Just got back from Campus Day yesterday, and here are some of my thoughts:
Was there Sunday April 2nd through today, April 4
Where did you stay? Would you recommend it?
Stayed at the Inn at the Michigan League. No amenities other than being on campus, but the room was nice, clean, and location can’t be beat.
Where did you eat? Did you try any local specialties?
Ate at Mani’s, Frita Batidos, Anna’s House, and Bersley dining hall.
How did you get there? What’s the best transportation mean to get to-from the campus?
We drove, only because airfare was very expensive from NY this weekend. We walked around campus, and took the campus bus on our tour.
What was the campus vibe?
The campus vibe is busy, lots of students getting to and from places. Saw a lot of fun being had in the downtown area, but not on campus itself. I think that’s very weather dependent.
What did you think of the dorms?
Utilitarian is the word that comes to mind. Definitely tight quarters.
What are some must-see things in or around campus?
The law school area is gorgeous. And obviously it’s all about walking around Ann Arbor.
How were the school facilities?
We mainly saw the North Campus as far as facilities go. It looks like an industrial complex, not pretty. But the technology and facilities indoors are state of the art.
Did you like it more or less than you thought you would? Why?
I was less impressed than I thought I would be. I loved AA, the downtown can’t be beat. But the school grounds were kind of barren, a little schizophrenic in architecture. There’s no charm or character. Our Campus Day activities didn’t include The Big House or any of the sports venues. Maybe that would have helped. I’m an experienced NY commuter, but the campus bus was packed to the gills.
Did anything surprise you?
How uninspiring the architecture is in the North Campus. For all the money the school is given and the OOS tuition, you would think the North Campus would match the prestige of the engineering program. I really expected Michigan to do more for an admitted student’s day and I was underwhelmed.
We went for UMich Campus Day last Friday. I highly recommend the experience for those accepted students still considering UMich. Morning focused on Financial Aid, Housing, walking campus tour which included a tour of an actually dorm (tight quarters) and then lunch at a dining hall. Afternoon included detailed information session from the admitted school and then a sample lecture. It was a very well organized program and well-worth a visit. Campus day starts at 7:30 AM so I recommend arriving the night before. The Hampton Inn Ann Arbor South was affordable and decent. It is about 2 miles drive to campus.
When did you visit?
2/21/25, dead of winter with snow on the ground and quite cold.
Where did you stay? Would you recommend it?
Hampton Inn Ann Arbor South, about 2 miles from campus. Good value for the stay so I would recommend it.
Where did you eat? Did you try any local specialties?
Sava’s in Downtown had awesome food but it was a bit pricey. Zingerman’s Deli had local vibe and excellent sandwiches but also pricey. Chapala Mexican was more affordable and had a festive vibe. Great restaurant after Campus Day.
How did you get there? What’s the best transportation mean to get to-from the campus?
We drove from NJ to MI in about 10 hr. It offered us more flexibility so we can back out in case of snow. We parked at Maynard Structure ($1.50 / hr.) so no worries about finding a parking spot at Ann Arbor. Campus is less than 10 min. walk from the parking deck. UMich validated parking on Campus Day.
What was the campus vibe?
Quite busy even on a Friday! Lots of students working on their laptops at Ross! Great merging of campus to downtown. Love the vibe!
What did you think of the dorms?
Dorms for a double are quite small and very basic. Bunk on top and desk at the bottom. Not much room to move about. The room was smaller than dorms at Rutgers.
What are some must-see things in or around campus?
Definitely spend time walking around Ann Arbor (A2). Lots of interesting restaurants & stores. Check out the Arboretum when weather permits.
How were the school facilities?
Facilities seem great. Historic Michigan Union, beautiful Law Quads and very modern Ross Building.
Did you like it more or less than you thought you would? Why?
I attended my sister’s UMich Law graduation over 20 years ago. A2 was a very positive memory. We walked around thoroughly on this trip and we love the campus!
Did anything surprise you?
We were surprised at how well the campus integrated into A2. The mix of architecture from different era worked well!
