The more you know...In 1867, Indian corn (maize) and lapis lazuli (blue) were chosen as the University of Michigan colors.
There is a lot to explore in Ann Arbor! Wondering where to get a driver’s license or a haircut? Looking for something new to do on the weekend? Trying to figure out which parks have tennis courts? This section can help you discover both the practical and the fun aspects of living in Ann Arbor.
Students can update their Current, Permanent, and Billing Addresses using Wolverine Access. You must have a University uniqname and password to use this website. From the main page, click on Student Business. After you log in, click on Addresses in the far right column. It is especially important to keep your Current Address accurate, because Payroll and Financial Aid both mail checks to the Current Address you have listed in Wolverine Access.
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Address Changes
Life at Michigan
Bakery InfoEnd of Section
Bakeries
Life at Michigan
All of the major cell phone providers have a presence in Ann Arbor. Choosing one, however, is not an easy decision. Make sure to factor in aspects such as your housing location, and expected useage. Here's a list of the closet brick-and-mortar stores to get you started.
Cell Service InfoEnd of Section
Cell Service Providers
Life at Michigan
You may obtain a Michigan Driver's License, State of Michigan License Plate and renewal tabs, and State of Michigan Identification Card, or register to vote at the Secretary of State. There is one branch that is relatively close and easy to get to by car or bus. The branch is on Maple Road in Ann Arbor.
Secretary of StateEnd of Section
Driver's Licenses
Life at Michigan
DVD RentalEnd of Section
DVD Rental
Life at Michigan
Are you sitting at home bored? Don't be.
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Entertainment
Life at Michigan
Flowers are a great way to send a message to those that are far away. If flowers aren't your style, check out the SORC Balloons from Afar service to have balloons delivered to a student's residence hall room.
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Flower Delivery
Life at Michigan
There are small grocery stores on campus, however, their prices do tend to be a little higher than larger stores. Otherwise, there are many large grocery stores off-campus that can be reach by car or by AATA bus. Finally, an excellent alternative is the Ann Arbor Farm Market, an outdoor market that is close to campus and has fresh vegetables, fruits, flowers, and arts & crafts available at reasonable prices.
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Grocery Stores
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Salon & Barber InfoEnd of Section
Hair Salons
Life at Michigan
Staying healthy is an important part of life. Ann Arbor is full of places and services to keep you going strong.
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Health & Wellness
Life at Michigan
Key MakersEnd of Section
Keys
Life at Michigan
LaundromatsDry CleanersLooking for a full-service pick-up and delivery laundry service? Here are a couple of options to try.
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Laundry & Dry Cleaning
Life at Michigan
Now for a cheer they are here, triumphant!
Here they come with banners flying.
In stalwart step they're nighing.
With shouts of vict'ry crying.
We hurrah, hurrah, we greet you now, Hail!
Far we their praises sing
For the glory and fame they've bro't us,
Loud let the bells them ring,
For here they come with banners flying
Far we their praises tell
For the glory and fame they've bro't us,
Loud let the bells them ring
For here they come with banners flying
Here they come, Hurrah!
Hail! To the victors, valiant,
Hail! To the conqu'ring heroes
Hail! Hail! To Michigan the leaders and best
Hail! To the victors, valiant,
Hail! To the conqu'ring heroes
Hail! Hail! To Michigan the champions of the West!
We cheer them again,
We cheer and cheer again,
For Michigan,
We cheer for Michigan,
We cheer with might - and main -
We cheer, cheer, cheer with might and main we cheer, O!
Sing to the colors that float in the light;
Hurrah for the Yellow and Blue!
Yellow the stars as they ride through the night
And reel in a rollicking crew;
Yellow the fields where ripens the grain
And yellow the moon on the harvest wain;
Hail!
Hail to the colors that float in the light
Hurrah for the Yellow and Blue!
Blue are the billows that bow to the sun
When yellow robed morning is due.
Blue are the curtains that evening has spun
The slumbers of Phoebus to woo;
Blue are the blossoms to memory dear
And blue is the sapphire and gleams like a tear;
Hail!
Hail to the ribbons that nature has spun;
Hurrah for the Yellow and Blue!
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Lyrics to UM Songs
Life at Michigan
Mailbox InfoEnd of Section
Mailbox Rental
Life at Michigan
No household is complete without a ton of Michigan Memorabilia. And, naturally, Michigan Memorabilia makes the perfect gift for any occasion. Check out the shops listed below or one of the many bookstores on campus. Happy Shopping!
