The block with a lock on rock

The Majestic Theatre, Majestic Café, Magic Stick, Garden Bowl and Sgt. Pepperoni's Pizza 4120 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313-833-9700; majesticdetroit.com: What other college campus in the fine nation of ours is within stumbling distance of a world-renowned rock venue? What about a world-renowned rock venue that houses three separate performance spaces, a pizzeria, café and the oldest continually operating bowling lanes in the country? One: Wayne State University. If we ever catch you saying, "There's nothing to do in Detroit," we're going to wrap you in back issues and throw you in the river. Upcoming shows include Perpetual Groove, Male Bonding, the Run Around, Impending Doom and Kevin Devine.

More in store

Kim's Produce 4206 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313-831-1960: As far as groceries on campus go, University Foods on Warren Avenue is OK. Kim's Produce, on the other hand, not only boasts a central spot on Woodward Avenue, but its shelves are stacked with jars full of goodness as well as fresh produce, granola, teas, salsas and other goody goods. Get fresh, sucka!

Cyclic compound

The Hub 3611 Cass Ave., Detroit; 313-879-5073; thehubofdetroit.org: Is the Hub a community service center or a bike shop? Kinda both actually. With a few years under its pedals, the Hub is a well-oiled machine that provides bikes, service and workshops for all in the community. As Detroit continues its trek toward two-wheel fanaticism, a stop at the Hub might indeed be in order. Remember to buy a lock — or two.

University of Detroit Mercy 

History in the hood 

Baker's Keyboard Lounge 20510 Livernois Ave, Detroit; 313-345-6300; bakerskeyboardlounge.com: Baker's was opened in 1934, making it one of the world's longest-running jazz clubs. They still have live music almost every night and offer lunch and dinner at reasonable prices. A must-visit if you're interested in Detroit's rich musical history.

Slices of history

The Original Buddy's Pizza 17125 Conant, Detroit; 313-892-6619; buddyspizza.com: If college had a food pyramid, pizza would occupy that big part at the bottom where the grains are supposed to go. You can pick up a quality pie at the original Buddy's pizza, which has served its quality Detroit-style deep-dish pizza since 1946. More than a stone's throw from campus, yes, but near the Davison: the quickest way to the east side. A visit is like enjoying a crusty, delicious taste of the past.

Your chance to sing 

AJ's Music Café 240 W 9 Mile Rd, Ferndale; 248-399-3946; ajsmusiccafe.com: Located in downtown Ferndale, AJ's is a hip coffee shop and community space that offers a quality latte, an amiable staff, and lots of live music and other events. A constant state of feng shui keeps things interesting, with ever-changing work from local artists lining the walls. AJ's is also known for holding marathon musical and literary events, such as 50 hours of "Danny Boy." 

Fight the freshman 15

Titan Fit Zone 4001 W. McNichols Rd., Detroit; 313-993-3301; tinyurl.com/2dzanlf: The centerpiece of a complete renovation to the student center a couple years back, the Titan Fit Zone is the perfect place to work off the "freshman 15" or just check out that hottie working the glutes on the elliptical. Everything you need to stay in shape is here, plus there are yoga classes and a few 52-inch HDTVs for those who like to sweat it out to Jersey Shore.

Go for the Joe 

Grounds Coffeehaus 4001 W. McNichols Rd., Detroit; 313-993-1150; tinyurl.com/274prmf: Two decades ago, Grounds Coffeehaus — or Rathskeller, as it was known at the time — was one of the most popular places on campus. In those days, the facility had a license to sell alcohol, and never seemed at a loss for customers. No longer a watering hole, Grounds remains the No. 1 spot to grab a cup o' joe before that dreaded 8:30 a.m. class or to satisfy a late-night caffeine fix before the doors shut at 2 a.m. It's open weekends, and often hosts poetry readings and other campus events. 

A lacrosse team 

can't be wrong 

China Wok 18670 Livernois Ave., Detroit; 313-864-8899: China Wok offers UDM students the holy trinity of fast food: reasonable prices (less than $5 for most dishes), close proximity (you can drive there in the time it takes to cook the order) and ample portions. The plates are stacked so high, the women's lacrosse team once held a competition to see who could eat the most. Dubbed the "China Wok Challenge," some players claim its intensity and difficulty was comparable to mid-season workouts. 

Acronym to learn: 

WTFRU?

Phi Kappa Theta Fraternity House 16000 Fairfield St., Detroit: The incoming pledges of Phi Kappa Theta are all expected to learn the fraternity's motto, "Give, expecting nothing thereof." With a weekend party résumé that has included such titles as Under the Covers, ABC (Anything But Clothes) and the back-to-school WTFRU? (Who The Fuck Are You?) shindig, it's clear the brothers of Phi Kap have given plenty to the student body. Their house, located right across the street from UDM's Calihan Hall, is bustling come fall Friday nights. 

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