University of Michigan-Ann Arbor Top Questions

The school can is very large, although Ann Arbor can be a fun place to live because it's not too large. It tends to do pretty well when it comes to restaurants and things to do because lots of money comes from being a college town.

As a now 4th generation student at the university, I think I've been thoroughly indoctrinated to the point where it might be difficult for me to be overly critical. Nonetheless, I am aware of, for example, many of my dad's complaints. He attended in the late 70's-early 80's and at that point, the university seemed stocked (paraphrasing him here) with the sort of me-centric go getters that supposedly infested the 80's. They were many and, along with the violent route that many of the more liberal students took during and after '68, there was certainly a combined contingent of less than cool dudes. The administration sort of took the defensive and left a lot of the students to fend for themselves and it was not for the better. Since then, a lot has changed (though really, I'm referring to a pretty informally researched past). I think the idea of "leaders and best" has been incorporated; the undergraduate and graduate programs are all generally top notch. But there is a general pride and love, regardless of your individual pursuits, for the idea of community in Ann Arbor. Support from the university seems to be given freely and easily. The quality of it varies (the effect of mass hires and bureaucracy) but the attitude is still remarkable. The university is massive, but there are many access nodes and assistance programs. Oh and obviously: this is a sports-centric school. Football games are the focal point and probably something like 2/3 to 3/4 of the student body attends every Saturday home game. I will never tire of going to the Big House. If there's anything that represents the communal atmosphere of the university, it's going to a football game in the Fall with 107,501 of your best friends. Cliche to be sure, but fuck it, it's almost true.

I love Michigan - I can't really think of a "big picture" thing I would change. Ann Arbor is such a great city with a lot to offer the students, but the campus is like its own little world too. Unlike other campuses it makes so much sense - the center is the diag and everything surrounds the central location. Michigan time is amazing so you can take back to back classes and almost every class is that close. Football saturdays are incredible and a highlight of the fall and the student section of the Big House is an experience everyone should have and I feel bad for my friends who don't have the experience. Umich is so big that there is something for everyone, but even still it is amazing how small you can make it for yourself. Walking down the streets I always run into people I know and usually have at least one friend in every class (for sure in lecture) There are so many different things to get involved with and once you find your niche its amazing.

I think this is an excellent school, very intelligent and intellectual people come here, and the diversity is amazing, this university really prepares you for life, especially with the challenging courses, though sometimes it's hard when you realize that all you are doing is competing for the better grade in all of our classes compared to your peers. The Michigan spirit is everywhere though, and even the alumni are really close to the university.

The best thing about being at U of M, is being a part of the Residential College (RC)...the RC is a living/learning community within UM's LSA. It is smaller, more personal, and there is a greater focus on languages and the humanities. We have language lunch/coffee hours, the classes have only about 14 people, the teachers know me by my nickname (and we know them by their first names) and make themselves very available to talk to. Two of my favorite classes were travel component classes at the RC (to Germany/Spain and to the U.S/Mexico border). Ann Arbor is an ideal college town. There's everything for everyone. I love walking around the arb (big park) in autumn and spring. The biggest controversy was over this years graduation. Our stadium is being redone so the students rallied to have our graduation here and not at a nearby other school (because we want to graduate on our campus). The university was extremely responsive and we are now graduating on the diag! Everyone...from the most insane football fanatic to those of us who have only seen half a football game (shhhhhh!) has school spirit. School spirit means something different to every student, and we each show that in our own way. anything unusual about UM?: the RC, RC, RC, RC, RC, RC, RC, RC....it has made my experience here.

It is difficult telling people that I go to Michigan at times because I want so badly not to sound elitist in any way. However, by trying to avoid sounding stuck up or egotistical about my acceptance by U of M, I often feel as though I am being egotistical by being so conscious of trying to avoid it.

the best thing is the educations reputation. i would change the strictness of bars and the occurrence of MIPs. the reaction is that you are smart because you got into michigan. union or the dorms (central campus). shitty college town, overrates the concept of a college town. I have been disappointed with the administration. the majority of my teachers are NOT what one would call "ivy-league material". GSI strike is a current controversy. LOTS of school pride. the lack of college experience is unusual. i feel like its so overrated this "college life". complaints- cops are too prevalent and strict

The fall in Michigan is amazing! You'll never forget your first football Saturday... Even if you're not a huge football fan the spirit is unreal! Everyone is decked out in maize and blue-- I would definitely say there is a lot fo school pride. The frats start drinking around 8:00 am and the parties go all day. Ann Arbor is beautiful, especially during the Fall and the Spring. People hang out in the diag. One place to check out is the Arb (Nichols Arbitorium) It's a beautiful place to run, walk, sit, play frisbee, or just explore.

