September 5, 2025
A day in the life of a Ferris State student
College life is definitely different for everyone, but there’s something special about being able to experience the routine of a typical day at Ferris State. Campus traditions, attending events, familiar faces, and just enough chaos to keep things interesting. Whether you’re a future Bulldog, just starting out, or genuinely just curious what it’s actually like to live a day-to-day life as a Ferris State Bulldog, here’s a look into a regular day.
About Me
I'm Santana Garcia, and I’m currently a sophomore at Ferris State University majoring in Marketing with a minor in Public Relations. I’m super passionate about brand strategy, content creation, and all things in student life. Outside of class, I’m usually working in the Marketing department on campus, hanging out at the Eisler Center, or staying active in student orgs. I wanted to give you a real, personal look at what a typical day in my life as a Ferris State student looks like because let’s be honest, college is so much more than just classes.
8:00 AM – The Struggle Begins
Let’s be honest, mornings aren’t for everyone. But if you registered for a 9 a.m. class, you already know the game. The alarm hits, you stare off and think about your entire life for a solid five minutes, and then finally roll out of bed to get your day started. Most students live close enough to campus so that they can get ready and walk to class in under 20 minutes.
Before class I like to have a quick breakfast. Most days, depending on if I get up early enough, I will swing by the Quad Café located in the David L. Eisler Center for breakfast since I am passing through to go to class. If there’s time (I usually always make the time), I will pick up Starbucks, also located in the David L. Eisler Center for a coffee to help me get my day started.
9:00 AM – Lecture
Ferris State carries a large variety of courses to take depending on your selected major. As a Marketing major my mornings usually start with lecture-style classes like Consumer Behavior and Principles of Marketing. Most professors are usually super engaging and approachable. Shout out to the professors who actually make a 9 a.m. fun. Personally, I am the type of person who learns better by experience, Ferris State has a great reputation for hands-on learning, especially in the labs and program-specific buildings.
11:00 AM – Quick Break
After my first class, I usually have a little break. This is prime time to hit the FLITE library or even the David L. Eisler Center for some homework time. The second floor of FLITE is great if you want peace and quiet, but if you’re like me and need some background noise, the David L. Eisler Center is where it’s at. Also, the printers in FLITE are a lifesaver when you’re five minutes away from class and just realized you didn’t print your paper.
12:30 PM – Lunch with Friends
Personally, I find that taking the time out of your day to eat lunch is a big reset moment. I totally recommend it! You finally get to chill for a bit, eat, and catch up with friends. You’ve got options here. The Rock Café is the spot for all you can eat and surprisingly good food. The DEC (which includes Grill Pit and the Quad) has quick bites like pizza, sandwiches, and burgers on the go! Sometimes we’ll grab lunch and sit outside near the Quad if the weather is nice. It’s a good people watching spot, and you’re bound to run into someone you know.
2:00 PM – Afternoon Classes
This part of the day really depends on your schedule. On Tuesdays and Thursdays I have labs. Mondays and Wednesdays are my smaller discussion classes and on Fridays I am totally free. The cool thing about Ferris State is that the class sizes are not too big and fairly manageable. This way it is easy to connect with your professors and other classmates. If I’ve got time between classes, I might head back to my apartment to relax for a bit or go work out at the Student Rec. Center (the most underrated gym in town!).
4:00 PM – Work or Club Meetings
A lot of students here work part-time, either on-campus or around Big Rapids. I work a few hours in the Marketing department in between classes. They are extremely flexible with my schedule! Some days are also packed with club meetings or group project work. Ferris State has tons of student organizations, and being involved is one of the best ways to meet people and feel connected.
6:00 PM – Dinner & Chill Time
Dinner can be as simple as making ramen in the dorm or hitting up QDOBA in town. Most days, I go to the Rock because it’s convenient and close! The best nights are when you and your roommates plan to cook something together (and yes, that almost always turns into a mess, but it’s super fun). Evenings are also a good time to catch up on a Netflix series, hang out in the common area, or hit the Rec. Center for a late workout or intramural game.
8:00 PM – Homework Zone
Homework time starts a little bit late for me. This is where the grind gets real. I try to knock out assignments and readings for the next day, usually with music or a lo-fi playlist in the background. Sometimes I’ll work in the library until it closes, especially during midterms or finals season. Group projects? You’ll learn to both love and hate them. But thankfully, there’s usually a group chat where at least one person keeps things organized.
11:00 PM – Winding Down
After the homework is (hopefully) done, I’ll scroll through TikTok or FaceTime with friends back at home. If it's been a stressful day, I’ll throw on some fuzzy socks, take a warm shower, make some tea, and pretend I'm a cozy productivity queen (even if I only did 60% of what I needed to). Then it’s lights out. Or... at least, phone-brightness-on-low mode until I eventually doze off. Can’t forget to set my morning 8am alarm!
Final Thoughts
A day at Ferris isn’t just about your degree, it’s about finding your people, balancing the busy-ness, and learning how to live independently. Some days are chaotic, some are chill, and some are just strange (in the best way). But that’s college life, and Ferris States brings its own unique flavor to the mix.