Frequently Asked Questions
When it comes to campus housing, most first-year students have similar questions and concerns. The information included here is based on the most common questions students and their parents ask each year. After reviewing this section, if you have unanswered questions or need more information, please contact the Housing Information Office at housing@umich.edu.
- Bikes, Buses, Cars and Transportation
- Contracts, Fees and Billing
- Dining and Menus
- Employment
- Furniture and Lofts
- Housing Amenities
- Housing — General
- Meal Plans, Blue Bucks and Dining Dollars
- Move-In
- Outfitting Your Room
- Roommate/Room/Hall Assignments
- Safety and Security
- Technology
Bikes, Buses, Cars and Transportation
Q: Is there secure parking for bikes?
A: There are outdoor parking sites with bicycle loops all over campus. Students should secure their bike with a strong lock (preferably the U-lock kind). All bikes should be registered with the City of Ann Arbor.
Q: Who can have a car on campus?
A: The University has no restrictions on who may bring a car to campus. However, parking for students on or near the Ann Arbor campus is extremely limited.
Q: How can resident students apply for parking?
A: Some residence halls (Baits, Bursley, Fletcher, and Oxford) have adjacent parking lots with limited space for students. A parking lottery for these spaces is conducted annually. Learn more at www.housing.umich.edu/info/rhparking_permit.html.
Q: Are there shuttles to the train station or airport?
A: The train station is about a mile from the Michigan Union, so students can get there by bus or taxi. There are affordable airport bus services that offer pick-up locations around campus as well as several private shuttle services. To learn more about these options, visit www.umich.edu/~info/transportation.html.
Q: What bus services are available and what are the fees?
A: The University of Michigan offers free bus service for students traveling around campus. Students with an active Mcard can also ride the Ann Arbor city buses for free. The Greyhound bus terminal is located less than a mile from the Michigan Union. Community Living
Community Living
Q: What do you mean by a "residential community"?
A: Our definition of community is an environment that fosters academic, cultural, intellectual, personal and social development of students in support of one another. This environment is a safe, inclusive place where healthy conflict is accepted as part of the development process. Most important in these communities is that all students within them take ownership for all aspects of the space in which they live. To learn more about community living at Michigan visit www.housing.umich.edu/services/ resed/index.html.
Q: How will my student become socially engaged in the residence hall?
A: Our residential staff members work to keep residents informed of the many opportunities to "get involved" in the residential communities. Soon after arriving on campus, the Resident Advisor (RA) contacts students to get to know them. In this way, activities and discussions can be planned that will help students connect with other hall residents who share their interests. Our hope is that, by the end of the year, students will be actively involved in residence hall opportunities. We also encourage students to visit their Community Center to meet and interact with others.
Q: What resources are available if my student has a roommate conflict?
A: We encourage students to take ownership for their own wellbeing in the community. In the event of a conflict, this begins by talking with the roommate. The RA is on hand to assist in this process, to help students arrive at agreements and to promote psychological and social learning and development. Professional live-in Hall Directors in each building are also prepared to assist when needed.
Q: What issues are RAs trained to deal with?
A: RAs are trained to respond in a number of areas, including how to build inclusive, engaging communities that address the needs and interests of residents. RAs, along with Multicultural Peer Advisors and Academic Peer Advisors are also trained in diversity and social justice, academic issues, conflict resolution and crisis response. Essential to the training of the residence staff is connecting them with the many resources and support services on the campus.
Contracts, Fees and Billing
Q: When do students begin receiving contracts?
A: Residence hall contracts are sent to students' umich email in mid- to late summer. The contract should be accepted and submitted within ten days from the date the contract is sent.
Q: What happens if my student doesn't return for a second semester?
A: Students may cancel their room and board contracts if they are not enrolled or if they withdraw from the University. Specific procedures may be found on the Housing website.
Q: Please explain the various fees and how we pay them.
A: All students living in the residence halls are charged room and board fees, a hall government fee, and a residential computing support and activation fee. These fees will appear on the student account. In addition, students may choose to rent refrigerators, have cable television, get private technical support and/or pay for parking. The cost of these services will appear on the student account.
Q: How will we receive our housing bill?
A: Like tuition charges, your housing invoice will come to you as an ebill.
Dining and Menus 
Q: Where are the dining halls located?
