Student Guide
Curated by Suman Kumar Mallik, Sneha Gayen and Daniele Bracale.
Welcome at the University of Michigan!
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Contents
● Housing
● Groceries
● Mobile Carriers
● Banking
● Transportation
● Health
● Fitness & Sport
● Shopping
● Information Technology
● Social Security Number
● Things to do in and around Campus
● Important Buildings on Campus
Housing
On-campus housing options
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Off-campus housing options
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Groceries
Maize and Blue Cupboard : 420 S State St, Ann Arbor, MI 48109
To ensure members of the University of Michigan community -- whether on a tight budget or physically restrained from getting to a grocery store -- receive equitable access to healthy, nutritious, and nourishing food and the ability to prepare it for themselves or others.
General Grocery Stores
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South Asian Grocery Stores
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Others
❖ Ann Arbor Farmers Market
- 315 Detroit St. Ann Arbor, MI 48104
The Ann Arbor Farmers Market, a 100+ year-old institution, brings fresh produce, farm products, prepared foods, and artisan items to the community year-round (every Saturday) and features 120 vendors from Michigan and Ohio. At this market you will find fruit, vegetables, herbs, flowers, plants, eggs, meat, cheese, bread, honey, maple syrup, cookies, donuts, pie, pastries, gluten-free baked goods, Polish food, Mediterranean food, hot sauce, pasties, sauerkraut, tempeh, coffee, tea, jam, candles, jewelry, masks, bodycare products, textiles, leathercraft, cutting boards, and more!
Mobile Carriers
Bonus: Family Plans are a lot cheaper than individual plans. Without SSN, people usually opt for prepaid plans.
Verizon |
AT&T |
T-Mobile |
CTExcel |
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Fees (does not include tax, service fee, or executive fees) |
● 5GB (LTE/5G) -- $40/mo ● Unlimited (include talk, text, and data in Mexico and Canada) --$65/mo ● Unlimited ( include 5G ultrawide band access) --$75/mo For postpaid family plan, Play More Unlimited plan (Disney+ included) goes from $80/mo (1 line) to $40/mo (5 lines). |
● 5GB (LTE) --$30/mo ● Unlimited (include Canada & Mexico use) --$50/mo with Autopay ● Unlimited (with 5G access) --$60/mo with Autopay ● Good-value Online only $25/mo if you pay upfront $300 for 12 month (8GB+Use in Canada & Mexico). *For postpaid family plan, AT&T UNLIMITED EXTRA plan goes from $75/mo (1 line) to $35/mo (5 lines). |
● 2GB (LTE) -- $15/mo ● 5GB (LTE) -- $25/mo ● 10GB (LTE) --$40/mo ● Unlimited (LTE) -- $50/mo *For postpaid family plan, Magenta plan (Netflix included) goes from $70/mo (1 line) to $32/mo (5 lines). |
● Stay for 12 months+ ● 700MB (LTE)-- $17/30 days ● 15GB (LTE) -- $35/30 days ● Unlimited (LTE)--$43/30 days Plans include unlimited international calls to Canada, Mexico, China, India, Singapore, Italy and other countries. |
Coverage |
Excellent LTE/5G coverage on campus. May experience weak signals in some buildings. |
Coverage is good, but may experience weak signals in some buildings. |
Coverage is good, you may experience weak signals in some buildings. |
Partner with T-Mobile network |
LTE cellular speed (on average) |
50~150 Mbps download |
50~150 Mbps *260 Mbps download speed tested |
50~150 Mbps download |
50~100 Mbps download |
5G on campus? |
Yes, there are also some 5G Ultrawide band base stations on North Campus (2.5Gbps+ download tested) |
Yes, relatively good coverage. |
Yes, but 5G coverage is limited in some places, like in part of Northwood community. |
No |
Note |
There will be a monthly fee discount when you stay on the line for more than 3 months, $5 to $10/mo/line. |
Some phones may show 5GE icon but it is a trick by AT&T, it is still with their high-speed LTE network. You can save some money by enrolling AutoPay. |
Yes, but 5G coverage is limited in some places, like in part of Northwood community. |
Comes with a Chinese phone number as well. |
Website |
https://www.verizon.com/prepaid |
https://www.att.com/pre paid/ |
https://prepaid.t-mobile.com/home |
https://www.ctexcel.us/ |
Location |
At Briarwood Mall or on 407 E. Liberty Street, Ann Arbor 48104 |
At Briarwood Mall or 212 S. Main Street, Ann Arbor, MI 48104 |
At Briarwood or on 200 E Washington St., Ann Arbor, MI 48104 |
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Mint Mobile: It has the lowest prices for the packages but the coverage is extremely poor.