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Michigan Memorabilia
Life at Michigan
There are several commercial movie houses in Ann Arbor. These theaters show movies at the prices you can expect to pay in a city.
Check movie times for a listing of a wide-range of movies available in the Ann Arbor area.
In addition, there are several independent and University student film groups offering almost nightly showings of classic American and foreign films. These groups also show experimental films and some current hits, all at reduced prices (usually $2.50 to $4.50) in University buildings.
For showtimes consult the Current, the Record, the Michigan Daily, and individual listings which are circulated through campus.
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Movies
Life at Michigan
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Moving Companies
Life at Michigan
The University Musical Society is considered to be one of the top five presenters of performing arts in the country (along with the likes of Carnegie Hall and Kennedy Center), and once you see their line-up of artists, you will know why. The Musical Society annually presents over 50 performances featuring the greatest artists of our time. From September to May, luminaries such as Yo Yo Ma, Jessye Norman, New York City Opera, Emerson String Quartet, Cecilia Bartoli, James Galway, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Sweet Honey in the Rock, and Mark Morris Dance enliven the arts scene in Southeastern Michigan. Programs range from world dance and gospel music to Mozart and Beethoven. Everyone is welcome; the dress of the concertgoers ranges from jeans to jewels. Call (734) 764–2538 for more information.
Hill Auditorium houses many cultural events throughout the year
The School of Music, Theatre and Dramapresents student productions all over campus, under the direction of faculty and visiting artists. A special student rate (with student ID) is available for all shows. Season schedules and tickets for Theatre, Opera, Musical Theatre, and Dance are available at the Michigan League Ticket Office, (734) 764–2538.
The School of Music, Theatre and Drama also offers many free concerts by orchestras, choirs, bands, and faculty and student chamber ensembles and soloists. Fully staged productions of opera, drama, musical theater, and dance are presented each fall and winter term. The school's bi-monthly Calendar of Events can be picked up at the Campus Information Centers or at the Music School on North Campus and weekly ads listing upcoming performances appear in the Friday Michigan Daily and the Sunday Ann Arbor News. For current information on events, you may call the 24-hour Hotline, (734) 763–3333.
The University Activities Center, the largest student-run organization on campus, sponsors several student theater and production groups such as MUSKET, the Comedy Company, and Amazin' Blue. For more information, call (734) 763-1107 or stop by the office, 4002 Michigan Union.
The Gilbert and Sullivan Society, another performing student organization, puts on two Gilbert and Sullivan shows a year. Tickets are available at the Michigan Union Ticket Office, (734) 763-TKTS.
The Ark on Main St.
Student-directed productions are presented for free in the Walgreen Drama Center by Basement Arts.
The Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra gives a series of concerts each year. For information or to order tickets, call (734) 994–4801.
The Ark, one of the nation's premier acoustic music clubs, offers traditional folk music, blues, jazz, and women's music in a relaxed, informal atmosphere. For program details, stop by or call the Ark, 316 S. Main Street, (734) 761–1451 or the Michigan Union Ticket Office, (734) 763–TKTS (8587).
The Ann Arbor Civic Theater, located at 322 W. Ann St., offers several productions each year. It also has workshops and summer programs. Many U-M students find a creative outlet here. All auditions are open. For program information or details on getting involved, call (734) 971–0605.
Check with the University Musical Society and the School of Music, Theatre and Dance to find out about ushering at their concerts.
Introductory dance classes (ballet, modern, jazz, and African) are offered to all students by the School of Music, Theatre and Dance. No permission of instructor is needed. Impact Dance and Groove, affiliated with the University Activities Center, provide experience with dance performance. Check for audition times at the UAC office at the beginning of fall term. Several other organizations around town (Ann Arbor Recreation Dept., the "Y," etc.) also give dance classes. Check for posters on the kiosks for information about other groups.
If you want to participate in a musical performance, theater, dance, or production group, check into it early in the fall when such groups are organizing and holding auditions for performance ensembles. Check out Maize Pages for a listing of the student organizations on campus.
For a listing of performance places in Ann Arbor, check out the Current Magazine.
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Music, Theatre, & Dance
Life at Michigan
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Microwaves on Campus
Life at Michigan
When you need documents made official there are several notary publics to choose from.
