The Setting
Ann Arbor is frequently ranked as one of the most livable cities in the U.S. It combines the cosmopolitan feel and cultural offerings of a big city with low crime rates and the advantages of a moderately sized college town. Ann Arbor is bicycle-friendly and has an extensive and easily-accessible mass transit system, which students can utilize for free with their student ID cards (MCards).
The University of Michigan is situated just a 30 minute drive/shuttle/bus from the major airport at Detroit/Wayne (DTW) with shuttle rides to and from the airport provided by the Michigan Flyer. The ease of travel contributes to the worldliness of Ann Arbor and to the innovative environment that keeps science at UM at the forefront.
Many attractions are within walking distance of the Physics Department’s desirable location on central campus:
- World class concerts at the historical Hill Auditorium and performing arts at the Power Center
- The “Big House” – the largest stadium in the U.S.
- The Ann Arbor Art Fair, the largest in the Midwest
- Downtown movie theaters that feature current movies and documentaries as well as foreign and art films
- The Huron River and Nichols Arboretum
- A full range of restaurants, cafes, and night-life venues
Both the University of Michigan and the city of Ann Arbor embrace tolerance and diversity, and students will find a plethora of cultural and religious outlets. There are excellent schools and pre-schools to serve students with families. The 25,000 undergraduate students, 15,000 graduate students, and thousands of other young adults working for the creative and knowledge-intensive companies in the city create a great community in which to grow both socially and academically.