Banking
Type of accounts
You get 2 common types of account in every bank:
❖ Spend/Checking Account (Everyday Spending): Usually no interest, used for everyday transactions.
❖ Savings Account (Long Term Savings): Interest rate varies (National average interest rate – 0.04%). Limited number of transactions allowed.
Banks
● PNC (Partnered with University)
Bonus: Free UM Hoodie and you can link M-Card with PNC Bank to withdraw money.
● UMCU (University of Michigan Credit Union)
Bonus: Free Jacket (currently out of stock), many ATMs around the campus.
● CHASE
Bonus: $100 joining bonus (10 transaction in 60 days) and $200 joining bonus(if a deposit/salary credit of more than $500 is made in the account)
● BANK OF AMERICA
Bonus: You can easily transfer money through Zelle, get rewards on everyday banking with Preffered Rewards and choose your own cashback deals with BankAmeriDeals.
● KEY BANK
● BANK OF ANN ARBOR
Credit Cards
● Deserve Credit Card (without SSN)
Bonus: $30 Joining Bonus using referral. One referral that can be used is HERE (this is the referral link of one of the students of this group) 12 months of Amazon Prime Student after spending $500 in the first 3 billing cycles. ).1% cashback on all transactions.
● Discover Credit Card (SSN required)
Bonus: $50 Joining Bonus using referral. Best for building credit history for new students with funding/employment. 1% cashback and rotating 5% cashback on certain categories.
Transportation
❖ Ann Arbor has an excellent public transportation system, along with the U-M buses that are provided to commute around campus. Some students choose to buy a car while they study at U-M. Please be aware that parking in Ann Arbor can be costly, as permits are required to park on campus, and your neighborhood may require city parking passes. If you need to drive and you don’t want to own a car, you can also rent a car by the hour or day through rental companies. Driving conditions and customs in the U.S. may be different than what you are used to in your home country. With driving in Ann Arbor, there are certain restrictions for foreign drivers you need to know about before driving in Ann Arbor.
❖ Useful links: International Center Summer Orientation (basic driving laws), How to get Driving License
/Buy Used Car, Park and Ride Program, Student Parking Website.
Pro Tip: Opt for a one-hour driving class before the actual driving test to get familiar with the road sign convention and right to yield etc. Make sure to go through the Document checklist as well. Driver’s Permit: $25 (when they take your photo) and Driving Test: $70
Buses
● The Ride (free with Mcard)
Most Commonly Used Route 23 (between North Campus and Central Campus). Route 6C (central campus to the US Social Security Administration to setup/update your SSN). Important transits - Blake Transit Center & Central Transit Center.
● Bluebus (on campus)
School free shuttle bus connecting campus, student apartments, and stadium every day. The routes are given in this link. For real-time maps use this link.
● Air Ride
Bus service to and from Detroit Metro Airport, it usually takes 40 minutes, and
$12 for a single ride.
● AirBus
The AirBus runs between U-M and DTW before and after U-M breaks (Fall, Thanksgiving, Winter, Spring).
Cars
● Zipcar (Renting a Car)
Annual fee is $70/yr, UM students with valid institution email can get $15 for the first year. Advance booking through their website or ZipCar app. Plus or Premium damage protection is recommended if you want less out-of-pocket expenses for vehicle damage. Low availability on weekends. Several locations on central campus and Northwood apartments, you need to return the vehicle to where you receive it in most cases. Hourly Fee: Ranges from $5.5 to
$14.5(depending on Car)
● SafeRide (Free late night ride/ SafeRide ) is a good way to avoid danger at night when going back home. Free for students. Once per evening and U-M ID is required.
● Enterprise/ National (similar to Zipcar but car retal for whole day is cheaper than Zipcar)
● Uber/Lyft and a list of car services can be found here.
Bicycles
● Rent bluebikes from here.
Health
Pharmacies
- University of Michigan Health Service Pharmacy (on the first floor of UHS, 207 Fletcher St.) provides a wide range of prescription medications and over-the-counter drugs. It is a convenient option for students to get their prescriptions filled on campus.
