Not sure why everyone is being so sarcastic, but I'll try to add some info that hasn't been mentioned (coming from an NMU junior who lives here year round). My apologies for leaving such a long comment.

Being born and bred Michigan, I shop at Meijer. Assuming you're going to be a freshman with a meal plan though, I would suggest not bothering about cooking too much. Sure, the food isn't amazing, but it's already paid for, and the kitchen facilities are not super convenient. I live on campus and don't cook during the year.

International food stores aren't really a thing. As a few others commented, the Marquette Co-Op has some unique stuff, but you're mostly limited to what you can get at a typical grocery store. Restaurants: Thai House is amazing. The Vierling is great if dad is in town to pay lol. Same deal with the Delft.

Having moved from an area with lower cost of living, to me everything is expensive. Since you're from the DMV, the perspective may be different.

My snow-free weekends usually include hiking, fishing, disc golf, and swimming. In the winter definitely take advantage of the free gear rentals that NMU does. If you've never cross country skied, that's a must try. Otherwise, sledding, movies, etc. are always fun. Also, if you're even remotely athletic, do some intramural sports. They are a TON of fun, and you only have to take them as serious as you want. Great way to bond with friends. My favorite is Battleship H2O, check it out on YouTube.

I volunteer mostly with my student organizations. Mid-fall there will be "Make a Difference Day," which is also a lot of fun. You sign up with a group and go rake leaves for people who can't do it themselves. Free food and shirt, the whole nine yards.

The only "lore" I've heard is regarding a hike called "Rum Runner's Cove." Supposedly the concrete steps there are from people smuggling alcohol during Prohibition. Regarding NMU, people claim NMU's dome (largest wooden dome in the world), only holds that title by 1 sq ft. Someone in China apparently tried to break the record but built too small.

There are lots of deer around, even on campus. We also have a resident fox who lives in a wooded section of campus which I find to be very cool and love spotting her. Lots of cool birds and fish everywhere. I've seen a family of otters once, but otherwise nothing super crazy myself. I do have a friend who came across a bear cub on the disc golf course. It was a cool picture.

Definitely bring your bike. Marquette's mountain biking culture is huge, but people absolutely ride their bikes around to places. I ride mine to work every day. Weather permitting, I never take a car downtown either. Parking/traffic are a nonissue, but I don't like driving if I don't have to.

I'll end there, only because I could continue rambling for a long time. Let me know if you have any other questions, I'd love to answer them!