Before coming to the University of Michigan, I constantly heard the phrase “it’s a big campus, but you can make it smaller.” The phrase is supposed to assuage incoming students’ fears that a campus with 33,000 undergraduate students is too big for a student to figure out their place in it. After spending eight months and two semesters in Ann Arbor, I can say that campus feels impossibly big and small at the same time. However, this size has allowed me to find my niche.
One advantage of the University’s size is in academics. There are 19 unique schools and 14 of these schools combined offer more than 280 different undergraduate degrees. This variety of schools and degrees almost necessitates exploration. Without considering various academic paths, you will not discover your true passions. To help with this, there are school-wide requirements that encourage pursuit of an interdisciplinary education. Once a student finds their passion, they can tailor their academic path to their wishes, providing them the most fulfilling education possible.
For example, you may realize, through experiences in various humanities courses, that you are interested in a history major. There is only one history major in the college of LSA, but there are hundreds of classes that go toward a history degree. If you choose, you can focus on one region in particular. This can lead to future graduate research opportunities or an acceptance into grad school.
Additionally, having a large number of clubs at the University helps students find their place by offering a diverse range of opportunities. With more than 1,600 student organizations, you can join organizations that focus on ethnic identity, cultural activities, sports, arts or social causes. This will also allow you the opportunity to form social connections and networks, which will in turn help make such a large university feel more intimate and accessible.
The University’s vast size also contributes to an extensive and influential alumni network that spans across the globe. No matter where you go upon graduating, the alumni network will provide you with a sense of community and support no matter where you go. Alumni connections can open doors to job opportunities, mentorship and professional growth — creating a “family” of Wolverines worldwide. This powerful network fosters a sense of belonging and continuity, ensuring that Michigan graduates are never truly alone as they navigate their careers and lives.
While the University’s size offers numerous academic programs and clubs, it also means that you may take longer to find your niche. The sheer volume of choices can be overwhelming, causing decision paralysis and making it harder to commit to a particular path. Navigating such a large campus and extensive course catalog can be time-consuming and a little confusing as an incoming student, delaying your progress in finding your passion.
Additionally, the competitive nature of joining popular classes and clubs can lead to frustration and feelings of exclusion. This can hinder the formation of meaningful connections and a sense of belonging, which are crucial for a fulfilling college experience. The large student population also limits personalized guidance from faculty and advisors, leaving students to fend for themselves more often. It might be tough to manage leaving home, newfound academic rigor and a possible part-time job.
While the University’s vast size and extensive offerings can present challenges in finding one’s niche, these attributes also provide unparalleled opportunities for exploration and growth. The initial overwhelm can give way to a rich and fulfilling educational experience as you navigate the diverse academic programs and numerous student organizations. Despite the potentially competitive nature of popular classes and clubs, the University’s extensive resources and opportunities ultimately foster an environment where students can discover and pursue their passions. With determination and proactive engagement, you can overcome the initial hurdles and carve out a unique path at the University of Michigan.
Gabe Efros is an Opinion Columnist who writes about the American political climate, on and off campus. He can be reached at gefros@umich.edu
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