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Notary Public
Life at Michigan
The cost of apartments and houses varies with the size, location, and degree of luxury of the unit. In Winter 2004, these were the average prices students paid for 12-month leases for furnished housing within walking distance of campus:
There are many unfurnished housing units within about five miles of Central Campus, including several fairly modern and large apartment complexes. The Housing Information Office (1011 Student Activities Building) provides an excellent map of greater Ann Arbor. It lists all these apartment complexes, their addresses and phone numbers, plus some other useful information. Most unfurnished apartments under 12-month leases range between the following prices:
Cooperatives (co-ops) are housing units run by the people who live in them. In exchange for four to six hours of work per week, co-op members save a considerable amount of money over other living situations. Charges generally include room, board, utilities, entertainment, and laundry. Contact the Inter-Cooperative Council, 337 E. William, (734) 662–4414 for more information.
Fraternities and sororities offer an additional housing option. The selection process for new members, "Rush," takes place at the beginning of each term. Contact the Office of Greek Life for sorority and fraternity information at (734) 936–3686; their offices are located in 4115 Michigan Union. Some houses also take in non-member boarders.
Renting anywhere demands a certain knowledge of landlord-tenant law. If you know your rights and responsibilities, you may avoid unnecessary problems and expenses. In particular, you should know what you are getting into before making commitments. Fortunately, in Ann Arbor there are several good sources of off-campus housing information and advisory assistance available to U-M students. These include:
Student Legal Services is located in the Michigan Union
Don't use your landlord as your legal consultant. If you are having a housing problem take advantage of some of the expert advice available around this campus.
When you start to look for housing, check the local papers, the Michigan Daily and Ann Arbor News; visit management companies and realtors; and ads posted on the Off-Campus Housing Department Website. The Housing Division provides free phones in the SAB lobby for people looking for housing. The Housing Information Office can also provide you with information about local landlords and management companies registered with their office. In order to register, landlords agree to use the University's Mediation Services in cases of landlord-tenant disputes, and they are entitled to use the University-approved rental agreements. This office has information on the off campus housing situation and also acts as a referral service for those students who need help finding roommates or subtenants.
Make sure you get a copy of the booklet "Rights and Duties of Tenants" when you sign your lease, and read it. Also make sure you get an inventory/damage checklist immediately upon moving in. Fill it out carefully to avoid being charged for damage you did not cause. Your landlord is required by law to give you the booklet and checklist. Copies are available online or at City Hall (100 N. Fifth Ave at Huron)
Before you move in, arrange to have your utility services turned on. One person should call each utility to arrange the details. In most apartment buildings the gas or electric service is not turned off. Notify Detroit Edison or Michigan Consolidated Gas of your move-in date, and they will bill you accordingly.
You will also need to arrange for phone service through SBC. If the apartment has a new modular outlet, you can rent or purchase a phone on your own and plug it in. Otherwise you will have to arrange for a service call which costs more. Call a week or two in advance to arrange for phone installation. If there is already a phone in the apartment, you are advised to have the phone changed to a new number and account in your own name.
When you are ready to move out, take some precautions to save problems and money. Notify your landlord in advance when you plan to move, and find out what to do with your keys. Arrange for the landlord to walk through your apartment with you before you leave, giving you the opportunity to correct any problems if there is a possibility of deductions from your security deposit. The landlord takes an inventory of the condition of your apartment and compares it to the inventory you submitted when you moved in. (That's why it's so important to fill it out when you move in.)
Be sure you know your rights and responsibilities regarding your security deposit. Read the city's Rights and Duties of Tenants for detailed information. You must give your landlord, within four days of moving out, your forwarding address in writing. If you do not, the landlord is not obligated to give you a list of charges against your security deposit. When you move out, the landlord must mail, within 30 days, an itemized list of deductions from your security deposit along with a check for the remainder of your security deposit. If you do not agree with the damages claimed, you must notify the landlord, by mail, within seven days from receipt of this letter.
The landlord can legally deduct money from your security deposit only for actual damages that were a direct result of conduct not reasonably expected in the normal wear and tear of the apartment. Also, money can be deducted for unpaid utility bills and any unpaid rent.
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Off-Campus Housing
Life at Michigan
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One-Hour Photo
Life at Michigan
Parking in Ann Arbor is notoriously hard to do! But the University's Parking Services department is glad to help!
