The start of the academic year can be an exciting yet nerve-wracking time for new and returning students. To help, The Eastern Echo created a brief guide to on campus resources including study spots, the bookstore, buying merch and more.
Study spots on campus
While students can study anywhere, these are three options:
- The Halle Library, at 955 W. Circle Drive, is a quiet space where students can reserve private study rooms. To reserve a study room, students can visit the library's website.
- The Student Center, at 900 Oakwood St., is a lively hub where Eagles can study, get a bite to eat, or spend time with friends.
- The lower level of the Honors College, located at 511 W. Forest Ave, is a quiet space for students who work better with less noise. Although this space is located in the Honors College, all students are welcome to use it.
Bookstore and book purchases
As of July 1, 2025, EMU officially changed its campus bookstore provider to eCampus.com. The previous bookstore located in the Student Center is now permanently closed.
EMU Today stated eCampus.com was founded in 1999 and is a leader in virtual bookstore services. Currently, it provides services for over 150 institutions.
Students can find, rent or purchase their textbooks and other required course materials by visiting emich.ecampus.com. To find the materials they need, students can click "Shop by Schedule" or "Shop by Courses" on the website's homepage.
Where to get merch
There are several websites and stores where students can purchase EMU merchandise to show off their school pride. For instance, Barnesmith sells college apparel such as sweatshirts, shirts and hats for more than 100 different colleges and universities, including EMU. Underground Printing also sells EMU apparel and offers free shipping for all orders over $75.
Rally House is another place to find EMU merch, and there are several locations close to campus. In addition to offering clothing, such as shirts and sweatshirts, Rally House offers other merchandise, such as mugs, tumblers, picture frames, teddy bears, Christmas ornaments and more.
Moreover, students can find merchandise through the Honors College. They can order the merch at the online EMU Honors College Apparel Store or visit the Honors College in person. Honors College merchandise includes sweatshirts, T-shirts, caps, mugs and more.
Professional and career support
Whether students are looking for an internship or just exploring potential career paths, EMU's Career Coaches are there to help. Career Coaches are professionals with experience in career development who help students figure out which careers may suit them best based on their interests, strengths and personalities.
To schedule an appointment with a Career Coach, students must create an account on Handshake, a job-searching platform for professional opportunities both on and off EMU's campus. Handshake is similar to other job search platforms, but it is designed specifically for students. Students can use their EMU credentials to create an account.
Handshake accounts are completely free and provide students with many resources in addition to career coaching. For example, students can book appointments with a member of EMU's career staff to receive feedback on their resumes, get help with writing a cover letter, or prepare for interviews.
Moreover, EMU offers the Career Closet, located in 251 McKenny Hall. The Career Closet provides free access to professional clothing and accessories for interviews, conferences, employment fairs and other similar events. Every semester, students may take and keep one free outfit, including shoes and accessories, from the Career Closet. During the fall and winter semesters, the Career Closet is open Mondays and Fridays from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. To learn more about the Career Closet, visit the University Advising & Career Development Center's website.
Mental health support
On campus, EMU Counseling and Psychological Services is committed to supporting students' mental health needs. CAPS provides individual, couples, and group counseling; crisis intervention; limited psychiatry appointments for medication; educational workshops; and more. Any student enrolled at least half-time is eligible to receive care from CAPS. To learn more or set up an appointment, visit the CAPS page on EMU's website.
CAPS also provides support during emergency situations. For an emergency that occurs during regular business hours, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., students can call CAPS at 734-487-1118 or go to the Campus Wellness Center at 1075 N. Huron River Drive.
For emergencies that occur outside of those hours, students still have several options, including calling CAPS at the same phone number for after-hours crisis counseling, calling 911, going to a local emergency department, or calling the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988. More emergency resources are available on the CAPS website.
Fun facts about EMU
- EMU was founded in 1849 as the Michigan State Normal School.
- It is the second-oldest public university in Michigan.
- The Princeton Review has named EMU a Best in the Midwest college since 2003.
- EMU's students come from 47 different states and 83 different countries.
- The oldest remaining building on EMU's campus is Starkweather Hall, built in 1896.
- More than 300 majors, minors and concentrations are offered.
- There are five different colleges within EMU: Arts and Sciences, Business, Education, Health and Human Services, and the GameAbove College of Engineering and Technology.
- There are over 150 student organizations on campus, ranging from choirs and a cappella groups to professional organizations to sports clubs.
- Bonus – The Eastern Echo was originally called The Normal News.
To learn more fun facts about EMU, visit the "About" page on the university's website.
