek organizations very well."
Jonathan Bryant, a Business junior, said that he prefers "small, informal gatherings" to larger parties.
If you aren't in the mood for the party scene, though, that doesn't mean that you're stuck sitting at home studying all night. Check out The List (available right here in The Michigan Daily Weekend, etc. section - see pages 18-19) and see a movie, concert or theatrical production. There is something happening nearly every night, and many of these events are free to students.
Afterward, sit at a coffee shop, talk and watch the people go by.
Jon Hagar, an RC first-year student, said, "I just like to walk around and stop wherever looks like fun." In a town with as much character as Ann Arbor, that can sometimes be an exciting thing to do in itself.
If you're a sports enthusiast, you may want to join an IM or club team on campus. These are ways to meet other people with the same interests, get a good workout and have a lot of fun... and for many teams, athletic talent is not essential. There are teams for just about any sport: check them out at the CCRB or IM Building or through an IM representative.
And don't forget road trips. Many people use the weekends to travel, to visit friends or family or just to see another city. If you don't own a car, all is not lost. Try Greyhound, Amtrak or a flight from the Detroit airport.
Of course, you can always just take advantage of the extra time in the week to catch up on studying or work. Aparna Sukhtankar, a Kinesiology junior, said, "I try to get as much work done as possible, and then I just hang out and relax a little with friends."
However you choose to spend your weekend, just make it count. Enjoy your free time! Ann Arbor is an amazing town, and you can learn a lot, especially out of class.
ROB GILMORE/Daily
Greg Walker, Zach Wilson and Eric Linenberg (left to right) practice for a pinball competition at Pinball Pete's on South University Street.
09-04-97
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