A: There is a dining hall in or near every residence hall. Students may dine at any of the residential dining halls. Martha Cook Building and Henderson House are restricted to residents of these buildings.
Q: What are the hours in the dining halls?
A: The hours of operation vary by dining hall. Generally, the dining halls are open from 7:30 am to 8:00 pm, with adjusted hours for the weekends; students should consult the housing website for hours of operation. Residential cafés offer extended dining hours, with several open as late as 1:00 am.
Q: Are the menus different at each dining hall?
A: Yes. Menus for each residence hall are available online.
Q: Do you have items for vegetarian students?
A: Yes. Every residence hall offers vegetarian and vegan options at every meal. In addition, the East Quad residence hall offers expanded vegan entrée options.
Q: How do you accommodate food allergies or special dietary needs?
A: We make every effort to inform diners of entrée ingredients that are associated with common food allergies. Detailed lists of these foods by allergen can be found on the housing website. In addition, students with food allergies and special dietary needs are invited to consult with our registered dietitians to make sure their dining and nutritional needs are met.
Employment 
Q: How do students get jobs in the dining halls or residential cafés?
A: Students should fill out applications online through Wolverine Access, the Student Employment website or the Housing website.
Q: Are other housing jobs available to students?
A: Yes. Students can apply for jobs in our summer camps, at Northwood Community Apartments, Housing Facilities, Housing Information Office, Housing Information Technology Offices/ResComp, Community Centers and as residence hall staff. Information about these positions is available on the Housing website.
Furniture and Lofts
Q: What furniture is in the rooms?
A: Each residence hall room has one, two, or three beds (depending on the room size), a desk and chair for each resident, a closet and/or dresser, computer data port, wastebasket, recycling tote, window treatments and overhead lighting. Note: all beds are extra-long twin size.
Q: What is building block furniture and how does it work?
A: University Housing provides modular furniture in most residence halls. This furniture allows residents to arrange the furniture in a typical loft set-up; as bunk beds or twin beds with free-standing or stacked furniture; or as trundled beds. Most rooms that do not have modular furniture can accommodate custom lofts.
Q: What tools are required to loft modular furniture?
A: No tools are required. Steel pins are provided and must be used in all stacked configurations to position the pieces and lock them together. Instructions for lofting the furniture are readily available during move-in. Safe lifting techniques are recommended.
Q: Can you replace or store the modular furniture that comes in a room?
A: No. Modular furniture may not be stored or used outside its original room.
Housing Amenities 
Q: Are there kitchens in the residence halls?
A: Many halls include a kitchen for use by all residents.
Q: Do the rooms have microwaves?
A: No. Students are welcome to bring their own or rent one from Housing.
Q: Do any of the rooms have their own bathrooms?
A: Very few residence hall rooms have private bathrooms. Baits Houses feature suite-style rooms with adjoining baths.
Q: Where are the laundry facilities and how much does it cost to use them?
A: Each residence hall has its own on-site laundry facilities which accept coins or Blue Bucks (the University's electronic campus currency). The washers cost one dollar per load and dryers cost 75 cents per load.
Q: Are laundry or housekeeping services available?
A: The University does not offer these services. Students may arrange for a private laundry service. For security reasons, private housekeepers are not permitted inside the residence halls.
Q: What are the bathroom facilities like?
A: Most halls have community bathrooms; Baits has suite-style bathrooms, shared by a small number of students.
Q: Do the students have to clean their bathrooms?
A: The residence hall facilities staff cleans and maintains community bathrooms. Students with non-community baths clean their own bathrooms.
Q: Are there TVs in the public area?
A: There is cable television in some residence hall lounges.
Housing - General
Q: Do all freshmen live on campus?
A: Approximately 98% of first-year students live in the residence halls.
Q: Are returning students guaranteed housing?
A: If returning students participate in Housing Sign-Up and submit a contract, they are assured housing in the residence halls.
Q: Are the residence halls segregated by gender?
A: Four residence halls are female-only. Most halls are coed, offering both single-gender and co-ed corridors. All bathrooms are single gender.
Q: Are there any substance-free areas?
A: Approximately one quarter of all student rooms are designated as substance-free each year.
Q: How does Honors Housing differ from regular housing?
A: There are areas designated within South Quadrangle and Couzens residence halls for students in the Honors Program. Dedicated space allows students with common goals to live near each other and offer support.
Q: How can we see the different residence halls?