Traffic and parking in Ann Arbor may not be this bad, but remember to plan ahead
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Parking Services
Life at Michigan
Your first step towards leaving the country is to get your photos taken! We have a compiled a list of where you can get your passport photos done below that includes directions, prices, and hours of operation. With your photos, your next step is to apply in person at a designated location. In Ann Arbor, you may apply at the the Post Office or the Washtenaw County Clerk. The cost for the passport is $67.00 (in cash or personal check) plus a $30 processing fee. You will need your completed application, proof of US citizenship (a copy of your birth certificate or naturalization papers) and another picture ID. The passport application can be downloaded from the State Department web site.
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Passports
Life at Michigan
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Post Office
Life at Michigan
On campus, you can buy over-the-counter items from any of the campus bookstores, or you can visit one of these businesses:
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Pharmacies
Life at Michigan
There are four rooms available on campus for prayer, meditation, or quiet reflection. These rooms are available whenever the building is open.
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Reflection Rooms
Life at Michigan
You can always visit one of the Secretary of State offices to register to vote, or you can print a voter registration form from their website. However, before elections, many student organizations will sponsor drives to allow you to register to vote in your residence hall, in one of the student unions, in the Fishbowl or in one of the Diags. You will be able to find that information by either walking around and finding a table or reading the Michigan Daily. You must register to vote approximately 6 weeks before the elections.
Secretary of StateEnd of Section
Registering to Vote
Life at Michigan
A Social Security number is intended to accurately record your earnings in this country. Most employees are required to pay a certain percentage of their earnings to the Social Security System through the Federal Insurance Compensation Act or what is generally referred to as the FICA tax.
You must have a social security number in order to work. Therefore, if you plan to work you should apply for a social security number. You may be able to use your Social Security card as one of the necessary forms of identification required on the Employment Eligibility Verification Form (Form I-9). The Payroll Office uses this information to determine deductions.
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Social Security Number
Life at Michigan
If you are looking to have items such as furniture, old appliances, unwanted items, etc. removed from your home (and not sent or stored anywhere), you can contact 1-800-GOT-JUNK? (1-800-468-5865).
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Storage
Life at Michigan
U-M home football games are enormously popular with students and staff as well as Michigan fans around the state. Season tickets are sold in increasing numbers and the 107, 501 seat stadium is regularly filled to overflowing. U-M students are able to purchase football tickets at a reduced rate, but because of the huge demand for football tickets, you will have to fill out an application in order to get your tickets. This application will give you an option to purchase season football tickets before they go on general sale.
New students will receive information in the mail from the Athletic Ticket Office on purchasing football season tickets. Once you become a continuing enrolled student, you will receive your football ticket application in the mail. Currently enrolled students must apply by the deadline posted on the Michigan Athletic Ticket Office website, or contact the Michigan Athletic Ticket office for information.
Seating is done by priority groups, with highest priority given to students who have been enrolled at UM for four years or more, and lowest to students who have never been enrolled here before. Within each priority group, seating is randomly assigned. Group seats of blocks may be requested at the time of application.
You can apply for spouse tickets at the same time you apply for your own, and you must present proof of marriage at the time you pick them up. Payment for both your and your spouse's tickets must be made in full when you turn in the application.
Rules, deadlines, prices, and procedures concerning football tickets are subject to change. Contact the Athletic Ticket Office for information.
Athletic Ticket OfficeSeason tickets are also available for men's basketball and men's ice hockey with priority based on the number of years season tickets have been purchased. Hockey season tickets are reserved seat specific and go on sale in mid-September. Basketball tickets are rush seating and go on sale the end of September.
You can also see several other intercollegiate sports, some for free, some for a minimum charge:
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Spectator Sports
Life at Michigan
The University Unions Arts and Programs Office provides an informal atmosphere for students, faculty, and staff pursuing an interest in the performing or visual arts, and recreation.
The Art Lounge hosts exhibits of student work or works brought in by student groups. Programs are free. Call 763-3202 for more information.
The Student Theatre Arts Complex, (734) 764–7585, provides complete theater production workshops for student groups who produce theatre.
The Billiards and Games Room, (734) 763–5786, on the second floor of the Union, has pool, snooker, billiards, board games, and card games.
Arts & Programs
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UUAP
Life at Michigan
