Experience in Marquette, United States by Courtney

What is it like to live in Marquette? Would you recommend it? What is the city like?

I've lived in Marquette for over four years now, and I absolutely recommend it to any student, especially outdoor/nature lovers. The city is not a big city, but large enough to have plenty of outdoor, cultural, and other events thoughout the year. The community is largely involved in the "green" movement, and I have enjoyed volunteering as a student in a variety of venues in the community ranging from the Lake Superior Youth Theatre to the Marquette Senior Center. The Marquette community is very receptive to students, especially international students. Marquette is an active Sister City with Kajanni, Finland, and Japan, and has a thriving Upper Peninsula (Yooper) culture rich with history and traditions-mainly Scandinavian based.

What is the student lifestyle like in Marquette?

Northern Michigan University is positioned in the perfect place in Marquette-close to downtown shops, cafes, and supermarkets. The campus is not spread out, which is great during the cold UP winters. NMU has about 10,000 students total, and is mostly known for the exceptional Art &Design, Nursing, and Teaching programs. Every full-time registered student, both Undergraduate and Graduate, receive a free IBM Thinkpad with tuition (Macbooks for Art&Design majors)! There are plenty of on-campus clubs and organizations ranging from fraternities/sororities to theatre to intermural sports. The campus also boasts the largest wooden dome structure where football games and large events are held called the Superior Dome. Connected to the Dome is the USOEC training center and the Physical Education Center. NMU hosted the Olympic Speed Skating trials in 2010, and President Obama visited the campus in 2011 to congratuate the technological advances NMU has made with giving their students and faculty access to the WiMax network (you can connect online anywhere, even the beach!) NMU students also enjoy off-campus activities including hiking, skiiing/snowboarding, water sports, etc.

How much does it cost to live in Marquette?

The average tuition for a full-time undergraduate student at NMU falls around $9000 per semester, including on-campus room&board. This is the second-cheapest rate for university tuition in the state of Michigan. There are many options available for tuition, but anywhere between 12-18 credits is a flat rate fee.

Is it difficult to find accommodation in Marquette? Is there any advice you can give?

The average cost of a single apartment falls between $450-650, but can be considerably cheaper with a roommate. There are plenty of options on choosing where to live in Marquette, so finding housing of some sort usually is not an issue. However, due to the very limited bussing system, I recommend having a car to get around the city. It is not necessary if you plan on staying on campus most of the time, but if you want to participate in much else a person with a car should be your best friend!

What is the food like? What are your favourite dishes?

One of the regional dishes of the Upper Peninsula is called a pasty. It resembles a pot pie, only is made with rutabagas, boiled beef, and sometimes other ingredients, and eaten with gravy or ketchup. I love them, and there are plenty of shops in town the make them fresh. There is a great farmer's market in the summer time with plenty of fresh fruits, vegetables, breads, meats, etc. In the late summer is blueberry season, with blueberries growing thick if you know where to find them.

What places would you recommend visiting in Marquette?

When visiting Marquette, you can't help but visit the great Lake Superior, because it surrounds the city! If you visit Presque Isle Park, you can jump off rock cliffs into the cold water, or wander the trails of the park. I recommend visiting the newly remodeled History Museum to get an in depth look at Upper Peninsula culture and history. If you have kids, Marquette boasts of a National Award-winning Library with an excellent children and youth program, and the Children's museum is also a unique spot for kids in Marquette. Feeling adventurous? Sugar Loaf and Hogsback Mountains are great places for hiking and picnics. For a broader look at the land, I recommend taking a Marquette Harbor Boat Cruise (available spring-fall) to see beautiful natural sights around the peninsula. Not to mention, a popular day trip just an hour away from Marquette is the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, with magnificent rock formations along the beautiful shores of Lake Superior. Between the wonderful natural landscapes and the plethora of festivals and community events, you can get a lot from visiting Michigan's hidden gem of Marquette!

Is it good to eat out in Marquette? Can you tell us your favourite spots?

There are plenty of places to eat out in Marquette, ranging from fast food/chain restaraunts to local cafes and restaurants. A couple of my favorites are the Rice Paddy (delicious fried rice dishes with huge portions that are affordable), Sweet Water Cafe (everything on the menu is homemade and a variety of dietary needs are met here), Temaki and Tea (the only place for sushi in town), Vango's (great for family meals with more traditional fare on the menu), and Huron Mountain Bakery (great for donuts/pastries, coffee and beverages). But most of all I love to eat at Doncker's, which is also a candy shop! They have fresh food, a wholesome and unique menu, and great dessert options! I recommend all of these places especially because they are affordable even for college students, and have great local, fresh food.

Is the nightlife good in Marquette? Where is good to go?

Marquette has a very limited nightlife, especially in the winter time. Most parties are hosted by students, however there are bars downtown (easily in walkable distance from campus). I would recommend the Oredock Brewery, because they brew their own beers and the atmosphere is comfortable and relaxed. Other popular spots include the Wild Rover, The Doghouse, and the Vera bar-all located on the same street. My favorite is the historic Landmark Inn-a bit pricier, but they make the best martinis in town!

What advice would you give future students heading to Marquette?

Get ready for an engaging campus and a welcoming community! You can be involved in so much, and the people are so kind and generous. Bring a winter coat and boots though, because when it snows it SNOWS! I love Marquette, and it has become a place where I would gladly live after graduation!