And the Winner is...

As if my opinion actually mattered, I’ve decided to give out my own little “Best of Ann Arbor” awards. I’ve been here at the University of Michigan for almost a whole year, and I’ve seen and done so much! Just thought I’d pass down a little bit of my knowledge…
Best Dorm Food: Bursley’s Cafeteria. I don’t live on North Campus, but if I did, Bursley would be my savior! It’s big, spacious, open all day long, and has great food. What could be better?
Best On-Campus Food: Beanster’s (at the League) or The Blue Apple (in Bursley). Don’t get me wrong, there’s usually nothing wrong with cafeteria food, but every once in a while you need a break. Both of these places are amazing because the food is fresh and not greasy, and the sandwiches are FABULOUS. Even better, they accept Entrée Plus, so you don’t need any real money. A piece of advice- I highly recommended the California from Beanster’s. Try it and you will know!
Best Coffee Shop: Espresso Royale Café. Whether for studying, catching up with friends, or just a cup o’ joe, ERC is my favorite place to go after class. There is always a hustle and bustle and fun music playing in the background, so you can go there to study, but also have fun. It’s a great break from the deafening silence at some of the libraries. But if the study environment isn’t what you look for in a coffee shop, it also has a lot of big comfy chairs to chill out in so you can spend hours talking to your friends there.
Best Clothes: Urban Outfitters. OK, so it isn’t very original, but there aren’t too many clothes stores to choose from within walking distance of campus! But the clothes are cute and unique, and there are always plenty of little knick-knacks to play with and books to read when you don’t have enough money to buy anything.
Best Little Place You’d Never Find: Getup, this teeny tiny vintage store I found wandering one day, the kind of store that you’d never notice until you already knew it was there. You have to go up these sketchy-looking stairs to get there, but the shop is really cute and whimsical once you’re inside. Everything there is one-of-a-kind and reasonably priced as well. Cheap + Fun = Awesome!
Best Study Spot: The Dude! That is, the Duderstadt Library on North Campus. I have to take a bus to get there but it is SO worth it. It’s so much easier to focus when you aren’t on Central, and Pierpont Commons, which is attached to the Dude, has a lot of food for when you need that 2 am study break.
Best Place to Relax: Relaxing? What’s that?!? Well, with finals coming up, there isn’t much downtime, so you’ll have to discover this one on your own!
Of course, this list is all just my opinion. Ann Arbor has so much to offer! There are hundreds of delicious restaurants, tons of great places to grab some coffee, and an almost never-ending number of study spots. When you come to the University of Michigan, explore and experience everything. You never know what you’ll find!