University of Michigan-Ann Arbor Top Questions

I think I've already suggested what the deal here is, but basically: socially speaking, we're all very liberal. Washtenaw County (Ann Arbor plus a few surrounding areas) voted something like 75-25 percent in favor of gay marriage despite the state defeating it like 62-38. So there's that. It's not an especially politicized place, though, and there have been fewer and fewer protests on the Diag every year it seems like. Economically, there are more than a few approaches, though in general I would say it's what you'd expect from an institution with a liberal reputation like Michigan has. SDS started here and whatever the fallout and exact awareness each student has, there's a vague pride in upholding that tradition. The student body generally comes from the state of Michigan itself, but there is definitely a sizable out of state population. Typically, when they ask on the first day of class, there's a bunch of kids from the Detroit suburbs, scattered others from Michigan, a few Chicagoans and then the New York/California contingent that always seem to be in frats or sororities. It's regionally diverse and ethnically diverse (though that's in danger thanks to Ward Connerly and the Prop 2 Fun Time Brigade. yeehaw!...sigh.). If you're from out of state, you've got cash because it's 36,000/year. There are certainly folks without money, though, and it's worth remembering for us pampered sorts.

Michigan can be the right place for anyone. I think that the campus is really diverse and everyone is accepted and can find whats right for them.

very diverse, people wear whatever they want, there aren't really any people in my opinion who wouldnt fit it, its for the nerds, the preps, the alternative and punk, and the athletes

Michigan is loaded with diversity. Unfortunatley that diversity doesnt really translate off of acceptnace letters and into the lives of Michigan students. At michigan yo can find any kind of person, there are so many different personalities and people of different background here. But if yo want to find a trully diverse group of friends the best place to look would be the dance crews, because outside of them, most people just make friends with similar people. The greek system at michigan is split up into jewish houses, and WASPy houses, and athletic houses, and houses where all the girls help eachother puke, and houses where all the guys help eachother roofie their girlfirnds. Nobody really has to step outside their comfort zone here, because you will be able to find a group of people just like you.

On campus of course there are stereotypes...i.e. the sorority girl has Ugg boots, black leggings, a Northface, straightened died blond hair, and too much jewlery. However, you can find any type of student dressed in any way at UM. All in all though, we are a very "chill," relaxed student body...most of us can be found in sweats, jeans, t-shirts, sweaters, and coats/hats/gloves(!) on any given day. There are all types of racial, religious, LGPT, socio-economic groups on campus. There are places where they remain in tight "cliques" however, there is a lot of diversity and mixing as well. Most students are from Michigan, however its not unusual in the least bit to talk to someone from out of state. This school brings people from everywhere. We have a lot of New Yorkers. Most students are VERY politically/socially aware and active.

The best thing about U of M is that people are free to dress or act in whatever way they feel most comfortable. Some people are very judgmental and very trendy about what they wear, but it is easier to laugh at these people than worry about them as they are not too widespread.

no experiences with such groups. i dont think any student would feel out of place, maybe goth or punks. girls wear leggings and uggs, guys jeans sweahirts. 4 tables- greek life, theatre kids, athletes, intellectuals. SO MANY FROM MICHIGAN. there are extremes, rich north shore or full ride scholarships. very politically aware and active. center. talk about jobs and how they want to be successful.

I have seen people of all kinds of races, religions, social orientations, socio-economic status, etc. Everyone on our campus exits peacefully with people of all of these backgrounds. It does seem that people of the same race do gravitate towards each other in social situations, but everyone is accepting of each other. I do not think that any kind of student would feel out of place here because there are so many people and so many kinds of people that everyone can find people with whom to create a social circle. Most students wear jeans and t-shirts or sweatshirts to class. Nothing to dressy, but definitely fashionable and stylish. Different types of students interact on academic levels and for group work, but generally students of similar races and socio-economic status form groups of friends. One table of students would be rich out-of-staters in the Greek community gossiping about their weekend. One table would be a group of Asian students speaking their language. one table would be a group of really smart engineers talking about things that most people wouldn't understand. one table would be a group of low-key people laughing and joking. and one table (a fifth table that would probably only be found on north campus) would be a group of students in the music/theater school loudly singing or rehearsing lines from their upcoming play. Most students are from michigan. The out-of-staters mostly come from new york, new jersey, california (LA) and florida. There are a wide range of financial backgrounds, but all of the out-of-staters are most likely upper-middle class. people from in-state are all over the board. Students are politically aware and active on both national and campus levels. People here are aware of what is going on in the upcoming elections, and they are active in student government. student government is a large part of this campus because it is so large. there are many different parties and branches of student government, and those who want to be involved campaign for their vote. I have found students at michigan to be pretty liberal. with the upcoming election, most of the talk is about barak obama.

I don't think anyone would feel out of place here because it is sooo big that we really have everything. Most students wear normal clothes or sweats to class. Very casual. Yeah, different types of students absolutely interact with one another. I didn't eat in the dining hall much, food sucked. Most students are either from West Bloomfield, MI, Westchester, NY, Long Island, NY, or Bethesda, MD. There are a lot of really rich kids here. Students for the most part I think are pretty politically aware, and it is definitely predominantly left. No students don't talk about how much they'll earn one day cause most don't know.

This question is a great opportunity for me to describe the Jewish soroity girl. She travels in a pack everywhere- class, bar, gym, etc. All her friends look identical- during the day: north face jacket, ugg boots, a long champ bag, juicy pants and a soroity sweatshirt. At night, an overpriced shirt, skinny jeans, and an overpriced bag. She wanders around campus thinking she is superior- but in reality she cannot separate herself from her safety net. And if she is separated what will happen?