Reviews

The classes here are pretty intense. I'm a student in the college of Engineering, where group work is an important part of most classes. Most of the core classes like calculus, physics, and chemistry are very large classes, but they all have smaller recitation sections. Other classes, like language classes, are very small and interactive. Also, the size of the university makes it so that there are classes offered that professors have a personal interest in. Last year I took an art class through the German department; I learned how to weld, carve stone, and work with metal and wood in German. I've also had the chance to take a German soccer class and a German for Engineers class, and to major in Atmospheric, Oceanic, and Space Science because the university has the resources to offer these programs. As I get into higher level courses, the level of learning has definitely increased.

I am definitely enjoying being here. There is something for everyone here, from IM or Club Sports to Greek Life. There are church groups, pre-professional groups, cultural groups, political groups, service groups, and even there is even a squirrel club. There is always something going on somewhere on campus, and you can always find people to share in your activities.

This university is expensive, especially if you're an out of state student, but the percentage of students who get jobs after graduation speaks for itself, especially in this economy.

Apply early! You'll find out if you got in a lot earlier, and it will increase your chance of getting in, too. Also, don't expect A's here. There is a high level of competition and you can't just skate by just by going to classes and taking notes. One more thing, don't be intimidated by the huge size of this school. It's really easy to make your own smaller school within the bigger university, especially if you're in the engineering school, school of kinesiology, or the business school.

Any student who loves a challenge will thrive here. There is a high level of competition here, but there are also classes and departments where group work is the main method for homework. All types of students can thrive here, they just need to find their niche.

I have learned so much after only one semester. I am in the School of Nursing, and I have classes with mostly the same group of freshman nurses (besides my English and electives). We all help each other study for our exams. Many of the courses I take are challenging, but the information is so important for my major, so it is worth it. All my friends feel they are gaining valuable knowledge in their majors as well. College work is much more difficult than the work in High School- everything is faster paced and more in depth, but as long as you realize this and put in the extra time studying, you can be successful. I feel like I have also learned non academic life skills such as being more independent. There is a huge variety of classes you can take in many different fields- something for everyone. Classes are HARD- but you will learn more than you ever thought possible.

I absolutely love my college experience so far! I have met so many wonderful friends, and there is something here for everyone. There is great art and music, many different cultures, and interesting speakers and professors. All of the people you encounter will give you new views on many world events. The diversity is incredible. I am so happy I joined Circle K, which is a community service club, as well as being involved in Nurse Council. Joining clubs introduced me to many new people and also helped me figure out what is really important to me.

Obviously this is an expensive university, but the facilities are great- you have opportunities to go to several libraries, ride the buses anywhere on campus, eat in any cafeteria you want with your meal plan, and the classrooms are all nice and clean. My professors have been great- they really care about their students and they are so intelligent. They all hold office hours and make it easy for you to get help outside of class. This university is well worth the money, I cannot imagine a better school! The reputation of graduating from the University of Michigan makes all your hard work worth it, and opens many doors.

-Take a visit to campus during the summer and think if you can see yourself going to school there. Make sure to check out the campus and the downtown.
-Don't be afraid to ask questions! Seriously, we've all been in the same position as you.
-Don't slack your senior year of High School- admissions will look at all your transcripts, keep up your good work.
-Be outgoing at orientation- I made some great friends there. Orientation is a great chance to meet people with the same major as you.
-Get involved in activities on campus- try it and you might like it! There are tons of organizations to choose from.
-Lay down rules with your roommate when you first meet to avoid future conflicts in the future.
-Pack carefully, bring things like a fan and all of your bathroom stuff- my roommate is from Missouri and she brought everything except her toothbrush, not a big deal, but funny.
-Be friendly in your dorm, you can meet lots of people!
-Buy tickets for the football games- everyone goes
-If you get homesick, don't worry, it's normal, you will get adjusted.
-Make sure to find out where your classes are before the first day of class- you will save yourself A LOT of hassle and stress.
-Know your professors- take advantage of office hours, they will know your face and you can get valuable help.

Great for any student who loves a challenge and who wants to experience people different from themselves. People who are open-minded and like a fast paced life will love the University of Michigan.

Didn't know I could learn as much as I did this past year. The school had so much to offer for my program and I couldn't have picked a better school.

The environment is perfectly ideal. Gorgeous campus completely intertwined in the beautiful town of Ann Arbor. It is not just University buildings that are separate from the town it is built in, but fits in like a glove. It is an amazing place to live with such a loving and unified student body. The faculty of professors give you the individual attention of a small school with the excitement and bold scale of a large university. The football games are incredible and not to be missed! I never feel in danger on campus.

Although the school is obviously expensive, it could not have nicer facilities. I do not feel like we, as students, are not getting what we paid for. The financial aid department is very helpful and understanding of any needs. If this is the school for you, they will make sure it is not an option because of money.

