University of Michigan-Ann Arbor Top Questions

I think I've already suggested what the deal here is, but basically: socially speaking, we're all very liberal. Washtenaw County (Ann Arbor plus a few surrounding areas) voted something like 75-25 percent in favor of gay marriage despite the state defeating it like 62-38. So there's that. It's not an especially politicized place, though, and there have been fewer and fewer protests on the Diag every year it seems like. Economically, there are more than a few approaches, though in general I would say it's what you'd expect from an institution with a liberal reputation like Michigan has. SDS started here and whatever the fallout and exact awareness each student has, there's a vague pride in upholding that tradition. The student body generally comes from the state of Michigan itself, but there is definitely a sizable out of state population. Typically, when they ask on the first day of class, there's a bunch of kids from the Detroit suburbs, scattered others from Michigan, a few Chicagoans and then the New York/California contingent that always seem to be in frats or sororities. It's regionally diverse and ethnically diverse (though that's in danger thanks to Ward Connerly and the Prop 2 Fun Time Brigade. yeehaw!...sigh.). If you're from out of state, you've got cash because it's 36,000/year. There are certainly folks without money, though, and it's worth remembering for us pampered sorts.

Michigan can be the right place for anyone. I think that the campus is really diverse and everyone is accepted and can find whats right for them.

very diverse, people wear whatever they want, there aren't really any people in my opinion who wouldnt fit it, its for the nerds, the preps, the alternative and punk, and the athletes

Michigan is loaded with diversity. Unfortunatley that diversity doesnt really translate off of acceptnace letters and into the lives of Michigan students. At michigan yo can find any kind of person, there are so many different personalities and people of different background here. But if yo want to find a trully diverse group of friends the best place to look would be the dance crews, because outside of them, most people just make friends with similar people. The greek system at michigan is split up into jewish houses, and WASPy houses, and athletic houses, and houses where all the girls help eachother puke, and houses where all the guys help eachother roofie their girlfirnds. Nobody really has to step outside their comfort zone here, because you will be able to find a group of people just like you.

On campus of course there are stereotypes...i.e. the sorority girl has Ugg boots, black leggings, a Northface, straightened died blond hair, and too much jewlery. However, you can find any type of student dressed in any way at UM. All in all though, we are a very "chill," relaxed student body...most of us can be found in sweats, jeans, t-shirts, sweaters, and coats/hats/gloves(!) on any given day. There are all types of racial, religious, LGPT, socio-economic groups on campus. There are places where they remain in tight "cliques" however, there is a lot of diversity and mixing as well. Most students are from Michigan, however its not unusual in the least bit to talk to someone from out of state. This school brings people from everywhere. We have a lot of New Yorkers. Most students are VERY politically/socially aware and active.

The best thing about U of M is that people are free to dress or act in whatever way they feel most comfortable. Some people are very judgmental and very trendy about what they wear, but it is easier to laugh at these people than worry about them as they are not too widespread.

no experiences with such groups. i dont think any student would feel out of place, maybe goth or punks. girls wear leggings and uggs, guys jeans sweahirts. 4 tables- greek life, theatre kids, athletes, intellectuals. SO MANY FROM MICHIGAN. there are extremes, rich north shore or full ride scholarships. very politically aware and active. center. talk about jobs and how they want to be successful.