Everything about Michigan is great. the only thing i would change is north campus. many freshmen live there, but not all of them are in engineering, music or art (like myself). it is just a really big inconvenience living so far from everything because nothing you need is up there. In terms of size, i think that michigan is great. we have a huge number of undergraduates which makes things such as school spirit really amazing. it also feels small because once you have your group of friends you feel secure. despite its size, you always see familiar faces when walking around campus. When I tell people that i go to michigan, they are genuinely impressed because of its academic prestige, and they always comment about our football team. Aside from being in class, i go to the library a lot. not only do i get work done, but its somewhat of a social scene. the undergraduate library isn't really quite because people are working on group projects and studying together. I also go to beansters in the league for lunch so i'm there a few days a week. Ann Arbor is an awesome college town. it has everything--stores, restaurants, clubs, bars, everything. pretty much everything is in walking distance. There is a ton of school pride here. Who wouldn't be proud to be a wolverine? on football saturdays the entire student body goes all out and dresses in michigan t-shirts and facepaint and everything. on any given day, at least half of the people I see are wearing a michigan t-shirt or sweatshirt because everyone is so proud to be here.

The best thing about Michigan is its size. It is large enough for you to virtually find everything here. I wouldn't change anything about the school itself. People are always very impressed when I tell them I go to Michigan. I spend most of my time probably in class and at my apartment, I don't really study at the library or coffee shops. Ann Arbor is definitely a college town. The Michigan administration is very up tight and run a tight ship, but if you ever have a question they will always answer you very directly. I'm not sure what the biggest controversy on campus was recently. Yes there is a ton of school pride. Nothing unusual about it here.

The one thing I would change at Michigan is the Greek life. I find the greek life a disgusting and overexaggerated indulgence of college life. The greek life spends little time and money bettering society, just throwing over the top and exclusive parties. While some may love their frat or soroity, I find these houses awful. They are stereotypical and divide a supposedly diverse school apart. There are few to no houses that are diverse and the division is not just along racial lines. Certain houses attract specific types of people, among the atrocities are: rich, over indulged, dorky, smart, studious, anything. It may seem that anyone who wants to could find a house in the greek scene, but this does not undermine the fact that it creates an antagonistic and divided atmosphere in college.

I like that Ann Arbor is more than simply U of M. I like that there is always some activity going on whether it be a bar night, concert at the blind pig, or some other form of entertainment. I do, however, feel as if there isn't much to do outside the frat scene if you're under 21. I LOVE the school pride, especially at the football games and tailgates. Michigan fans bleed maize and blue and it's so much fun to be around people who share this love for michigan as you do.

Michigan has a small feel when in class, but is still a big school. I would change the population of the student body that is in greek life. sometimes the school feels too big. people react impressed! I spend most of my time on State street. There is a HUGE amount of school pride. the biggest recent controversy is when the administration made the Graduation at the EMU administration.

The best thing is that people know how to balance academics with being social. I would change how popular Greek life is here- I would make it less popular I think the size of my school is just right People look highly upon Michigan and respect me for being a student here I spend most of my time in espresso royal Definitely a college town Michigan's administration is great. Teachers are very knowledgeable/helpful as are advisers There is a ton of school pride. During football games everybody decks out in Michigan gear and Maize & Blue Frequent students complaints are the extreme amount of work and nearly impossible exams

The best thing about Michigan is the city of Ann Arbor. It truly only exists because of the University, and is completely integrated with campus. Few restaurants close before 4 on the weekends, and there is tons of stuff to do if you're bored. The bars are great, and the campus is very compact and easy to navigate. If I could change one thing, it would be the weather. Ann Arbor gets COLD. The school for me is just right. I know a lot of people, but I always meet new people at parties or in classes. The large size is great for football games and the party scene, but I guess it's a drawback for intro classes where you're in a lecture with 300 other students. Other people in the Big Ten usually hate us, because we beat them all the time in football (other than Ohio State). People outside the Big Ten don't really seem to care. I spend most of my time during the week in class or at the library. On the weekends, lounging around the frat or going out to party. As I said, Ann Arbor is an amazing town. It is no wonder that so many people graduate and decide to stay and raise their kids in AA. The administration is extremely liberal, just like the student body. They really don't affect my life too much. The biggest recent controversy was the fact that the commencement ceremony will not be held in the Big House this year, as it usually is. I think they're having it on the diag. This pissed a lot of seniors off. There is an abundance of school pride. People here absolutely bleed maize and blue, especially during football season. As much as we love our school, we absolutely hate our rivals, especially OSU. I think Michigan is unusual in that it is so well-balanced. We have great academics, yet there is tons of time to go out and socialize. Also, we have great athletics and a cool town to live in. It's an incredibly well-rounded experience. The one experience I'll remember was this football season, I traveled to the MSU game. Down by 11 (I believe) in the fourth quarter, Chad Henne, in a gutsy, injured performance brought us back to win the game in dramatic fashion. The most frequent student complaints are probably the amount of work and the difficulty of the work we have to do. This seems to be especially prevalent in the business school.