Take advantage of every moment! The school has so much to offer, it would be a shame to let the 4 precious years you have here go away without being able to get all the benefits from this amazing school. There are always activities and groups to be a part of. Figure out what interests you and get involved.

Well-rounded, determined, confident, caring, responsible kids fill the student body.

School spirit is UNBEATABLE here. Big 10 school plus top 10 engineering school. Known for diversity and work hard play hard attitude.

You know you're a michigan wolverine when you're open to new ideas and have strong passions for improving society through breakthroughs. The school isn't necessarily looking for people who have it all together (aka 4.0 GPA, best athlete in every sport...etc) but rather students who are willing to learn from others, their own mistakes, and into the future for interesting opportunities. Just show your hunger for knowledge and you're set! Also be genuine with your passions. Just because you were the editor of the newspaper doesn't mean to you have to pursue journalism in college. Figure out what you like and don't like. Be daring and try new things.

As one of the top public schools in the nation, we don't joke about the academic rigor. The exams are difficult, and you learn a lot more than you'll retain (naturally, that is). But this is good, because the information is really interesting and challenging at the same time.

Obviously, the quality of your room and experiences ranges from which dorm you live in and who you end up rooming with, but for the most part, you get a wonderful dorm life. I would say majority of undergrads prefer to dorm because it's convenient (you don't have to cook) and you're always close to the heart of Ann Arbor. It's never boring living in dorms. There's always a dining hall close to you and you meet a lot of new people by living in dorms.

South Quad and North Quad have THE BEST food hands down. On special nights, they have roasted duck, crispy pork belly, steak, seafood pasta, garlic butter clams, never ending bread variety..etc. On average nights, it's still great. There's so much to choose from. But even if you eat the best pizza every day, it'll probably get old around the fourth month or so.

Explore the city with cute little shops and coffee places and diverse cuisines, tailgate every saturday during game season, watch a movie at liberty theater, spin the cube, paint the rock, take a walk at the Arb, sit by the diag and people watch, take a trip to North Campus and view the water fountain, ice skate at Yost Arena, use the massage chairs at the Union, sled down the hills.

Though tuition is pricey, you're getting all the connections you paid for. Our alumni fam will hook you up everywhere you go. You start to notice michigan more and more and then you realize we are literally in every city. The quality of education is superb and the professors really care about you and the wellbeing of the student body.

Cube, Arb, Volleyball on North Campus Diag, Wellness center @ 3rd floor union, cowbells at the games, vomit comet on 3am bus rides back to north campus! :)))

students who think they belong at ivy's but don't want to deal with snooty kids who "know it all". students who actually want social lives but still want an academically rigorous environment.

you name it, we have it -- including that squirrel feeding club.

i would say a good 30-40% are involved in it. But it's not like you're pressured to join one. If you do, that's you're community. If you don't, you have endless other clubs to join and communities to be apart of -- DO NOT WORRY :) You find your place here quicker than you think.

Ann Arbor police are on it 24/7. I never feel unsafe walking around campus in weird hours of the night. Basically, everyone is, because we have exams like every few weeks, and going back and forth from the library to your dorm at 5am is normal.

The classes are engaging and powerful. Because UM is such a large university, they offer so a varied selection of classes, so you are able to delve into your interests while also pursuing your major.

I came to University of Michigan knowing nobody, and now I have so many friends. Everyone is so friendly and I couldn't imagine going anywhere else.

As an out-of-state student, I have to admit that the tuition is ridiculously expensive. Everything in the area has prices jacked up. All-in-all, I still couldn't imagine going anywhere else, but I wish they offered more merit scholarships.

VISIT VISIT VISIT!!!! When you visit a campus, you really get the feeling if you belong.

Smart, outgoing, friendly, caring, fun, social...really anyone!

UM stresses diversity, so really you will find all types of students here

Not only did I learn a lot academically, I grew astronomically as a person. The campus is diverse and exciting and there are always new opportunities for students to expand their horizons. Classes are fun and challenging and intellectually stimulating.

I loved the campus, students, classes and Ann Arbor in general. Campus is closely intertwined with downtown Ann Arbor and there are always all sorts of fun events going on. Michigan football games are amazing even if you aren't too big into sports. The campus is beautiful in every season. Classes are challenging but there is still time to make and enjoy being with great friends.

I loved every minute and would do it again in a second. The price is totally worth it.

