[Slick447]

Okay so this summer my friend and I will be transferring to NMU and moving to Marquette. We are both 20 years old from the okay state of Louisiana. Before you even start typing a reply, yes, I know, it's cold up there. REALLY cold. And there's snow. LOTS of snow. I understand this and I'm completely okay with it. I've had enough of sweating in November anyways.

So basically I was hoping someone could give me some pointers, tips, advice, whatever's helpful. Also a brief rundown of what it's like living there and things to do around town would be great as well. We're going visit the campus in about a month, but other than that, we're practically going in blind. We also won't be living on campus (Dorms usually aren't pet friendly and my parrot goes where I go) so that'll be another thing to worry about. Any advice, tips, anecdotes, etc. that you are willing to provide would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

[michmoldman]

Marquette is one of the nicest, coolest cities in the U.S! Its right on one Lake Superior, the nicest freshwater lake in the U.S...Marquette is awesome! You will love it!

[jeeg]

Marquette residents here. We absolutely LOVE this place.

I wouldn't worry to much about finding a place to live with your parrot. There are tons of off campus housing throughout the city here (complexes, converted houses, etc.).
If possible, I would start apartment shopping in May. That's when the great exodus of students moving around begins, with many vying for the best apartments.
To get a feel for prices, you'll want to keep an eye on Craigslist, the newspaper website (miningjournal.net), and the off campus housing list through the NMU website Off Campus Housing*| NMU Dean of Students

Unless you have a car (actually..... even if you have a car) plan on getting a bike to get around during the nicer months. Marquette is very bike friendly and the whole place is more fitness oriented then the average city.
I can't give you any advice about student life at NMU because I've never been there as a student.
Things to do....... Seriously, I'm having trouble thinking of things you're not able to do here?? If you're into a varied wild & crazy night life...... you may find the city lacking. But if you're into outdoor recreation, the arts, green/natural living, or many other things... you'll never lack for things to do.

Tell us more about your hobbies, likes, and passions and then we can give you better pointers.

As long as you're prepared for the winters, I'm sure you'll both absolutely love it up here

Oh yeah..... don't be afraid to call on places that say "No Pets". Every place we've lived here all said "No Pets" and we have a large dog and a cat. We're just great at showing that we're trustworthy (and always offer to pay an additional pet deposit). Anyhow most of those ads are in regards to cats/dogs anyways....... not to many people think about parrots

[danielj72]

If you like the outdoors you will never lack for things to do in Marquette. Downhill skiing, snowmobiling, Fishing is unreal there and of course hunting. If you are into hunting and fishing it will take some time to get used to the game and fish we have up here in Michigan. It is so very different than the game and fish of the deep south. Marquette in my opinion has the nicest scenery in the entire state. Paradise on Lake Superior.

[Lindseyup67]

The local hangout for college students seems to be Upfront and company. Upfront & Company

[joemits]

no worries, very laid back. There is even a Cajun place up here. marquettecajun.com

[Giesela]

I wouldn't buy anymore summer clothes

[Punkinsmom]

Having gone to HS and college in Marquette I can tell you that, if you are physically fit, a car isn't usually a problem. It's fairly condensed as towns go. I DID say physically fit -- as in, if you want to shop at the co-op you'll have to walk a couple of miles -- but there is a grocery store near campus. the bus service is NOT what you may be used to but it doesn't suck that bad.

Off campus housing can be very cool -- a lot of victorians split into apartments. Yes it IS cold, winter is insanely long. You will meet some of the nicest people on the face of the earth. The education at NMU is topnotch (comparing myself to comparable grads from other uni's when I was fresh and young). There is an amazing amount of music and art and great appreciation for it for such a small town. Going shopping isn't something you can make a hobby because the isolation that has already been mentioned is very very real.

For what it's worth I moved south when I graduated college and would LOVE to go back and stay now -- the job market isn't awesome.