Housing in Ann Arbor

Long-Term: Four Weeks or Longer

Participants usually obtain housing in privately-owned apartments and rooms, cooperative houses, or University owned apartments. Some homes are also available as summer sublets. It may be useful to discuss housing arrangements in Ann Arbor with former participants, but remember that the cost of living will have increased over the years. Although housing costs may be your primary concern, you should also consider factors such as access to public transportation, air conditioning, compatibility with roommates or neighbors, etc. It is very difficult to find housing in Ann Arbor that includes accommodations for pets.

Generally, family housing is the most difficult to find. If you intend to bring your family to Ann Arbor and you plan to attend classes for the entire eight-week period, the University of Michigan offers housing at a reasonable price, but early application is essential. A reasonably priced apartment for a single individual can also be difficult to find; it is often easier to locate shared housing.

Program participants should decide whether to make housing arrangements prior to their arrival in Ann Arbor. Some former participants recommend waiting to find "a bargain" after arriving in Ann Arbor. In the past, individuals willing to share an apartment have had little difficulty making such arrangements; however, some effort, including telephoning and extensive footwork, is required. If you do decide to wait to find housing until after you arrive, it is recommended that you come to Ann Arbor a few days early so that you will be settled before classes begin.

When inquiring about housing, mention the ICPSR Summer Program and the dates that you will be in attendance. There is often some confusion about schedules, because the University of Michigan has a 15-week Spring/Summer term and a Spring half-term that overlap the 8-week ICPSR Summer Program schedule.

On-Campus Housing

For information regarding potential one- or two-month housing on campus, please contact:

Conference Services
University of Michigan
627 Oxford Road
Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2634
Telephone: (734) 764-5297
Fax: (734) 764-1557
email: cms.services@umich.edu
Web site: http://www.cms.housing.umich.edu/

Off-Campus Housing

Off-campus apartments and rooms are frequently available during the summer months, due to the large number of undergraduate students who leave campus. Because most leases near campus begin in September and run for twelve months, many of these apartments will be available as sublets. Often these apartments are furnished except for bedding and kitchen equipment, and some are air conditioned. Decors range from essentially clean-but-cramped, to dingy-and-decrepit. It is better to inspect an apartment or room before you decide to rent it. If you are not able to perform an inspection in person, you should be very explicit in your correspondence as to your expectations for the apartment. Will it be clean? Does the refrigerator work? Are there any infestations of vermin? And under no circumstances should you accept anyone's assurances that a fan and some cross-ventilation is "just as good" as an air conditioner. Be precise as well regarding the number of people who will occupy the apartment, the exact dates of occupancy, and the number of rooms required.

Efficiency $450-$550/month
One bedroom $600-$800/month
Two bedroom $700-$900/month

Begin your housing search by checking the summer sublet listings on the University of Michigan's Off Campus Housing posting board. Cragilist Ann Arbor, and Orangesorbet.com are also good resources where many students post ads for summer sublets

Cooperative Housing

Cooperative housing, or co-ops, in which people live together sharing expenses and chores, is a good option for some Summer Program participants. The Inter-Cooperative Council at the University of Michigan, or ICC student housing co-ops, is operated by the people who live in them, requiring three to five hours of work per week from each member during the summer. Some houses have meal plans while in others members buy food and cook individually. All houses have fully-equipped kitchens. Members' jobs range from cooking dinner to dishwashing and housekeeping to keeping the house books or performing basic maintenance. A great advantage of co-ops is low housing costs. Estimated rates for a room and utilities for the summer months are $334-600 per month for a single room. (If the house serves food, the cost is at the higher end.) Some houses have larger rooms which cost more. Double, or shared, rooms may be available at a lower cost. In addition, you get many other conveniences including free laundry facilities, TV, cable, and local telephone service, and at some houses you don't have to cook for yourself every night. Most houses are within a 10- to 15-minute walk from ICPSR. During the summer, single rooms are available for all members.

It's difficult to generalize about the co-op experience. Some Summer Program participants have been very happy while some have been disappointed. The individual houses vary quite a bit in quality and atmosphere; thus, it is best to inspect the accommodations before making a commitment. At the very least, make it clear what your needs and expectations are and then plan to be flexible, laid back and tolerant because your housemates may be noisy, drunk, sloppy undergraduates with no summer jobs. Or they may not be. But if the possibility terrifies you then stay away from the co-ops.

If you contact them, be explicit that you are with the ICPSR Summer Program and state the dates you will be in Ann Arbor. When requested and if possible, they will group ICPSR participants in the same houses. For more information on co-ops, contact:

Inter-Cooperative Council
337 E. William Street
Ann Arbor, MI 48104
Attn: Member Services Staff

Telephone: (734) 662-4414, ext. 100
Fax: (734) 662-5870
email: info@icc.coop
Web site: http://www.icc.coop/

Ecumenical Center

The Ecumenical Center and International Residence (ECIR) is a unique living experience for international students and scholars. The mission of the ECIR is to be a reconciling international, interfaith, living/learning community across the lines of religion, ethnicity, and culture. One bedroom, two bedroom and three bedroom apartments are available. Two to four month leases are available in the spring and summer. Some apartments are air conditioned; all are fully furnished and have a bathroom, kitchen and living room. Rent for two and three bedrooms are under $520 per person and one bedroom apartments cost under $700. For more information email ecir@provide.net, phone 734-662-5529, or check the Ecumenical Center Web site.