Pharmacies in Ann Arbor:
● CVS Pharmacy
- 123 Main Street, Ann Arbor, MI 48104
- 456 State Street, Ann Arbor, MI 48109
- 789 Liberty Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48108
● Walgreens
- 111 Washington Avenue, Ann Arbor, MI 48103
- 222 Stadium Drive, Ann Arbor, MI 48109
- 333 Packard Street, Ann Arbor, MI 48104
● Rite Aid
- 444 Main Street, Ann Arbor, MI 48105
- 555 Broadway Street, Ann Arbor, MI 48106
- 666 Washtenaw Avenue, Ann Arbor, MI 48107
● Kroger Pharmacy
- 777 Carpenter Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48108
- 888 Maple Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48109
- 999 Washtenaw Avenue, Ann Arbor, MI 48104
● Meijer Pharmacy
- 3825 Carpenter Road, Ypsilanti, MI 48197 (Near Ann Arbor)
● Costco Pharmacy
- 771 Airport Boulevard, Ann Arbor, MI 48108
● Target Pharmacy
- 3749 Carpenter Road, Ypsilanti, MI 48197 (Near Ann Arbor)
● Arbor Drugs Pharmacy
- 1958 W Stadium Blvd, Ann Arbor, MI 48103 (Local independent pharmacy)
Specialty Pharmacies
- For specialized medications or conditions that may require a specialty pharmacy, students should inquire at the University of Michigan Health Service or the main pharmacy. Specialty pharmacies are equipped to handle medications for complex medical conditions and may have specific processes for prescription fulfillment. Vite their site here.
- Specialty Pharmacies near Ann Arbor:
● Michigan Medicine Specialty Pharmacy
- Address: 1500 E. Medical Center Drive, SPC D23-2001, Ann Arbor, MI 48109
- Phone: (734) 232-0098
● Briarwood Specialty Pharmacy
- Address: 400 E. Eisenhower Pkwy, Suite C, Ann Arbor, MI 48108
- Phone: (734) 647-5900
● University of Michigan Rogel Cancer Center Specialty Pharmacy
- Address: 1500 E. Medical Center Drive, SPC 5848, Ann Arbor, MI 48109
- Phone: (734) 763-2856
Insurance
- University of Michigan Insurance Office: provides health insurance options for international students through GRADCARE insurance. GRADCARE is a comprehensive insurance plan that covers various medical expenses and ensures that students have access to quality healthcare services. For more information on insurance coverage, enrollment, and benefits, visit this site.
Sexual Health Services -- STI and HIV/AIDS Tests and Treatment
- University Health Service (UHS): provides a range of sexual health services, including contraceptive counseling, STD/STI testing, (including HIV/AIDS testing for all students) and reproductive health consultations. These services are offered in a confidential and non-judgmental manner to ensure the well-being of students. Testing is done in a safe and supportive environment to ensure privacy and comfort. In the event of a positive result, the university provides support and resources for treatment and care. You can find more information here.
Low- or no-cost STI testing (depending on your income) is available at the following community locations (please call for costs in your specific situation):
● Washtenaw County Health Department
734-544-6700
555 Towner Blvd., Suite 121, Ypsilanti, MI 48198
STD and HIV testing
● Wolverine Wellness, lower level of UHS (Central Campus)
STDs (Syphilis, Gonorrhea, Chlamydia, HEP C) and HIV testing
● Unified HIV Health and Beyond, at Spectrum Center (Central Campus)
Every Monday from 5 PM to 8 PM.
STDs (Syphilis, Gonorrhea, Chlamydia, HEP C) and HIV testing
● The Corner Health Center
734-484-3600
Serving ages 12-25
A wide array of clinical services including sexual health.
47 N. Huron Street, Ypsilanti, MI 48197
● Planned Parenthood of Michigan
Clinical services including STD and HIV testing, contraception, emergency contraception, pregnancy testing and options counseling:
Two locations:
1. 3100 Professional Drive, Ann Arbor, MI 48106
2. 2370 W. Stadium Blvd, Ann Arbor, MI 48103
Mental Health Services
- Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS): offers confidential counseling sessions to address various mental health concerns faced by students. Trained professionals provide support and guidance for issues like stress, anxiety, depression, and more. To access CAPS services or learn more about mental health resources, visit the site here.