I have seen people of all kinds of races, religions, social orientations, socio-economic status, etc. Everyone on our campus exits peacefully with people of all of these backgrounds. It does seem that people of the same race do gravitate towards each other in social situations, but everyone is accepting of each other. I do not think that any kind of student would feel out of place here because there are so many people and so many kinds of people that everyone can find people with whom to create a social circle. Most students wear jeans and t-shirts or sweatshirts to class. Nothing to dressy, but definitely fashionable and stylish. Different types of students interact on academic levels and for group work, but generally students of similar races and socio-economic status form groups of friends. One table of students would be rich out-of-staters in the Greek community gossiping about their weekend. One table would be a group of Asian students speaking their language. one table would be a group of really smart engineers talking about things that most people wouldn't understand. one table would be a group of low-key people laughing and joking. and one table (a fifth table that would probably only be found on north campus) would be a group of students in the music/theater school loudly singing or rehearsing lines from their upcoming play. Most students are from michigan. The out-of-staters mostly come from new york, new jersey, california (LA) and florida. There are a wide range of financial backgrounds, but all of the out-of-staters are most likely upper-middle class. people from in-state are all over the board. Students are politically aware and active on both national and campus levels. People here are aware of what is going on in the upcoming elections, and they are active in student government. student government is a large part of this campus because it is so large. there are many different parties and branches of student government, and those who want to be involved campaign for their vote. I have found students at michigan to be pretty liberal. with the upcoming election, most of the talk is about barak obama.

I don't think anyone would feel out of place here because it is sooo big that we really have everything. Most students wear normal clothes or sweats to class. Very casual. Yeah, different types of students absolutely interact with one another. I didn't eat in the dining hall much, food sucked. Most students are either from West Bloomfield, MI, Westchester, NY, Long Island, NY, or Bethesda, MD. There are a lot of really rich kids here. Students for the most part I think are pretty politically aware, and it is definitely predominantly left. No students don't talk about how much they'll earn one day cause most don't know.

This question is a great opportunity for me to describe the Jewish soroity girl. She travels in a pack everywhere- class, bar, gym, etc. All her friends look identical- during the day: north face jacket, ugg boots, a long champ bag, juicy pants and a soroity sweatshirt. At night, an overpriced shirt, skinny jeans, and an overpriced bag. She wanders around campus thinking she is superior- but in reality she cannot separate herself from her safety net. And if she is separated what will happen?

I literally roll out of bed in a thermal and sweats and slide on my uggs and i'm ready for class. Obviously, some students choose to look decent, but then again, they probably care about their appearance. I don't. I'd rather be comfy in my lecture hall than worrying about putting on eye makeup or straightening my hair.

There are many groups on campus No student would feel out of place at Michigan Students wear everything from jeans to leggings to t-shirts and sweaters Tables are very diverse in the dining halls, it's impossible to describe four

These groups are everywhere. If you're different, don't worry, there is a group for you. This is an extremely liberal place. Conservatives often feel out of place. Most guys wear hoodies or jackets with long pants to class, generally pretty sloppy. Most girls wear jeans or dance pants with uggs or something like that to class, a bit more done up than guys but still nothing too dressy. Most different students keep to themselves. Despite the U's attempt at integration, minorities and others tend to stay within their own social circles. Most students are from Michigan (about 50{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c}), and the rest are from out of state. We get lots of out-of-staters from New York and Chicago, as well as Florida and California. Most students are fairly wealthy. Many are from out of state, which carries a huge tuition increase, and many others are from the wealthy suburbs of metro Detroit. Many students are politically active, and they want to let you know about it. During election years, the campus ignites, and voting is a huge issue. Most people are left to far left on this campus. Students in the business school most definitely talk about how much they will earn.

Michigan's campus is very diverse. Students come from all over the country as well as from different races, sexual preferences, and financial levels. There are obviously a large population of students from Michigan, but there are also many students from New York, California, the Chicago area, D.C. and Florida. The simple fact that people are from geographically different places allows students to learn a lot from each other because everyone grew up in different environments. The campus has a good mix of different races. There are several groups on campus that are racially based, however students are not pushed into these groups, and students of different races frequently interact. Students at Michigan are very politically aware. There is frequent discussion of both political and social issues. Affirmative Action is a highly contested issue given Michigan's history with the issue. Students are highly opinionated about issues and not afraid to discuss them.

