University of Michigan move-in checklist
August in Ann Arbor is humid with highs in the low 80s°F and frequent thunderstorms — and many older halls don't have AC. By November expect cold rain turning to snow, lows in the 20s°F, and grey lake-effect skies through February.
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Things Michigan doesn't put in the brochure.
- Many older Hill and Central Campus halls (South Quad, Bursley, Markley) have no central AC — late August through mid-September is genuinely hot and humid, and only a documented medical accommodation gets you a window unit.
- U-M provides Lifespace II or Building Block modular furniture that lofts without bed risers — DIY risers and custom lofts are banned for safety.
- North Campus (Bursley) is a bus ride from Central Campus; first-years there should plan for the Bursley-Baits bus schedule.
- Football Saturdays start in late August or early September; the area around the Big House is gridlocked, so don't schedule deliveries on home-game weekends.
- Move-in is by required pre-selected appointment slot — you can't just show up, and missed slots create a real scheduling mess.
- Lake-effect snow starts in November and grey skies are persistent through winter — bring a real winter coat, waterproof boots, and ideally a SAD-style light.
Halls at Michigan
Largest hall on North Campus and a major first-year community; no central AC, so plan for fans in August and September.
Hill-area first-year hall with Lifespace II modular furniture; no AC, often the hottest building in late August.
Central Campus hall renovated in 2024; the new dining and common areas have AC but student rooms do not.
Central Campus hall connected to the Michigan Union; one of the few classic quads with central air conditioning.
Home of the Residential College on Central Campus; centrally air-conditioned with arts-focused programming.
Hill-area hall fully renovated with central AC; houses the Michigan Community Scholars Program.
Hill-area first-year hall with central AC and Lifespace II furniture.
Hill-area hall with central AC; popular with health-sciences and pre-med first-years given proximity to the medical campus.
Smaller Hill-area hall with central AC; home of the Lloyd Hall Scholars Program.
Newest Central Campus hall with central AC; suite-style rooms and the Global Scholars Program.
Banned at Michigan
- Candles
- Wax warmers and burners
- Incense
- Diffusers with open flame
- Burning sage
- Halogen lamps
- Hot plates
- Toaster ovens (outside designated kitchens)
- Space heaters
- Hoverboards
- Bed risers
- Custom-built lofts
- Window AC units (without medical accommodation)
- Pets (except fish under 10 gallons)