LEAD

Bucket List: College Edition

What you must do before you graduate...

By Brittney Johnson
February 22, 2010

Graduation, for some of us, is approaching fast. Whether you're entering the job force, attending graduate school, or taking time off, before you become a Victor alumnus two months, a year, or 3 years from now, there are a couple of things you must do! Trust me, you might regret not doing so. As you complete each activity, cross it off and go on to the next.

• Spin the Cube. Adjacent to the Union, the life-size sculpture will have you spinning off your feet.
  
  
• Join at least one student organization. You'll meet new people, build your resume, and strengthen your leadership skills.
  
  
• See a movie at the Michigan Theater and State Theater. You'll feel like you're back in the 1920s and 40s while watching old and new films.
• Take a walk around downtown Ann Arbor. It's a shopper's dream with a store and restaurant suited for anyone. Bagels, coffee, vintage clothes, books, food, and more all in a few blocks.
  
  
• Go to Welcome Week. Before classes start, enjoy a week's worth of free events and food including Meijer Madness, Escapade, and New Student Convocation. It isn't just for freshmen! Sophomores, juniors, and seniors can join in on all the fun!
  
  
• Take the AATA bus to anywhere. It's free for students and riding the bus can be an experience.
  
  
• Visit the UM museums. The Exhibit Museum of Natural History for dinosaurs, geological finds, and a newly installed archaeology exhibit. The Kelsey Museum of Archaeology for an adventure to ancient Egypt, Rome, and the Mediterranean. The newly renovated wing displays a giant sarcophagus, cat mummy, and ancient jewelry! The Museum of Art also recently renovated has over 18000 objects from African, American, Asian, European, and more artists.
  
  
• Attend a football game especially Michigan vs. Ohio State! You get to wear a cool yellow t-shirt, hang out with your friends, and see people make a fool of themselves. Oh fun!
  
  
• Feed the squirrels in the Diag. There's something about Michigan squirrels. Cute, furry, and huge! And they love our food!
  
  
• Attend a concert at Hill Auditorium. An excuse to get dressed up and enjoy music from all over the world.
  
  
• Paint the Rock. Leave a lasting impression like your college education has on your parents' wallets!
  
  
• Stroll down Nickels Arcade. A taste of Europe in a indoor walkway without spending a nickel (hehe) on a plane ticket.
  
  
• Go to Welcome Wednesdays at the Alumni Center. Free bagels, free blue books, and free coffee. Need I say more!
  
  
• Free pool at the Michigan Union. Nice study break for you and your friends.
  
  
• UMix on Friday nights at the Union. Free food, food crafts, karaoke, and a nice alternative for those who don't do clubs or parties.
  
  
• Attend Ann Arbor Film Festival and Ann Arbor Palestine Film Festival. Both showcase a variety of independent films from unique perspectives.
  
  
• Take your professor to lunch or dinner. A chance to get to know your professor and for him or her to get to you know you.
  
  
• Attend M-Flicks. "Your ticket to free movies on campus!"(their tagline). The latest, hit, high-quality films!
  
  
• Go to the Arb. Beautiful scenery and an opportunity to become one with nature.
  
  
• Go to all the dining halls/retail. Get ready to satisfy your taste buds for buffet food from around the world in uniquely constructed dining halls.
  
  
• Ice skate at Yost Arena. One word: fun. Even if you can't skate, you'll still have fun and a lot of laughs with friends falling down.
  
  
• Two words: Hash Bash. Even if you're not into marijuana usage, the event provides guest speakers and vendors selling handmade objects.
  
  
• Take a dance class. Ballroom, salsa, tango, bellydancing, hip hop, you name it, they've got it. You'll get in shape and have fun all at the same time.
  
  
• Go the Farmer's Market in Kerrytown. It's a better walk in the spring and the historic district has a range of shops.
  
  
• Exercise at the CCRB or NCRB. To stay healthy with your hectic college schedule, you need exercise and both centers offer a variety of equipment and space for running, stretching, etc. Did I mention it's free!
  
  
• International Tea at Martha Cook Residence. It's the one time you'll get to see inside the all-girl living quarters and enjoy tea from all over the world.
  
  
• Eat Insomnia Cookies. Feeling hungry in the middle of the night? Insomnia offers delicious, hot cookies that might even surpass Mrs. Fields in a mobile bakery.
  
  
• If you don't live there, hop on a M Blue Bus and trek over to North Campus. Quiet atmosphere and country-like environment.
  
  
• Attend Restaurant Week. A twice a year annual celebration of the local restaurants at a reasonable price and choice of 1, 2, or 3 course lunch or dinner meals.
  
  
• Watch The Bucket List with Morgan Freeman and Jack Nicholson. Okay. So this really isn't part of the list, but it's a good movie. I highly recommend it!