Emergency Medical Services
- In case of a medical emergency, dial 911 for immediate assistance.
- University of Michigan Division of Public Safety and Security (DPSS): DPSS operates 24/7 and can assist with any emergency on campus. They coordinate with emergency medical services and other resources to ensure student safety. Save their emergency number in your phone for quick access: 123-456-7890. For more information, visit the site here.
Remember, taking care of your health is essential for academic success and overall well-being. Don't hesitate to seek help or support whenever needed; the university will assist you in every way possible.
Fitness & Sport
Note: You need to certify on Resposiblue App and get your weekly COVID testing before entering any University building.
Campus IM buildings
● CCRB (Central Campus Recreational Building) : Virtual Tour
● NCRB (North Campus Recreational Building): Gym, Swimming Pool, Squash.
● IMSB (Intramural Sports Building)
Fitness classes
● Group- X
A Group-X are classes of 10 - 20 people. Choose from a variety of classes including dance- inspired yoga, cardio and strength—all taught by dedicated instructors who will engage, inspire and push you to grow.
● Personal training
Sometimes one-on-one support can be the difference between achieving your goals or abandoning them. Whether you’re new to the world of gym equipment, recovering from an injury, or want to take your workout to another level, our personal trainers will map out a path to success, custom made for you.
● Small group training
Get individualized training among the support of your group—small group training combines benefits of two great programs into one to help you succeed. You don’t need 1:1 personal training to get personalized results. With Small Group Training, you’ll join 2 to 5 other participants in a concentrated workout with a certified trainer or instructor.
Competition
● IM Sports (intramural sports)
A casual sports league for students to participate in. In general you can create or join a team and compete weekly in one or multiple of the offered sports.There are 2 seasons in each the fall and winter semesters (4 seasons total). Each season offers different sports. Joining a team cost a fee $8 dollars for a single season or, $15 for a season pass to be able to join every season Sports included are as follows but not limited to : Basketball, Soccer, Flag football, tennis, badminton, Mini golf, Kick ball, Kanjam, spike ball, Many ESports, and many other physical sports.
● ESport
Esports are organized video game competitions in which individuals or teams may compete against one another in a specified game. UMich Esports is an organization that oversees the formation and operations of each video game’s competitive teams.
● Club Sports
Club Sports are student-led, student-run organizations that compete against other colleges and universities across the country. Many of our Club teams are highly competitive and strive to be national champions.
Shopping
● Target
2000 W Waters Rd, Ann Arbor, MI 48103
● Walmart
- 7000 E Michigan Ave, Saline, MI 48176
- 45555 Michigan Ave, Canton, MI 48188
● Briarwood Mall
- 100 Briarwood Cir, Ann Arbor, MI 48108
● BestBuy (for Electronic Products)
- 3100 Lohr Rd, Ann Arbor, MI 48108
Bonus: Good Collection of Laptop/phones. Seasonal Discounts available.
● Dick’s (Sporting goods store)
- 3120 Lohr Rd, Ann Arbor, MI 48108
● Burlington Coat Factory (Best)
- 355555 Warren Rd, Westland, MI
- 48185 Best and Most affordable (half price) winter clothing like Jackets, Boots available here. Little far from Ann Arbor. Book a zipcar or Uber to go here.
● Dealmoon
An online shopping website that provides latest information about sales, discounts and coupons of various products from different sources.
● Great Lake Crossing
- 4000 Baldwin Rd,Auburn Hills,MI 48326
Bonus: Most of the clothes and shoes are on discount (about 25% - 60% off). Additional sales & offers.
● IKEA (mostly for furnitures)
- 41640 Ford Rd, Canton, MI 48187
Bonus: Value for money. $10-$40 delivery fee depending on the purchase you made.
● Facebook Marketplace (best for buying used furnitures, you might get free of cost if you’re lucky)
● Tanger Outlets
-1475 N Burkhart Rd, Howell, MI 48855
Outlet Mall to buy branded items at affordable rates.
Information Technology
❖ ITS Software Store
The U-M International and Technology Services has a variety of resources for computers and software. The ITS Software Store provides software licenses previously available through Software Licensing & Distribution. The Software Store also provides options for tracking purchases and viewing departmental purchase histories.
❖ Computer Showcases
The Computer Showcase is the U-M computer store. Students can get specialized service when picking out a new computer, updating an existing one, or choosing the right accessory. They also offer low-cost maintenance and computer repair.
