Blog post written by Hunter Amo
UM-Dearborn isn't just about scenic views and exciting classes; it's also a hub of hidden gems that give the campus and surrounding city a welcoming, engaging feel. From getting your daily caffeine fix to enjoying peaceful moments between classes, there are many areas to discover. It’s also a great place to study—there are plenty of booths, tables, chairs, and little nooks and crannies to pore over coursework. No matter your major, every building has places where students can shove their noses into books and type away on their laptops.
And in case you find yourself having the munchies, there are not only vending machines hidden around campus, but there’s also the McKinley Cafeteria that can satisfy cravings on a busy day—from pizza to soup to macaroni and cheese, there is something for everyone. And for a small pick-me-up, stop by the campus Starbucks to enjoy a quick coffee and chat with friends.
When you are finished studying and snacking, consider joining one of UM-Dearborn’s 150+ clubs and organizations to meet new friends and discuss the things you love most. There are sororities and fraternities such as Alpha Kappa Alpha and Alpha Phi Alpha, which promote sisterhood and brotherhood, respectively, and give back to the community through community service and social engagement. Or, if you are interested in robots, data, and techy stuff, think about stopping by a meeting for Girls Who Code (GWC), the Artificial Intelligence Club (AIC), the Society of Women Engineers (SWE), the Biomedical Engineering Society (BES), and more. None of these striking your fancy? For those who love sports, UM-Dearborn has nine varsity sports teams. There are also interest-based clubs such as the Anime and Manga club, the Art club, the Musicians’ club, and even a Swing Dance club for those who like to groove.
Bored of lingering around campus? Students, especially those who take advantage of housing options nearby, may wonder what they can do outside of campus. Don’t worry—Dearborn and the Metro-Detroit area offer many fun activities to participate in year-round. Depending on your interests, some of these might become your new favorite spots.
For the History Buffs:
So, you’ve got a knack for history. And maybe your friends think you are a bit nerdy. Embrace it! Learning about the history of Michigan and its rich cultural background is nothing short of a net positive. Traveling to these places will certainly leave some fun facts sitting on your tongue, ready to share with any listening ear.
- Henry Ford Museum: Henry Ford, the creator of Ford Motor Company, has an entire museum dedicated to his car legacy and other locomotive treasures. You can present your student ID card for free admission to both the Henry Ford Museum and Greenfield Village. View entire trains, models of cars from a century ago, and even the iconic Weinermobile in the shape of a hot dog. Henry Ford Museum frequently has exhibits that suit all interests, such as “Star Trek: Exploring New Worlds” and “SCOOBY-DOO! Mansion Mayhem.”
- Greenfield Village: Located next to the Henry Ford Museum, Greenfield Village takes you back in time with historical displays and events, such as glass-blowing viewings, lessons on how to churn butter by actors in 1800s costumes, and rides in old Model-T cars. During their “Hallowe’en” event, they cast over fifty scare actors to pass out candy and frighten you.
- Arab American National Museum: To learn more about Arab American culture, many students head to the Arab American National Museum on Michigan Ave. They offer book ceremonies, cinema screenings, artisan markets, and more. For the visual learners, they create elaborate performances based on the arts, such as dance, music, and theatre, which contribute to a fantastical storytelling experience.
For the Adventurers:
Listen, I get it. I’m a homebody with a raging case of FOMO, and I sometimes can’t seem to shake it off. These are some of the places I go when I need to post a selfie on Instagram—not only proof of life, but proof that my life is so awesome that everyone should be totally jealous of it. And, who knows? Maybe you’ll find that these places are interesting in their own right.
- Fox Theatre: Being the center of attention in Detroit, Fox Theatre hosts bands, artists, comedians, and other on-stage actors for a fun night out on the town. Some upcoming shows include comic John Mulaney, Cage the Elephant, and the Nutcracker, an iconic holiday ballet performance.
- Campus Martius: The fun around Dearborn, Michigan, doesn’t stop just because the weather dips below freezing—when feeling the Winter blues, try heading to this fun park square in Detroit. Campus Martius has tons of cute shops to explore, a Christmas tree so large that it lights up the street, horse-drawn carriage rides, and an ice skating rink to practice tricks, or maybe slip and fall with friends. Other than winter activities, it also hosts film festivals, music shows, food truck gatherings, 21+ alcohol tastings, and more!
- Motor City Scuba: Did you know that all of Metro Detroit and southeast Michigan have access to scuba diving classes and certifications? Motor City Scuba has two locations and offers all of the information, scuba gear, and licenses to allow you to swim in Michigan’s great lakes from below the surface. A specialty tour includes underwater exploration of Lake Huron’s shipwrecks for those who aren’t too afraid of what’s lurking in the deep.
For the Foodies:
To all of my fellow foodies: there is no greater variety of cuisine than in Metro Detroit. No matter the occasion—date night, brunch with coworkers, or a snack in between classes—there is something for everyone. From finger-licking chicken tenders to healthy salad bars, the options for a quick dinner (and dessert) are endless.
- The Canteen: Try heading to the Canteen—located right across the street from campus—and try out all of the different food trucks in a cozy, relaxed atmosphere. There’s chicken and waffles for the southern fans, sushi and boba tea for the fish fanatics, and Amo Sami’s Shawarma may have the best chicken shawarmas that you could ever eat—but there’s only one way to find out.
- The Chocolate Bar: Got a sweet tooth? The Chocolate Bar, located in Downtown Dearborn, creates intricate chocolate delicacies and keeps up with trending food items. Try their chocolate-covered ice cream pieces in the shape of fruits, or their homemade chocolate bars, such as the famous Dubai Chocolate bar, and others that are stuffed with gooey cookie butter.
- Ford’s Garage: Further memorializing Henry Ford, Ford’s Garage has a large menu of BBQ-style food in a fun bar environment. Every thirty minutes or so, a loud horn honks through your conversations from real Model-T cars hanging from the ceiling of the restaurant.
For the First Daters:
We’ve all gotten the first date jitters, whether it’s from romantic feelings for the residential campus cutie or a friend-crush on that smart person in your new class. For me, there’s nothing like the rush of asking a classmate if they want to hang out sometime. The question to be asked, of course, is “where in the world to meet up?” If taking someone out to dinner isn’t in the picture, consider some of these classics… with a few hidden gems sprinkled in.
- Belle Isle Aquarium and Conservatory: Belle Isle Aquarium showcases the gorgeous life beneath Michigan’s lakes, rivers, and ponds. The plant conservatory next door is just as fun, with a gleaming glass roof that sparkles in the sun and is highly photogenic. Hold your date’s sweaty hand while walking through and looking at cacti, palm trees, and exotic fruit plants that you can’t find anywhere else in Michigan.
- Ford Drive-In Movie Theater: It’s the only drive-in movie theater in Dearborn, and going there is like a 1950s dream date. Bring snacks and beverages, and tune in to the radio station for a dreamy movie night.
- The Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA): With free admission for Wayne, Macomb, and Oakland residents, the DIA makes for a thoughtful, romantic, and cheap date night. With hundreds of pieces to look at, such as paintings, sculptures, and drawings that date back centuries, the DIA provides an enriching historical background for each one.
