Choosing where to live at the University of Michigan is a big part of your college experience — whether you're a freshman just starting your journey toward a bachelor cap and gown, a master’s student immersed in your department’s research, or a PhD candidate pushing the boundaries of your field before walking the stage in your doctoral regalia. Michigan offers a wide range of student housing options that balances convenience, comfort, and community.
This CAPGOWN guide walks you through top campus housing options — including Central Campus favorites like South Quad, West Quad, and East Quad; North Campus choices like Bursley and Baits II; and graduate living communities such as Northwood Apartments and the Lawyers Club. You’ll get key details, student insights, fun facts, Reddit opinions, and practical takeaways to help you find your fit.
South Quadrangle – Social, Central & Campus-Connected
Address: 600 E Madison St, Ann Arbor, MI 48109
South Quad is beloved for its prime location and bustling energy. It offers suite-style living, a modern dining hall, and quick access to Diag and Ross School of Business.
Why CAPGOWN Bachelor Students Love It:
- Central location near classes and student org hubs.
- Modern dining facility with lots of variety.
- Vibrant social culture and spacious lounges.
Fun Fact: South Quad is home to the “Blue Apple” mural, a quirky student-favorite piece of public art that doubles as a popular Instagram spot.
R/UofM Says:
“South Quad has the best location. Dining is solid and you’ll always see someone you know.”
“If you want the ‘big university dorm’ experience, this is it.”
East Quadrangle – Artsy, Academic & Inclusive
Address: 701 E University Ave, Ann Arbor, MI 48109
East Quad blends creativity and scholarship. Once known as a haven for arts and humanities students, it remains a vibrant and progressive community.
Why CAPGOWN Bachelor Students Love It:
- Connected to the Residential College.
- Cozy, artsy vibe with music and murals everywhere.
- Excellent location near cafes and theaters
Fun Fact: East Quad was once home to Madonna’s choreographer and has deep ties to U-M’s performing arts scene.
R/UofM Says:
“Quirky but fun. The people are creative and it’s a safe space to be yourself.”
“The rooms are huge compared to other dorms.
West Quadrangle – Classic, Comfortable & Close to It All
Address: 541 Thompson St, Ann Arbor, MI 48109
West Quad offers a quieter, more traditional dorm experience — still steps from the action. Known for being clean and calm, it’s a favorite for focused undergrads.
Why CAPGOWN Bachelor Students Love It:
- Just off State Street and near the Michigan Union.
- Recently renovated rooms and lounges.
- Home to many student-athletes and upperclassmen
Fun Fact: West Quad has a private tunnel to the Union — perfect for snowy walks to late-night study sessions.
R/UofM Says:
“If you like peace and your own space, West Quad is a great choice.” “Location and calm = 10/10. Just bring headphones for game day.”
North Quadrangle – Modern, Multicultural & Media-Focused
Address: 105 S State St, Ann Arbor, MI 48109
North Quad combines sleek architecture with international flair. Designed for students interested in global media and communication studies, it's one of the most high-tech residences on campus.
Why CAPGOWN Bachelor Students Love It:
- Home to the School of Information and Communication.
- Amazing architecture and dorm layout.
- Café, classrooms, and lounges built into the residence
Fun Fact: North Quad is one of the few residence halls where classes are held inside the dorm itself.
R/UofM Says:
“North Quad is bougie. Super quiet and very clean.”
“A bit less social, but great for introverts and grad students who TA.”
Bursley Hall – Quiet, Connected & Surrounded by Nature
Address: 1931 Duffield St, Ann Arbor, MI 48109
Located on North Campus, Bursley is a great fit for engineers, musicians, and architecture students. It’s known for its massive dining hall and peaceful surroundings.
Why CAPGOWN Bachelor Students Love It:
- Huge dining hall with tons of options.
- Calm atmosphere for studying and sleeping.
- Close to engineering buildings and Pierpont Commons
Fun Fact: Bursley’s bus stop is one of the busiest — it connects you to Central Campus in under 10 minutes.
R/UofM Says:
“Long ride to class, but it’s super quiet and has the best food.”