U of M is a wonderful place to study anything your heart could possibly desire. I've meet from Michigan that go there to study from chemical engineer to music, and all of them look happy, successful, and proud. While I don't much about all the academics, I know that Michigan offers liberal arts, engineering, medicine, law, and everything in between. Mandated classes tend to have large audiences, but more professionalized courses tend to grow smaller.
If you have doubts, the campus has enormous libraries, filled with thousands of books and nice places were to study.
I would say that as long as you don't get too distracted by the active Greek life of the university, and you put proper attention to your studies, you should do great things at Michigan

Ann Arbor is probably the best, middle-sized city in all of Michigan. Filled with theatres, movie houses, lots of coffee-shops (and probably the biggest Borders store I have seen yet) and all other kinds of stores, some located within giant Briarwood Mall, there's always something to do or somewhere to go at Ann Arbor.
During winter, as in most of Michigan, the weather can be a tad unpredictable, both is usually characterized by freezing temperatures and snowfall once in a while. However, the city is great for outdoor experiences during spring, summer and fall. Even in winter, you can always be sure that great woodlands or skiing areas cannot be too far from Ann Arbor.
The city as a giant art fair every year or so, the best Japanese restaurant I have ever tried, and a rich past characterized by the settlement of mostly Germans in the city a century or more ago.

U of M can be extremely affordable, as long as you are a resident of Michigan. Since it's technically a public university, U of M can afford to offer low tuition to most Michigan residents, as long as they can prove they haven residents for at least three consecutive years.
For those coming from outside, the academics that U has to offer, plus the many opportunities that come from obtaining a degree from Michigan, its definitely worth the tuition costs, and even for non-residents, U of M's cost is still somewhat low compared to other great schools in Michigan.

If you live in Michigan, you should definitely visit one of the school's information fairs. They give a tour of the university, help you with the application process by giving tips and important info, you get to observe the city of Ann Arbor in the process (or are welcomed to do so after the visit is over), and you usually get a pretty realistic glance of student life. Last time I visited Michigan for an information fair, we were received by a fraternity's party occuring in one of the many fraternities at Michigan. That further boosts the belief that there is always something to do at Michigan.

Party people, as long as you keep things in moderation, you will ADORE Michigan. For students interested in receiving the best public education in Michigan, don't forget U of M. Most of all, coffee adicts, book snugglers, peace-loving hippies, library recluses, concert and moviegoers, organice eaters, Chinese addicts, and winter sports people, Ann Arbor is calling.

Big, but doesn't feel so if you choose to join a Living Community or have a particularly social floor.

Social, but definitely favors the extrovert who participates in Greek Life.

Incredible amplitude of opportunity, but only if you actively pursue it.

Come into university with eagerness to participate in extracurriculars, they are essential to success both in your social life at college and your own personal growth as an individual.

It depends on the school you're in, but they all share the general tone of, you guessed it: rigorous.

Dorm floors are a tossup on how social they are. Living in an MLC is a great help to incite bonding among peers. Among the benefits of Bursley/Baits, there is a stronger sense of community for freshmen there than there may be in other, more convenient/newly renovated dorms on Central or Hill.

Dining is pretty good, though it gets repetitive and less appetizing by the start of the second semester. Lots of good restaurants located in downtown. and a multitude of big chain options (Wendy's, Starbucks, etc.) available at the University commons on campus.

Most of the party scene revolves around greek life, unless you know people who live in houses.
The University offers a lot of free events for students to freely participate in, from movie nights to "Mix" nights (a mini carnival at the Union hosting free activities, raffles, and prizes pertaining to a theme).
Going to the Michigan Theater to see a screening of a movie or performance by an orchestra.
The museums on campus are excellent resources and places of cultural enrichment!

There is a lot offered, but it never quite escapes the sense of an institution. You can't really ignore the grand legacy that fuels the school, making you feel more like a pawn for revenue and perpetuating the standard, than a student...
That said, Its incredible to see the sheer amount of opportunity available to you thanks to the amazing resources presented at the school. It really is a powerhouse for fostering innovation- only if you really push for it, though.

Walking through the fountain as an induction on orientation day, and back through it on graduation day.

Those full of academic ambition and seeking a robust sports/social/greek life.

You are more likely to be faced with the issue of not knowing what to cut from all the orgs you signed up for than not being able to find one.

Very prevalent. While they are in the minority (20-25%), they make themselves apparent. You're never more than 10 feet from a frat bro/sorority sister.

Since election 2016, violence toward minorities (primarily muslims, blacks, and women) has escalated, though this isn't necessarily at the fault of the school.

Classes here are intense, but doable. GSI's (Graduate Student Instructors) will always be there to help you get through the class and will help address the struggles you may be facing. Office hours are always a possibility to get extra help outside of the classroom. I am in the College of Literature, Science & the Arts and therefore, I take more liberal arts classes. This university, however, has many schools dedicated to student interests, including the Business School, Kinesiology, School of Education and the Engineering School, to name a few. Advisors and tutors are always available to help students adapt to this campus. I am learning a lot in the classroom setting, but I also learn a lot outside of the classroom. I have had several classes broadcast lectures live on the internet, meaning I would be able to be in my room listening/watching lecture.