A: Many of our residence halls offer virtual tours on the Housing website.
Meal Plans, Blue Bucks and Dining Dollars
Q: What are Dining Dollars and Blue Bucks and where can they be used?
A: These are the University of Michigan's electronic campus currencies and can be programmed on students' Mcards. Dining Dollars are accepted at all residential cafés. Blue Bucks are accepted at residential cafés plus Union eateries, athletic venues and in residence hall laundry facilities.
Q: What is a meal plan?
A: A meal plan includes a set number of meals (block plans) or an unlimited number of meals (unlimited plans) each term. In addition, each plan includes a specified amount of Dining Dollars and Blue Bucks. Information about the selected meal plan is electronically recorded on the student's Mcard. To use a meal or to make a purchase, the Mcard is swiped, and the student's account is automatically debited.
Q: What happens to unused meals at the end of the term?
A: Unused meals, Dining Dollars and Blue Bucks transfer from fall to winter meal plans. At the end of the winter term, unused meals and Dining Dollars are forfeited; Blue Bucks accounts of $5 or more may be refunded.
Q: If guest meals are not used, can the student use them?
A: Yes.
Q: Can students change meal plans?
A: Yes. Students may change meal plans during the first month of each term when they have a better sense of their dining needs and habits.
Q: Are the meal plan prices per term?
A: Yes. We use per-term pricing because student dining needs and habits change over time. This allows you to choose the best possible plan for each term.
Q: Can off-campus students purchase a meal plan?
A: Yes. There are special plans designed just for off-campus students. These plans feature fewer meals and increased amounts of Blue Bucks.
Q: If students have a scholarship for room and board, which meal plan is included?
A: The 150 Block Plan is the basic meal plan; however, we advise a consultation with Financial Aid to determine the specifics for the given scholarship.
Q: When do we sign up for a meal plan?
A: Students can select a meal plan when they receive their contract.
Q: What counts as a meal? Does juice or a cookie count as a meal?
A: Because our residential dining halls feature "all you care to eat" dining, the cost of a beverage is the same as that of a four-course meal with two or three helpings. Unless you opt for an Unlimited Meal Plan, using Dining Dollars or Blue Bucks for small purchases at the residential cafés or Union eateries is a better value.
Q: How can students check their balances on meal plans, Dining Dollars and Blue Bucks?
A: A secure online site is used for all meal plan account management. The student's uniqname and password are required to access the site. There, students can check their account balance, change meal plans (during the first month of the term) and add Blue Bucks to their account. You can visit the site at www.myplan.housing.umich.edu. Students can also visit the Mcard offices on North or Central Campus.
Q: Can parents check their student's meal plan balance and add Blue Bucks to their account?
A: Yes, if your student authorizes you to do so. Ask your student to log in at www.myplan.housing.umich.edu and follow the instructions to "Grant Additional Access".
Q: Do residential cafés and shops accept cash?
A: Yes, purchases can be made with cash, Blue Bucks and Dining Dollars.
Move-In
Q: When and how will we learn our move-in date?
A: Move-in dates are included in your contract which will be mailed in late summer.
Q: Can students move-in earlier or later than the assigned date?
A: Students may move in early (with an additional per day fee) or later than their assigned move-in date. Information on early/late move-in is posted on the Housing website in July.
Q: If parents are unable to assist with move-in, is there someone to help the student get furniture and belongings into the room?
A: During certain move-in periods, student volunteers called Move-In Makers are present at most buildings to assist.
Q: Are there loft contractors available?
A: There are typically loft contractors available during move-in. However, the University of Michigan does not endorse or sponsor these vendors.
Q: Is there storage available prior to move-in?
A: Unfortunately, due to space limitations, there are no storage facilities available for residents' personal property. There are commercial storage facilities throughout Ann Arbor.
Outfitting Your Room
Q: Are there any guidelines for what to bring?
A: Yes. The Housing website offers an overview of the types of items students might expect to use at school as well as items that are not permissible.
Q: Where can floor plans and room dimensions be found?
A: In early August, students receive their room and roommate assignments as well as approximate room dimensions. They can also go online at that time for basic room information.
Q: Do many students bring their own computers and printers?
A: Yes. Most students choose to bring their own computer; some also bring a printer.
Q: Can you install things on the walls?
