An Open Letter To The UMich Class Of 2020

To the Class of 2020,

Congratulations, and welcome to the greatest University in the world. Whether you live ten minutes from campus or ten hours, going away to college is both exciting and frightening. While I can’t cure the inevitable homesickness you will experience, I hope this helps make the transition just a little bit easier. So in order to prepare you for the next four (or more) years of your life at Michigan, here are a few things you need to know before residing among the leaders and the best.

Football is life.

If you’re not already on board with the sport, you should really ponder what you’re doing with your life. I’m not saying you have to force yourself to like something you don’t, but don’t knock it till you try it. During your time at Michigan, you must go to at least one football game. You see, we got a new coach this past season. I’m not sure if you’ve heard of him. His name’s Jim Harbaugh, but you know, whatever.

If Harbaugh’s name alone isn’t enough to convince you to buy season tickets, then do it in support of the team and your school. The atmosphere at The Big House is unparalleled, and if you were to spend your entire undergraduate career at Michigan without stepping foot inside of the stadium, then you’re honestly doing all of college wrong.

Similarly… tailgating is life.

There will never be a more acceptable time in your life when you voluntarily wake up at 8am on Saturdays to tailgate with people who won’t remember meeting you come game time. But let’s be real: half the time, you won’t even make it to the game.

Uncertainty is completely normal.

It doesn’t matter what year you are, you will undoubtedly question so many things during your time here. Whether it’s deciding your major, navigating the depths of North Campus, or just trying to get your life together, we’ve all been there. Eventually, you’ll figure it out. It might not be today, tomorrow, or even three years from now—but one day, everything will fall into place.

It’s cold here.

I don’t care where you’re from; it’s f*cking cold in Ann Arbor during the winter, and don’t even try to deny that. Although some of us may be more used to the colder temperatures and snow(!!!), it’s still not fun knowing you need to walk to class with the possibility of falling on your butt. However, don’t write off Michigan based solely on its location because you’ll learn to tough it out. Yes, you’ll spend the next four years complaining about the weather to your friends and family, but if this Californian can do it, so can you.

You’ll most likely wonder how the hell you got into this school.

I probably think about this at least once a day—especially when all the kids around you seem to be excelling while you’re barely treading water. But know that you were admitted for a reason. Someone saw something in you that led him or her to believe you’d be great here. Always remember this. While you may not always believe in yourself, know that there are plenty of other people who do.

So once again, congratulations to the Class of 2020. Get ready for some of the most memorable years of your life as one of the leaders and the best. Welcome to Michigan. But more importantly, welcome hoMe.