Navigating Graduate Student Housing Options at the University of Michigan
Living on campus is a significant aspect of the graduate student experience, offering opportunities to meet students from around the globe and fostering personal and academic growth beyond the confines of labs and classrooms. The University of Michigan provides a diverse range of housing options tailored to the unique needs and preferences of its graduate student population. This guide explores these options, encompassing on-campus residences and nearby off-campus apartments, to aid graduate students in finding the housing that best suits their lifestyle and academic pursuits.
On-Campus Housing
The University of Michigan offers several on-campus housing options specifically for graduate students, each with its unique atmosphere and amenities. Eligibility requirements generally include being an enrolled graduate or professional student, a Ph.D. candidate actively writing a dissertation, or paying tuition to and attending classes on the U-M Ann Arbor campus. Some options may also require enrollment for six or more credit hours for two out of three academic terms.
Northwood Apartments
The communities in Northwood IV and V are ideal for undergraduate, graduate, and Ph.D. students who will be living with a household. Northwood Apartments, located on North Campus, are a popular choice for graduate students, particularly those with families. These apartments offer a sense of community and are available in various configurations, including one, two, and three-bedroom units.
Northwood I and II are furnished one or two bedroom apartments with a kitchen, living room, and bathroom. Each bedroom comes with one single bed which cannot be removed. Northwood townhouses have two or three bedrooms.
Northwood contracts begin on either the 1st or the 16th of your move-in month. Assignments will be made on a rolling basis and will be released beginning in early May. If you are admitted for winter term, we will send you information in early November. Seeking a specific roommate? This can be requested during the application process for shared apartments in the Northwood Apartments area. Undergraduate students who meet eligibility requirements may apply for Northwood apartments. If you are admitted for fall, spring or summer term we will send you information beginning in mid-April.
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Munger Graduate Residences
Munger Graduate Residences is designed to foster interdisciplinary collaboration and community among graduate students. It houses students from various academic disciplines, promoting interaction and the exchange of ideas.
Munger Graduate Residences accommodate up to six or seven graduate students per suite. Each student has their own bedroom and bathroom, and the kitchen and living room are shared. Graduate students complete programs at different times of the year and you may move into a partially occupied suite. Munger Graduate Residences contracts run from either June 1 until May 23, or August 1 until July 23.
Lawyers Club
The Lawyers Club offers a unique living experience for Michigan Law students within the iconic Michigan Law Quadrangle. The Lawyers Club offers a once in a lifetime opportunity for Michigan Law students to live in the iconic Michigan Law Quadrangle. The single occupancy rooms are fully furnished and air-conditioned, with a private or semi-private bathroom. Onsite dining is included in the housing contract with a 12-meal-per-week plan.
Martha Cook Building
Martha Cook is home to a warm community of females who are focused on supporting one another while at the University of Michigan. Both undergraduate and graduate students are eligible to live in the Martha Cook Building.A valued hallmark of the Martha Cook community is its own meal plan, included in the contract, that provides dining Sunday through Friday for Martha Cook residents only. The plan includes the following meals in the Martha Cook dining hall: brunch and dinner on Sunday; continental breakfast, lunch, and dinner Monday through Friday. The dining hall is closed on Saturday and no meals are provided. Also included in the Martha Cook meal plan are Friday teas, a number of special meals and events throughout the academic year, as well as two guest meal passes and $25 Dining Dollars for the fall term and again for the winter term.
Henderson House
Henderson House is an economical co-op for sophomore through graduate females. By participating in group meals and activities, the Henderson House creates a tightly knit community of students. The contracts at Henderson House follow the undergraduate calendar and run from late August until late April/early May.
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Off-Campus Housing
Beyond the traditional dormitories and university-managed apartments, a variety of off-campus housing options cater to graduate students seeking more independence or specific amenities. These apartments often provide a blend of community and privacy, designed to support the demanding lifestyles of graduate students.
Z West Apartments
Z West Apartments brings together the best features of off campus housing to provide graduate students with a premier living environment. Located just a few minutes away from the University of Michigan and surrounded by a myriad of off campus hotspots, our community gives residents convenient access to some of the most popular destinations in Ann Arbor. Come home to a fully furnished apartment decorated with lavish interior features and explore a plethora of amenities designed to help residents lead a balanced lifestyle. Have everything you need right at home when you live at Z West Apartments. Our Ann Arbor apartments boast a wide variety of premier interior features and our community amenities are designed to help residents live a comfortable lifestyle. Find the perfect floor plan to suit your needs - whether you prefer to live on your own in a one-bedroom apartment or prefer social living in a two-bedroom or four-bedroom apartment, there are a variety of floor plans available here at Z West Apartments. At Z West Apartments, our residents are greeted by luxury every time they step through their front door. Living with fellow peers and other young adults is an important part of the grad school experience. The life of a graduate student is a busy one, and wasting time on long commutes is less than ideal. Just a short walk away from popular on campus destinations, such as the Ross School of Business, Harlan Hatcher Graduate Library, University of Michigan Law School, and many others, Z West Apartments makes getting to class a breeze. Relax, recharge, and lead a balanced lifestyle at Z West Apartments. With modern apartment furnishings and deluxe community amenities paired with a location conveniently close to campus as well as many other social hotspots, there’s no better place to be than our apartments near UMich. We also offer roommate matching services to help our residents find other like-minded peers to live with!