This university is FILLED with resources and organizations. There are organizations affiliated with religious aspects, race, ethnicity, year, sports, major and any interest one can think of. These organizations are open to the whole student body and they create families. Being away from home can be hard and these resources help make it easier here because they become the ones you turn to when you need anything. I have met people in organizations that have offered to show me areas around Michigan and neighboring states and I have also made connections that have helped me obtain jobs as well as internships.

Michigan is expensive, whether you are in state or out-of-state. I pay out-of-state tuition, which makes it harder because it's over 40k. However, this university gives thousands of students scholarships to be able to attend and not worry about tuition rates. They are very generous with this and outside scholarships can also help. Advisers also help students scope out possible scholarships and internships that may apply for them. It is worth it; once you leave this university, you will see the endless opportunities. This university is one of the best in the world, imagine being an alumni from here!

Do not be afraid to apply, whether because of tuition rates or admission rates. It is possible to get in and be able to afford it! Once here, join organizations because that is how you will make some of the greatest connections. Become friends with your roommate and establish rules before the school year begins so there aren't any confusions later on. Also figure out where your classes will be and order your books early! There are plenty of sites that will help you find cheaper books. Ask around -- maybe other students have those books and you can just borrow! Save your money because once in college, money will go really fast. Try to limit how much you spend a week and go to stores like Meijer or Target for essentials because they are much cheaper than any store on campus. In addition, meet with your adviser to learn of the available resources on campus, such as the Career Center or CAPS. Be friendly! Whether you may have been shy or not in high school, this is a chance to start over new. Make friends with those on your floor, your Resident Adviser, and peers!

This university is great for those who are dedicated to facing challenges. This university is prestigious and to keep that reputation, it wants students to show they are the Leaders & Best!

The University of Michigan is truly an incredible place with incredible people. There is a lot of school pride about both academics and athletics, and although the academics are challenging, there is a good combination of studying and fun. I would recommend U of M to anyone.

You need to keep your GPA high and get involved at school. Michigan is big on being involved: everyone I've ever met here is in at least one student organization trying to accomplish something. If the university can see that you're a go-getter, they are more likely to let you in even if your grades are not quite as high as they should be.

The academics are definitely challenging at Michigan. Obviously it depends on what you study, but I would say that overall you are going to have to adjust your study habits if you don't already have them, and you're going to need to study A LOT. The math and science classes are especially rigorous, as well as the engineering classes.

My dorm experience was very positive. I lived on North Campus as a freshman, which actually turned out to be a blessing in disguise. Yes, riding a bus to class every day wasn't great, but I got used to it quickly and the fact that there isn't much going on on North Campus brought my hall closer. I am still close with many of the people I met in the dorms, and it is an experience I wouldn't trade for anything.

The food at Michigan really depends on which dining hall you go to. Overall, it is decent, but for example North Quad has much better food than Bursley does. There are lots of options for vegetarians, healthy choices, and lots of variety, however. As far as off campus eating, there are many different choices. On State Street there is more affordable food, and on Main there are nicer restaurants. Overall Ann Arbor has many different types of food, and it would take forever to try them all!

Of course there is a decent amount of partying, not just in Greek life but most places on campus. However, there are definitely people who don't drink, smoke, or party too. It is not hard to find people who like the same things as you in a school as big as Michigan. Sporting events are always fun (football, basketball, hockey, etc.), as well as walking around to shop on State Street, going to a movie, etc.

Michigan is definitely expensive. Although it is worth it to me, and I am in state, you have to be sure that this school is where you want to be. As far as public schools go, Michigan is one of the most expensive.

Michigan is full of tradition. For example, legend goes that if you step on the M on the middle of the Diag (the center of campus) before your first Blue Book exam, you will fail it. Even students who have already taken Blue Book exams avoid stepping on it out of fear. I know I definitely don't step on it! There are many other examples of these sorts of traditions.

You have to be willing to put in the effort and really take advantage of the situation you're put in and the opportunities you've been given. Michigan can be the best thing that ever happened to you, but you have to work hard for it.

There is a ridiculous number of clubs and organizations at Michigan. Take advantage of it! They are a great way to meet people, get involved, find something you're passionate about, and build a resume. One of the things I love most about U of M's campus is that it is constantly alive: there is an energy around campus of things getting accomplished, changes being made.

Greek life plays a significant role on campus, but not a huge one. I have friends in Greek life and friends not in Greek life, and it doesn't really make a difference. It is all just about common interests. Personally, Greek life wasn't for me, but this is a personal choice. There are many opportunities for socializing in and outside of Greek life.

I never feel unsafe on campus. Most areas are well lit. Obviously you should avoid walking alone at night, but I would say that's true of most places. Of course crimes do occur, and it is helpful to travel in a group.