Living in Ann Arbor

Main Street, downtown in Ann Arbor

Check out the Go Blue Guide to explore Ann Arbor, campus life, housing, transportation, health & wellness, and numerous guides for new and prospective students & postdocs.

Ann Arbor combines a small-town atmosphere with the diverse educational, cultural, and recreational opportunities of a large city. The University itself sponsors a multitude of activities for the entire family. Spectator sports throughout the year are highlighted by Big Ten teams competing in football, basketball, gymnastics, soccer, and many other sports. The University Musical Society and the School of Music, Theatre, & Dance provide numerous concerts and other cultural experiences.

Living costs in Ann Arbor are about average for most communities of similar size and type. There are more than 700 university-owned apartments on campus. All areas of the city are well supplied with parks and schools. The population of Ann Arbor (2020 census) is over 120,000 and more than 75% of residents have a college degree. The city is located 35 miles west of Detroit and is just a 25-minute drive from the Detroit Metropolitan Airport.

The University of Michigan (U-M) International Center serves as a key resource for students and postdocs across campus to facilitate immigration advisement, compliance guidance, advocacy, global campus community events, and advising services.

Michigan Stadium

Research Fellow Tai-Ting on Moving from Taiwan to Ann Arbor

Ph.D. Student Nafisa on Living in Ann Arbor