Earlier I mentioned the gay scene. LGBT people and their allies have been VERY active the past four years from what I've seen. I honestly think their efforts have been helping to noticeably change the state of mind of many around the city. Yet not everyone here is going to welcome LGBTs with open arms. As somebody with many gay friends, and as somebody who identifies closer to the middle of straight/gay scale, I'm acutely aware that prejudice creeps into every city even if its as wonderfully open-minded as Ann Arbor. At least once a year I've experienced a verbal assault from drunk passersby, ostensibly just for being around blatantly gay people. Twice I was involved in physical brush-ups where the only way to escaped safely was to apologize, slowly back away, and not retaliate verbally. Neither of these incidents were provoked. Its not the actual physical damage that hurt either, its the mental message. These encounters only happen at night time, and the other party is invariably drunk. But it lets you know that the "liberal bubble" occasionally bursts on the LGBT issue. There ARE a lot of neat events planned monthly to get to know fellow LGBTs: ice skating, dances, and charity dinners are all fun things I've attended. Even with the assaults I mentioned, its pretty easy to feel welcome in the community. Other LGBTs are largely nonjudgmental of appearances, and are eager to make friends. Most Michigan students I've met in the four years I've been here are either from Michigan, Ohio, suburban Illinois, New Jersey, or California. Not very many international students major in English, I've noticed. But the people from places I didn't mention never seem to have a hard time fitting in because of their background- they're just less common. It's MUCH more expensive to attend this University if you're from out of state, so generally those students are from upper class families or they receive financial aid. Sometimes I do feel slightly alienated from these more "privileged" students. They seem to congregate particularly at football games, frat/sororities, and in certain bars. It can be hard not to be jealous of their new coach purses, but then I look at their Ugg boots and laugh a little. Ultimately, your family's income doesn't decide where you belong- YOU do.

For me, Michigan has all the right stuff - one just has to go out and get it. It is a place where I have opened my eyes to absolutely everything under the sun - racial, religious, LGBT, socio-economic diversity and it is this that I will always carry with me as the Michigan experience. Different types of students definitely interact, especially through organization involvement - I have made friends that I never thought I would make. Students wear anything to class - but the most common is comfortable clothing - sweatpants and maize & blue sweatshirts! The amazing thing about Michigan is that there really aren't four tables in a dinihg hall and I hope it stays this way. Michigan students come predominant from the Midwest and then from the 2 coasts - east and west. Most kids are well off enough to be here because Ann Arbor (and college) is expensive but this is not the case for everyone at all. There are certainly many people that I know who pay their own way and I have learned a tremendous amount from everyone. Students are incredibly politically active - most are liberal, but pretty much everyone bleeds maize & blue. There is very little talk, at least among my friends, about how much they'll earn one day - many actually want to go into professions in the non-profit sector, especially politics and political activism.

Overall, Michigan is definitely a fairly liberal campus. This doesn't mean that conservatives will hate it here, but it is something to be aware of. If the idea of two guys walking down the street holding hands is something that disgusts you, then maybe Michigan isn't the place for you. It's not like every other student is gay, but there is definitely a visible gay culture. Prepare to have your mind opened if it isn't already.

One of the best things about Michigan is that the diversity here leaves very few people feeling "out of place". There is always an organization or club for a student to join and become a part of. Student's here seem to be extremely friendly and outgoing.

A lot of Michigan kids are rich, most of my friends are but that is because I was placed into a primarily East Coast dorm my freshman year. It is an expensive school if you are out of state and so therefore, those kids tend to have more money. Additionally, a lot of the international kids are really rich in random ways, like jeans factory heirs... Besides the clique-y sorority girls, there is a lot of intermixing. Most people are interested in the cultures of others and make a point to become involved in multicultural activities.

- Very involved in the Jewish community; there are many options according to what each student is looking for. There are social events, Shabbat dinners, services, and trips. - Open to all kinds of students-- very diverse. - Students will dress in different outfits varying from sweatpants to high heels and a skirt. - Sadly, from my observations, most students mostly interact with people from similar backgrounds as them even though it is a very diverse campus. - Definately a lot of students are from Michigan. Also a lot of international students, mostly from Asian countries. Also a lot from the East Coast and California area. - Politically aware. Many students are apathetic towards the following election, which, as a political science students, truly upsets me. Most students are pretty liberal.