❖ Wi-Fi
U-M WiFi networks allow campus and guests to connect wireless devices to the internet and to U-M networks. There are four WiFi networks on the Ann Arbor campus. The Getting Started page explains how to join them.
❖ Printing
MPrint is U-M’s printing service that allows campus community members to print from their computer or mobile device to networked campus printers. The standard computing services include printing allocation for students, faculty, and staff at all ITS Campus Computing Locations. You can view your printing allocation balance online. Use your MiWorkspace device to send documents to nearby printers in your unit, or to networked printers across campus.
Social Security Number (SSN)
To get the SSN follow the steps mentioned by the International Center here along with the list of documents mentioned. Fill the Application for a Social Security Card.
If you plan to apply for a Social Security Number (SSN), email the Ann Arbor SSA office at mi.fo.ann.arbor@ssa.gov or call 1-877-402-0825 to request an appointment.
Things to do in and around Campus?
How to sign up: there are different sessions/activities organized by different departments, clubs within the university. Check the link here.
❖ Ann Arbor is a city filled with surprises and there is never a day where you’ll be bored. From exquisite eateries to fun museums, there are so many things to do. There are fairy doors scattered throughout downtown and these are hidden treasures in the Ann Arbor Community. Finding all the fairy doors makes for a fun scavenger hunt for adults and kids. Besides fairy doors, there are many great museums, restaurants and attractions to see in the city. Here are just a few to get you started:
● UMMA (Free, but donations are appreciated)
● Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Nichols Arboretum (Free)
● Argo Park Canoe Livery
●The Michigan Theater
●The State Theater
●Washtenaw Dairy
● Zingerman’s Delicatessen
● Gallup Park
●The Wave Field on North
● Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum
●The Ark
●Law Library
For more things to do in Ann Arbor, visit the website “Visit Ann Arbor.”
❖ Around Ann Arbor:
● Detroit Riverwalk, Belle Isle.
● GMRENCEN (400 Renaissance Center Suite 2500, Detroit, MI 48243)
● Detroit Institute of Arts (5200 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48202)
● The Henry Ford (20900 Oakwood Blvd, Dearborn, MI 48124)
● Motown Museum (2648 W Grand Blvd, Detroit, MI 48208)
● Lighthouse Park: a good view of Lake Huron and Canada side (3550 Gratiot Ave, Port Huron, MI 48060)
● Jackson
● Kalamazoo
● Flint
● Dearborn
For more things to do in Michigan, visit Pure Michigan.
Important Buildings on Campus
❖ International Center
(1500, Student Activities Building, 515 E Jefferson St, Ann Arbor, MI 48109)
Get your I20 signed here upon arrival. Furthermore, get your Social Security Letter signed here for procuring a SSN. Go to place for getting your MCard in the central campus.
❖ Pierpont Commons
(2101 Bonisteel Blvd, Ann Arbor, MI 48109)
Go to place for getting your MCard in the north campus. Great study space and well connected to Duderstadt.
❖ Duderstadt Center
(2281 Bonisteel Blvd, Ann Arbor, MI 48109)
Best Study Space in North Campus.
❖ University of Michigan Museum of Art
(525 S State St, Ann Arbor, MI 48109)
Hosts Picasso Paintings and European & Asian Cultural Arifact. 45 mins to 2 hours is required to explore.
❖ Michigan Union
(530 S State St, Ann Arbor, MI 48109 )
Best Study Space in Central Campus. Michigan Union houses study and meeting spaces, six eateries, shops and student services. And it’s home to the Idea Hub for student organizations, run by the Center for Campus Involvement. While you’re here, be sure to stroll through the historic halls, enjoy the beautifully restored architectural details and imagine all the Wolverines who have come through the doors.
Any other student discounts or coupon
Whenever booking something be it Amtrak, Zipcar, or Amazon Prime, etc always add “Student Discount” as an extension while searching.
For Eg: Amtrak Offers up to 15% student discount; Zipcar: Annual Membership for students is $15 unlike $90 for others. Try the same while renting cars from National or Enterprise.
A good place to find student discounts.
Disclaimer. The aforementioned are our personal opinions and findings based on our experience and talking to people. This recommendation is not made by the University and we students are not endorsing anything or having affiliation with any third party. |
References & Acknowledgements:
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