The Standard at Ann Arbor
When you call The Standard at Ann Arbor home, you have access to a community built to support the busy lifestyles of graduate students. Our lavish apartments are furnished with modern upgrades and designer furniture packages so you have fewer things to worry about. When you need peace and quiet to get work done, we offer our private study rooms. Never worry about traffic or long commute times! Forget about expensive gym memberships when you live at our apartments! Our residents never have to settle for less! From stylish decor to open-layout floor plans, our apartments are welcoming and spacious. Our community also provides residents with access to a host of exclusive resort-style amenities that augment everyday life. Unwind after a hectic day in the privacy of your own home. Graduate students and young professionals need to strike the right work-life balance and we help accomplish that by providing options for both. Located just minutes away from many of UMich’s graduate schools, including the University of Michigan Law School, the University of Michigan Medical School, the Ross School of Business, and the University of Michigan College of Engineering, our community is the perfect place to be for UMich graduate students. But life isn’t just about work! We’re also conveniently located near some of the area’s hottest spots, including restaurants, shopping, parks, and nightlife. We understand how demanding UMich graduate school can be. That’s why we aim to make our grad students’ lives just a little bit easier with an array of amenities that complement university life. Get to where you need to be with our convenient on-site electric cars or just take a brief stroll downstairs for convenient shopping and dining. Our community gym has everything for both weight training and cardio, while the yoga studio gives you a place to find your center. Melt your stresses away in the heated pool or compete in a heated match in the clubroom.
Z Place Apartments
Ready to see more? Your search for the best apartments near UMich for grad students ends here - welcome to Z Place Apartments! We make life easy for busy graduate students and young professionals who want to destress and unwind after a long day by providing lavish apartments designed just for them. Our furnished apartments and exclusive amenities create an atmosphere perfect for a contemporary lifestyle. The location of our community is also conveniently located nearby many of the University of Michigan’s graduate colleges. Graduate students have little time for shopping - don’t worry! Slow connections and loading speeds are never an issue at Z Place. Live in a community that redefines luxury - at Z Place, we strive to elevate apartment living to the next level. From our wide variety of open-layout floor plans and custom furnishings to contemporary interiors and resort-style amenities, UMich grad students live their best lives here! Our apartments combine the traditional comforts of home with sleek, modern interiors to create a perfect living environment for grad students. At Z Place, we understand the importance of a functional work-life balance for graduate students and young professionals. That’s why our community provides amenities appropriate for both work and play. We want to ensure all of our residents have plenty of options when choosing their future home. At Z Place, our pristine location sets us apart from the rest as the best choice for Ann Arbor apartments right in the center of it all. A2’s most popular restaurants, shops, parks, and nightlife spots are down the street from our community, so finding a great place to hang with friends or grab a quick bite is easier than ever. School is important, but graduate students need time to destress and unwind too! We have a high-tech, fully equipped gym right on-site with cardio machines and free weights, so getting in shape and staying healthy is ultra-convenient. Need an essential but don’t want to waste time? Stop by one of the shops right below our apartments. When it’s time to get back to work, our community is wired with high-speed Internet and Wi-Fi so surfing the web, watching lectures, and completing assignments can be done fast.
Additional On-Campus Housing Options
Choosing where to live at the University of Michigan is a big part of your college experience - whether you're a freshman just starting your journey toward a bachelor cap and gown, a master’s student immersed in your department’s research, or a PhD candidate pushing the boundaries of your field before walking the stage in your doctoral regalia. This CAPGOWN guide walks you through top campus housing options - including Central Campus favorites like South Quad, West Quad, and East Quad; North Campus choices like Bursley and Baits II; and graduate living communities such as Northwood Apartments and the Lawyers Club. South Quad is beloved for its prime location and bustling energy. R/UofM Says:“South Quad has the best location. East Quad blends creativity and scholarship. R/UofM Says:“Quirky but fun. West Quad offers a quieter, more traditional dorm experience - still steps from the action. R/UofM Says:“If you like peace and your own space, West Quad is a great choice.” “Location and calm = 10/10. North Quad combines sleek architecture with international flair. R/UofM Says:“North Quad is bougie. Located on North Campus, Bursley is a great fit for engineers, musicians, and architecture students. Baits II, also on North Campus, offers suite-style rooms for quieter students. Located on North Campus, Bursley is a great fit for engineers, musicians, and architecture students. R/UofM Says:“The Hill is super chill. Munger is designed by and for graduate students across disciplines. These townhomes are ideal for graduate students with families. Whether you're a first-year undergrad navigating campus life or a doctoral student finalizing your dissertation, the University of Michigan offers housing that matches your academic path. And when it’s finally time to cross the stage, CAPGOWN is here to honor your journey. Explore where to live at Michigan, from social dorms like South and East Quad to quieter spots like Baits II and West Quad. Whether you're a freshman, master's student, or PhD candidate, this guide breaks down top housing options with Reddit insights, fun facts, and student tips.
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Application and Assignment Process
The application process for on-campus housing typically begins well in advance of the academic year. For students admitted for the fall, spring, or summer terms, information is usually sent out beginning in mid-April, with assignments released on a rolling basis starting in early May. Those admitted for the winter term can expect to receive information in early November.
Several factors influence housing assignments, including:
- Current residents vacating the space.
- The type of space you request.
- The occupancy dates you request.
- Your status in the application process.
Our goal is to notify you a minimum of 30 days prior to your latest requested occupancy date. Each housing option provides different degrees of living flexibility.
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