“Great for engineers who don’t mind the bus.”
Baits II – Cozy & Academically Oriented
- Fewer distractions, more sleep.
- Beautiful North Campus scenery.
- Often selected by upperclassmen or Honors students
Fun Fact: Baits was originally designed as an Honors dorm — and the layout still reflects a quieter, more academic vibe.
R/UofM Says:
“It’s far, but the serenity makes it worth it.”
“Definitely not for partygoers, but perfect for thinkers.”
Alice Lloyd Hall – Suite Style & Freshman-Friendly
Address: 100 Observatory St, Ann Arbor, MI 48109
Located on North Campus, Bursley is a great fit for engineers, musicians, and architecture students. It’s known for its massive dining hall and peaceful surroundings.
Why CAPGOWN Bachelor Students Love It:
- Great layout and strong community
- Close to the Hill dining center and Palmer Field
- Popular for first-year Honors students
Fun Fact: The “Alice Lloyd Ghost” is a well-known campus myth — but students mostly report helpful vibes.
R/UofM Says:
“The Hill is super chill. Alice Lloyd is a good mix of fun and focus.”
“Underrated for how nice the rooms are.”
Munger Graduate Residences – Luxury Living for Scholars
Address: 540 Thompson St, Ann Arbor, MI 48109
Munger is designed by and for graduate students across disciplines. It offers fully furnished suites, private bedrooms, and top-tier shared amenities.
Why CAPGOWN Master & PhD Students Love It:
- Washer/dryer in every unit.
- Fitness center, study lounges, and communal kitchens.
- Ideal for professional grad life.
Fun Fact: Funded by Michigan Law alum Charles Munger (also of Berkshire Hathaway), this residence is tailored for interdisciplinary collaboration.
R/UofM Says:
“Munger is like a hotel. Super clean and everything is updated.”
“Best grad housing if you can get in.”
Northwood I & II – Affordable Furnished Apartments
Address: 1000 McIntyre, Ann Arbor, MI 48109
These furnished apartments are great for solo grad students or those living with a roommate or partner.
Why CAPGOWN Master & PhD Students Love It:
- Affordable with flexible lease terms.
- Campus shuttle access to Central.
- Close to engineering, music, and art buildings
Fun Fact: Northwood includes over 30 buildings and its own community center.
Northwood IV & V – Unfurnished Townhomes for Families
Address: 1000 McIntyre, Ann Arbor, MI 48109
These townhomes are ideal for graduate students with families. Two- and three-bedroom options provide space and privacy.
Why CAPGOWN Grad Students with Families Love It:
- Family-friendly with playgrounds and walking paths.
- On-site childcare and community activities.
- Quiet and affordable
Fun Fact: Northwood is one of the few grad housing areas in the U.S. with such an extensive family housing network.
Henderson House & Martha Cook – Shared Spaces with History
Address: 1330 Hill St Ann Arbor, MI 48104-3194
Both available to graduate women, these residences offer unique environments focused on tradition and academic focus.
Why CAPGOWN Master & PhD Students Love It:
- Quiet, inclusive spaces steeped in Michigan tradition.
- Strong mentorship and academic support.
- Located near libraries and core academic buildings.
Lawyers Club – Law Student-Only Excellence
Address: 551 S State St, Ann Arbor, MI 48109
Built for Michigan Law students, this exclusive residence offers everything a JD or LLM student needs to focus and thrive.
Fun Fact: It includes a dining hall, study lounges, and even private tutoring programs funded by alumni gifts.
Final Thoughts
Whether you're a first-year undergrad navigating campus life or a doctoral student finalizing your dissertation, the University of Michigan offers housing that matches your academic path. Each residence has its own rhythm, community, and personality — and all contribute to the Michigan legacy.
And when it’s finally time to cross the stage, CAPGOWN is here to honor your journey. From bachelor cap and gown sets to doctoral regalia tailored for Michigan scholars, we provide premium academic attire designed with tradition, comfort, and authenticity in mind. No matter where you lived — South Quad, Northwood, or the Lawyers Club — celebrate graduation the Michigan way, with CAPGOWN.
