Arushi Chopra

“The Taubman community is inspiring, collaborative, and pushes one to strive for excellence.”

Academic Areas of Interest
Sustainability, resilience, architecture design for health and well-being

Hobbies or interests outside of academia
Graphic design, reading, traveling, social work (sexual assault prevention and awareness)

Why did you choose Taubman College as the right program for you?
Taubman College enables students to creatively work with other disciplines, there’s such diversity amongst the students and the faculty, and we really get the opportunity to learn from some of the greatest minds in the field of architecture and urban planning.

What is special or excites you about the Taubman community?
The Taubman community is inspiring, collaborative, and pushes one to strive for excellence. My peers and professors are some of the smartest, kindest people I have come to know, and I find myself able to have intellectually stimulating conversations, as well as light-hearted, humorous ones.

If applicable, tell us about studio culture – what is inspiring or innovative or unique?
The best part about studio culture is that it’s such a supportive environment. Sitting with peers who are also working on the same projects might be competitive, but it is also an opportunity to learn from people around you. There’s always someone to chat with, no matter what time or day it is.

Describe your experience with faculty and professional staff during your time at Taubman?
The faculty and professional staff are the pinnacle of support. Professors encourage you to take on challenges and push you to achieve your full potential. They are always open to having a conversation, sharing their knowledge, and talking about their passions.

How has Taubman’s career and professional development support prepared you for a successful career in your chosen field?
The career and professional development team advisors have been so helpful with reviewing application materials such as resumes and cover letters, and giving students guidance when it comes to interacting with professionals in the field. There have been workshops, career fairs, alumni review panels, etc., and I’ve found them all to be quite fun and helpful.

What benefits have you experienced being part of the University of Michigan?
The University of Michigan is a great platform for anyone who wants to make a change. I started working with the graduate prevention and education program at U-M’s Sexual Assault Prevention and Awareness Center (SAPAC GROWE) when I first started here. I’ve seen the program grow and impact the graduate student community on campus through workshops and sharing resources.

What do you like most about being part of the Ann Arbor community?
I love the student life, the activities that pop in and out of the city, and the presence of nature (the river and trees give me life).

What advice would you give prospective students as they consider Taubman College?
There is so much to do here, so many ways you can work on your passions and realize your full potential. It’s a great idea to look at all the programs and courses that Taubman has to offer, as well as the professors that you might wish to learn from.

What are your plans after graduation?
I would like to explore opportunities in the professional world that enable me to apply my skill set and expand my knowledge towards creating sustainable, impactful architecture and design. I hope to learn as much as possible to develop my abilities and grow into a thoughtful, skilled professional.

Additional advice or thoughts you’d like to share with prospective students?
When you commit to Taubman, you commit to working hard, being inquisitive, experimenting, and creating. There’s so much to do and to learn here, there’s never a dull moment. Grow your skill-set, make bold moves, and refine your abilities. It’s a wonderful environment to learn in, so don’t hesitate to be curious.