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When asked, “What’s your favorite thing about NMU?” a lot of students answered, “the dome,” “the lake,” and more. What some students said, though, surprised me. If you’re considering attending NMU, or want to know more about campus, here’s a sneak peek at student favorites!

With the new year comes the pressure to change your life and habits, which can feel like a huge weight and add stress rather than cage it. Along with the new year also comes a new semester, a fresh set of classes, and for most, a fresh schedule. Read on for tips from some experienced students.

One of the most significant choices students face when entering college is deciding their living situation. Whether that be choosing to live on campus and deciding what hall suits you best or making the choice to commute from home. I can honestly say that this was a very difficult decision for me to make.

NMU Alumnus Dennis Ormsbee graduated from Northern in 1972, and would never have imagined that 50 years later his granddaughter would be completing the same accomplishment from the same university. 

It’s often said that you are required to be a “winter person” in order to live in the Upper Peninsula, but as someone who is a self-proclaimed warm-weather person I’ve found ways of surviving the freeze. Here are some helpful tips to help you get through NMU’s winter months:

Whether you are a first year student, a fourth year student or someone in between, there is always room for some advice from those around us. We have compiled a list of advice from several places around campus and put them in one place for you to reference and take from regardless of if it is your first semester or your last.

I was uncertain of my major while attending Northern Michigan University. As a freshman I knew I was interested in sports and enrolled in the Entertainment & Sports Promotion program in the Communications Department. This opened my eyes to working sports games and learning skills that eventually lead me to work for organizations like the Chi...

“One of us is not free until all of us are free.” – Fannie Lou Hamer

I’ve been reflecting on this meditation quite a bit lately. To take this a step further, if we want to love others, each of us must have the courage to be our fullest, most authentic selves and intentionally create spaces where others can feel safe enough to do the same...

I realized my ideas about my future had shifted, and as my dreams changed, I decided that I needed to find a school that would best help me achieve that vision. So, I enrolled at Northern Michigan University and began my business degree.

Alexa Alagon ’17 Outdoor Recreation, Leadership and Management, shares how cultivating intentional spaces in outdoor experiences allows everyone to find joy and connection. Read what being a modern-day Asian American Pacific Islander Woman means to her.

"Wake up early for a swim. Stay up late for the sunset. Walk to your favorite coffee shop. Hike up a mountain. Say 'yes' to new opportunities. People don't lie when they say these are some of the best years of your life. Take advantage of that."

"On my first visit to campus, I totally fell in love with Northern and Marquette. I remember walking through campus and feeling such a strong sense of community. With every interaction I had, I got to witness Northern's friendly culture and I couldn't wait to be a part of it."

"Be Northern means so many things, but to me, it means being whoever you choose to be. Over the four or more years of college, you are going to change a lot as a person. You will find new interests or hobbies, meet new friends, and study material you never had before."

"To 'be Northern' means to be so determined that even when faced with everything, you find a way to work through it all. And, to work not only to find success but to also find a way to have fun amidst the maelstrom of winter weather and impending due dates."

I decided to come to NMU because I am proud to be a Marquette local, and quite frankly, had not been tempted to leave. This town has so much beauty and character, and I continue to be grateful for all it has to offer.

Meet Kurt VanWormer, a 1977 alumnus from Marine City, Mi. Kurt currently lives in Houston, Tx and serves on NMU's alumni board.

"Meet and network with as many people as you can and don't be afraid to apply for jobs that you think you may not necessarily qualify for! Firms hire people, not robots, and your personality and how it fits in company culture is just as important as skills."

Meet Chris Charboneau a 1993 Alumnus from Cheboygan, Mi. Chris currently lives in Madison Heights, Mi. and is a retired band director (1993-2019) and current antique dealer, musician, clinician, guest conductor and music festival adjudicator.

"Seek out a mentor in a department that interests you to learn about their journey to help inspire your own. There are so many incredible folks working at NMU with valuable lessons and resources to tap into. Don’t be afraid to say hello and start those conversations."

Meet Dr. Abdulbari Musa Ansari, JD a 1964 Alumnus from Elizabeth, NJ. Abdulbari currently lives in Buckingham, Va. and was inducted into the NMU Sports Hall of Fame in 2022.