Cracking the Research Code: A Student's Guide to Research at NMU

How to Navigate Your Freshman Year at NMU (From Someone Who Just Did) 

Hi! I’m Eva Quimby, I’m studying Social Media Design Management at Northern Michigan University. 

Just a year ago, I was in your shoes–nervous about college, wondering how I’d make new friends, and unsure how I’d survive Marquette in February. Now that I’ve made it through my freshman year, I want to share 5 honest tips and tricks that actually helped me adjust, get involved, and make the most of my time at NMU. 

1. Get Involved in Something–Anything!

As much as NMU tries to reach out to help you get involved, you have to take the initiative. With 21 club sports, over 300 student organizations, and residence hall house governments, there are endless opportunities to connect with the community. This doesn’t mean you need to overload your schedule; freshman year is already a big adjustment, but attending at least one meeting or an event can introduce you to people who have similar interests as you. (Tip: Go to Fall Fest! It’s on the first day of school, where you can learn more about student orgs, volunteer opportunities, local businesses, and NMU departments– plus, there’s free food and swag!)

2. Residence Halls Are More Than Just a Room.

When you first think about dorm life, you probably start envisioning the decoration or just having a place to sleep. I learned that your residence hall can contribute a lot to your freshman experience. My RA created a welcoming environment with floor events every month that gave me some of my favorite memories. For example, we had board game nights, craft nights, a trip to the ski hill, and even a fun fundraising event where we sold brownies and bracelets! The people you live with can very likely be the ones you study with, vent to, or go on a spontaneous adventure with. 

3. Find a Winter Hobby–Trust Me.

As everyone knows, when they commit to NMU, the winters in Marquette can be brutal. Don’t get me wrong, it's beautiful, but if you’re not prepared, it can be mentally tough, especially for the first year. Finding winter hobbies–whether it's skiing, ice skating, snowshoeing on the countless trails, or even something indoor like painting or journaling- can help give you something to look forward to when it feels like the snow is never going to melt. 

I learned how to snowboard this winter with absolutely no previous experience, and honestly, it helped me stay content through the long stretch and cold temperatures and snow. 

4. Find Your Balance.

Freshman year is a big transition, even if you think you’re ready. It comes with homework, new people, and being away from home, whether it's 8 hours or 5 minutes. What helped me was creating a routine that balances school, work, friends, and most importantly, me time. It’s easy to feel pressure to constantly be doing something, but quiet nights are just as important as the busy ones.

5. Where You Study Matters! 

It might seem small, but having a go-to spot on campus can make a huge difference in how you study. For me, it was the couches in the Lodge or a local coffee shop where I would spend hours either studying or finishing a final project. These places don’t just have to be study spots, it can also be a place to decompress between classes, or just meeting up with a friend. Once it becomes a familiar place in the midst of all the change, it makes all the difference. 

Your first year at NMU won’t be perfect—but it will be a time for self-growth and the journey will be so fun. You’re learning how to live on your own, build a routine, and adjust to an entirely new environment. It might feel like everyone else knows exactly what they’re doing, but trust me: every freshman is doing this for the first time, and most are feeling the same way you are. Allow yourself to make mistakes, to try new things, and to figure it out one step at a time. This year is just the beginning, and every awkward icebreaker, snowy walk to Jamrich, and last-minute study session is part of the process.