The best thing about Michigan is the school spirit. With the weather as horrible as it is, it's surprising that everyone is happy here. As cliche as it sounds, there's something in the air at Michigan, and every student who goes here soaks that up. Michigan is truly the "All-American" university. Students can manage to have it all: academics coupled with an active social life all in an inviting environment. The University is very large and that is a concern for many students. Michigan isn't to big. Students quickly realize that the campus is as small as you make it. Rarely is there a day that I walk to and from classes without bumping into many familiar faces. However the size of the university does require the student to take the initiative to make friends, seek student organizations, and utilize university services. Ann Arbor is the perfect college town. The city and campus are seamlessly integrated. After an afternoon of shopping, one can see a lecture hall from the window of a campus boutique. The city has lots to offer in terms of entertainment. Many major and local bands play on and around campus. There are two theaters that play blockbuster films as well as independent ones. The restaurant scene is fantastic because so many different types of cuisine are offered. Every major culture is represented.

Above I delved a little bit into the issue of size here. Make no mistakes, this University is HUGE. I'll never know everybody in my grade, major, or even just on my street. But if you seek out people with similar interests as yours, there's no doubt you can MAKE the University feel small-school. This has been so true for me in the Residential College- where you live for your first two years, take classes, eat, do your laundry, go to plays, see indie bands perform in the basement cafe, and study in a library all located within one dorm: East Quad. Imagine rolling out of bed, putting on jeans, and stepping next door to use the bathroom, then going across the hall for class. It happened to me. Some days I'd never have to leave the dorm if I didn't want to. Often I ventured out just to break up cabin fever- specifically during those dark long winters. I also had a couple friends around other places on campus. But it was really nice to be so comfy and have conveniences so near. And many of my closest friends came from the same setting. The "characters" of that group are unmistakable, some of the professors will change your life and others will confuse and frustrate you. I don't feel as close to my LS&A professors from the general college. Even if the RC isn't your thing, like many of my friends, I truly believe any person can find a niche here because there are hundreds of organizations, teams, clubs, etc. Some frequent student complaints: lack of parking. If you can get by without a car, do it. I do. SO many of my friends have received dozens of parking tickets. They're like $25-$45 depending on where you go, and that adds up quickly. If you're in a dorm you probably won't have a car anyway. Another complaint: roommates. If you're in a dorm, you can get them changed. However, if you're on a lease somewhere, make sure you think about who you're living with, or be willing to live isolated. A whole year with somebody nasty can really drag by. Food: meal plans are a rip-off in my opinion, but I think this differs depending on the person. I'm a vegetarian and did not find the best options available in dorms. On my own, it can be hard to get produce in winter months since I don't have a car. The buses will be your friend. So will your friends with cars. North Campus: Chances are if you're an engineer or an art/music student, you'll be up on the island that is North Campus. It has its own feeling, separate from the main campus. If you choose to live on central, you'll have to commute 10-15 minutes to get to your classes. I rarely visit North but it is pretty and woodsy, and everything essential for survival exists up there as well (food, housing, study areas, etc.) Where do I spend most of my time? If I'm studying, I prefer the "Ugli" aka the Undergraduate Library, the Fishbowl (computing site in Angell Hall), or the Union. To me, those places have the best computers and noise levels. If I'm out partying I like the bars on Main St. as well as Ashley's and Leopold's. The bars on South University are really "sorority/frat" if you know what I mean. Not to knock them, just not my scene. If I'm working out, I always use the Central Campus Recreation Building, or the CCRB. I go there because they have the most elliptical trainers, which are lower impact on your joints. There is usually a wait (irritating but worth it) for 5-10 minutes during peak hours.

The best thing about Michigan is definitely the fact that there truly is a Michigan Difference. The emphasis that is placed on organization involvement and activisim, as well as on social justice, at Michigan is unparalleled and I say that with a lot of confidence because I have many friends at other schools. Many people hang out in the Union. There is a ton of school pride - we do have the most popular college gear in the country, if not in the world. At times, Michigan can feel too big and you do feel that it is still a state school right around the time that people register for classes because they fill up - but for me, this has always been the best part - finding my own way and paving my own path. I spend most of my time on campus in the Michigan Union - one of the most beautiful buildings on campus, with vines growing from bottom up. I think I will always associate Michigan with the Union and I have spend most of my time there because of my involvement with Student Government. All of these answers are in no particular order :)

The best thing about Michigan is the school spirit! There are few things more fun than a football game at the Big House. 110,000 people wearing maize and blue, chanting "Go Blue!"...it is so exhilarating. Forget the classes, the school spirit is enough to make this school amazing. You feel so connected to everyone else and it's just an awesome feeling. I also love the welcoming, laid-back culture. College is supposed to be a time for finding out who you really are, and Ann Arbor is a great place for doing that. For the most part, people are accepting of differences. As a lesbian, this is definitely a plus, as I feel like I can really be myself with the people here.

The best part about Michigan is the opportunities that this university provides. Students are given the opportunity to decide their major and once that is done, they have multiple different paths available to take extra cirricularly in order to further themselves outside of the classroom. Anything from studying abroad to joining one of the many student organizations is available to all students. The city of Ann Arbor is another part of the university that is truly incredible. There is never a dull moment. The city always provides something to do and simply walking down State Street, the middle of downtown Ann Arbor, proves the activity in Ann Arbor never stops. In addition to this, of course, the Michigan football games are unbeatable. Nowhere else in the nation can you say that your university has the largest college football stadium in the United States. The energy that I experienced in the student section of my first home game can not be put into words. It is an experience that I will never forget.