Student Life
Michigan is a place of limitless possibilities and our students invest their time in distinctive and vibrant ways. Outside of class you have opportunities for research, sports, social events, nightlife, theatre and the arts, hiking & outdoor recreation, and all levels and types of activism. Michigan's atmosphere is vivid and energetic, with passionate and creative students who play as hard as they work.
- For new freshman, campus housing is guaranteed, but not required; 98% choose to live in a residence hall. Our halls are places where life-long friendships are formed, great food service is provided, and academic support is readily available.
- The unique Michigan Learning Communities help students form strong bonds with faculty and other students with common academic interests. They are one of many ways students make the larger university "small".
- Approximately 17% of the undergraduate student body join the Greek System. There are 37 fraternities and 23 sororities on campus.
- Ann Arbor is a quintessential college town and joins right to Michigan's central campus. A few blocks, walkable in most weather, will get you from class to the center of the shopping district with bookstores, bistros, coffee houses, and specialty shops. To students and locals, the city is known as A2, pronounced A-Squared.
- Looking to hook up with an organization of students who share your political, religious, social, ethnic, or academic interests? Check out over 900 established student organizations. If yours doesn't already exist, create it - Michigan students are known for their entrepreneurial spirit.
- From student experimental theatre to the Berlin Philharmonic - the performing arts are second to none. There is something to do every day and night on campus and in Ann Arbor - many events are free or offer student discounts.
- Ann Arbor's socially aware and active environment draws students and Ann Arborites to many different Community Service programs.
- A significant factor in Michigan's excellence is the cultural and ethnic diversity of our student body and our programs. There are numerous services, programs, and organizations that support multi-ethnic students and/or develop cultural awareness among the entire campus community. These include:
- The Office of Academic Multicultural Initiatives
- Dialogues on Diversity
- Multi-Ethnic Student Affairs
- Inroads is a national organization that provides career development and internships.
- Intergroup Relations, Conflict, and Community
- Michigan Community Scholars Program
- Comprehensive Studies Program
- Multicultural Engineering Programs Office
- Student Activities and Leadership (SAL)
- Road trip!? Ann Arbor is about 45 minutes from Detroit, and half an hour from Metro airport. Windsor, Canada is just across the Detroit River. You can drive to Chicago in about 4 hours, or you can catch the Amtrak right in Ann Arbor.
- The state of Michigan has abundant protected parklands. The Great Lakes (Lakes Michigan, Huron, and Erie are all drivable from Ann Arbor) are ideal getaways. Skiing (both cross-country and downhill), hiking, boating, jet-skiing, water-skiing, swimming and sailing are popular seasonal activities.
- Michigan athletics are quite popular. We have 25 NCAA Division I men's and women's teams, 44 club and 45 intramural teams, and recreation facilities.
- Live music and alternative culture have wide followings in many local venues, and performances often include national and international bookings.
- Current events and news are mainstays at U-M. Students can work in university media e.g. the Michigan Daily, WUOM-FM, or WCBN-FM radio stations.
- Current students help recruit new prospective students to Michigan by becoming tour guides for the Huetwell Visitor's Center, by participating in the Ambassador's program, and by hosting admitted students during Campus Day activities each the spring. Contact the Office of Undergraduate Admissions for more information.
