Pre-pandemic, I’d say go to Stern, if your parents can afford the extra dough and it’s a better fit. Now however, I’d advise my kid attend UMich, since A2 is a great college town, the education is superb and there’s college football Saturdays, hopefully, cross your fingers. I know my own DC21 kid wants to stay closer to home now.
I don’t know if I’d describe UMich as “laid back.” It’s certainly not for my kid during the semester, although in comparison to NYC, maybe so. 