Racial: I'm white-therefore I suck. Religious: I'm protestant therefore I'm a fundamental religious wacko. Economic: I'm poor and I have no family suppor therefore what the hell am I doing at this school and why don't I have a pair of UGGS? Students at U of M: a) rich kid from the suburbs whose daddy, grandaddy and great-grandaddy all were U of M alum and all have contributed financially to the school. b) ghetto kid recruited despite their 2.0 GPA because they are black and somehow contribute to diversity even though most of them never make it through the first year b/c lack of ability to read or handle basic math problems which were covered in the classes that DPS had to cut for budget reasons, isn't covered under Affirmative Action, c) Asian kid who sleeps while drooling on their books at the AAEL and who walks around the campus knowing that they could take over the world at any moment. Do different students interact? Rarely w/ out being forced to. Four tables in the dining hall: prep squad-the "Yea! I'm so happy to be at U of M now get me another Prozac!"-usually made up of dorm kids and greek society. Girls all under 110 pounds, under 100 if you don't include the UGGs, Northface or skin tight 80's pants, guys all counting down the hours to the next kegger and hoping to score. Table 2: The ghetto-girls lean forward and the whole room can see their neon blue thong, enough flashy fake jewelry to light up Las Vegas, guys wearing pants at the knees. Plenty of lovely Urban slang. Won't it be great to teach the naive rich kids cool new words like "Superman" and "Spiderman"? Loudest table in the room w/ screeching, guffawing and yelling that will intimidate the rest of the room. When everyone tries to avoid them-they assume it's just ignorance and racism. Table #3: nerdy girls mixed w/ some gay guys and lesbians and a few asian students. Usually the quietest table and the one most likely to actually do something w/ the education they are receiving. Table #4 the Muslim table: maybe it's the head scarves but they noticed the glares when they walked into the room and they aren't about to start trouble. People may pretend to be diverse but when a huge crowd of people who are obviously of Middle Eastern heritage walks into the room everyone suddenly remembers 9/11. U of M students: we're mainly from South Eastern Michigan unless you are a Law School, Engineering or Music Student. If you are-you probably only know the rest of Michigan as: "Detroit is that scary place where people have guns", Canton is the place w/ the IKEA and who the hell cares about the rest? Financial: mainly rich. If you aren't rich, you are here b/c of minority scholarships. If you happen to be poor and not a minority-you are screwed. Go back to community college. Everyone is politically active. Hardcore left, mainly still in the rebellion phase against mommy and daddy. These are mainly rich kids-they don't care about earnings. They ASSUME that they'll be fine.

Most students are pretty liberal, though that is a generalization. People seem accepting of different cultures, though there is a divide among different students groups. There's a fair amount of social awareness and political activism. It's impossible to stereotype the typical "Michigan student" because every single one is very different.

There's a place for everyone here except the extremely ignorant or close-minded. Come here with an open mind or don't come at all. I would say the University's commitment to diversity has paid off. There's a large spread of varying political, social, economic, racial, gender, and other backgrounds one can imagine. However, it does seem that these groups do stay mostly to themselves, which is unfortunate.

It is so difficult to answer any of these questions about the types of people at Michigan because there is honestly every type of person here. It isn't a utopia where everyone gets along with everyone and things are all peachy-keen. But there is no one type of student on campus. The student body is so diverse and so amazing, we really have the capability to be the leaders and best.

Not a whole lot, to be honest. Very few students would feel out of place here. It's a pretty diverse student body, and there are a multitude of student groups for any minority, ethnicity, religious affiliation, etc. Most students wear their worst clothes to class. This is especially true in the winter, where you have to put on more clothes. It is remarkable how much better girls dress--in terms of make-up and hair, as well as clothes--when they're going out than when they're going to class. A lot of students are politically active; however, many are ill-informed or just regurgitate what they've read in the New York Times and seen on CNN. Politics are very complicated, and a lot of students try to simplify them by simply taking a radical position and sticking to it. Hence the opinion section of The Michigan Daily. UM is definitely a liberal campus, though I know conservatives, republicans, and people who don't give a shit.