A: Items such as photos or bulletin boards may be attached to walls using nail-type hangers, sometimes called "bulldog" hangers. (You can ask to see samples at the hall's Community Center.) No other items may be permanently attached to any part of the room.
Q: Are the rooms carpeted?
A: No, but students are welcome to bring their own carpeting or area rugs.
Q: Do parents pick up rented microwaves/refrigerators or does the University deliver them to the room?
A: Refrigerators will be delivered to students' rooms in Stockwell and Mosher Jordan halls. All other students should pick up their refrigerators from a specified location within their residence halls.
Q: What are the size requirements for refrigerators and microwaves brought from home?
A: Students may have one refrigerator per room that is up to 5.5-cubic foot capacity and/or uses up to 1.5 amps of electricity. Microwaves should be 800 watts or less.
Q: What is a micro-fridge?
A: One refrigerator rental option is a combination refrigerator, freezer, and microwave unit. To see a picture, visit Housing Services online.
Q: Are toasters, toaster ovens, coffee pots or space heaters allowed?
A: No. All of these items represent fire hazards and are prohibited.
Q: Is cable TV available in residence hall rooms?
A: Yes, cable TV is automatically activated and charged per room, per semester. If students prefer not to receive cable TV service, they must cancel online at www.housing.umich.edu by the Friday following the first day of classes.
Roommate/Room/Hall Assignments
Q: When are roommate assignments posted?
A: Early August.
Q: Do freshmen ever get assigned to a room with an upper-class student?
A: Yes, in rare cases, when the incoming first-year class is large.
Q: If you find a roommate you prefer after the roommate assignments have been made, can you still switch?
A: If you have signed your contract, you need to coordinate a room swap through Housing in order to switch roommates.
Q: When and how are hall/room assignments received?
A: Your hall and room type will be included on your housing contract, which will be sent by late summer. Specific room assignments are sent in early August.
Q: How do you request a room change?
A: Soon after moving in, students can put their names on the waitlist to either change rooms within the same hall or to relocate to another hall. Two students who agree to exchange rooms can also participate in a room swap, provided that it is coordinated by University Housing.
Q: Where are most first-year students placed?
A: First-year students are placed throughout most residence halls. Close to 50% of new students are on North Campus.
Safety and Security
Q: What happens when students leave their Mcards in their rooms and/or are locked out at night?
A: Students can dial 763-1131 (U-M's Department of Public Safety Non-Emergency number) to request an "unlock." Identification is required.
Q: What happens if an Mcard is lost or stolen?
A: The card should be deactivated by visting the Mcard website at www.mcard.umich.edu. A new card can be obtained at the Mcard office during business hours. If the Mcard has been stolen, contact the Department of Public Safety to file a report.
Q: Does the Mcard provide access to other halls?
A: Yes, the Mcard allows for limited hours of access to dining halls and Community Learning Centers inside other residence halls.
Q: Do you recommend a lock for computer laptops?
A: A lock can be useful in securing a laptop inside the student's room. Additionally, for best security, we recommend that students close the room door whenever they leave.
Q: Is there any way to secure valuables?
A: Students should store valuable items out of sight and refrain from mentioning them to others. We urge residents to close their doors when they leave their rooms, even for a few moments, and to keep their rooms locked.
Q: During holiday breaks when the students are not on campus, are their rooms secure?
A: Yes. Rooms remain locked and patrols are performed by Housing Security officers to ensure the safety and security of both student and University property.
Technology
Q: Are the residence halls wireless?
A: Wireless access points are not widely deployed in the residence halls, but we are working to increase the wireless presence. Currently, three halls and Hill Dining Center are wireless throughout, and a few others have wireless access in some of the community spaces, such as lounges, dining rooms, and Community Learning Centers. The Residential Computing site maintains a list of all wireless locations in the residence halls.
Q: How many Ethernet connections are in each room?
A: Each room is equipped with Ethernet, but the number of connections varies by residence hall. Students should check their NetGuide (a printed resource provided during move-in and available online) to determine if they will need a hub for additional Ethernet connections in their room.
Q: Is a router required?
A: No. In fact, routers are prohibited because they can cause difficulties in accessing the network and can even cause network failure throughout the residence hall.
Q: With television broadcasting going digital in June, do we need to supply anything other than a television for our student's room?
A: With U-M's cable TV service, no receiver is required and the transition to digital should be virtually transparent to students.
Q: Can students use TiVo in their rooms?
A: Yes.
