University of Michigan - Ann Arbor

Visiting your child at U-M Ann Arbor means flying into Detroit Metro (DTW), about 25-30 miles east. Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) is the international gateway - a major Delta hub with the McNamara and Evans/North terminals. Southeast Michigan's SMART buses and, for Ann Arbor, the Michigan Flyer/AirRide coach serve the region; rideshare and taxis are widely available. Plan the US visitor visa well ahead.

Getting from DTW to campus

Visitor visa for parents

Indian parents need a B1/B2 visitor visa. First-time interview waits are long and vary sharply by consulate, so city choice matters - you may book at ANY US consulate in India, not just your home city.

• Plan 8-12 months ahead, especially for graduation - graduations do NOT qualify for emergency/expedited appointments.
• You can book at any consulate in India; many families fly to Chennai to save months versus Mumbai or Delhi.
• The dropbox (interview waiver) window shrank from 48 to 12 months in 2025 - most parents with older expired visas now need a full interview.
• Visitor stays are up to 6 months per visit, set by the officer at entry on the I-94.

Just admitted to U-M Ann Arbor? Most Indian students enter on an F-1 academic visa (DS-160 fee $185 + SEVIS I-901 fee $350). J-1 is for exchange programs (SEVIS $220), M-1 for vocational study. Spouses/children come on F-2/J-2/M-2 dependent visas. You can enter the US up to 30 days before your program start date. For Fall 2026, Indian F-1 applicants must interview at one of five US consulates in India.

Arrival checklist

• Book your flight into Detroit Metro (DTW) - the international gateway, ~25-30 miles east of Ann Arbor.
• From DTW, the Michigan Flyer/AirRide coach to Blake Transit Center (~$7-16) is the easiest route.
• Once enrolled, ride the free 'Big Blue' U-M buses around Central and North campus.
• Confirm student baggage allowance with your airline.
• Carry your I-20, SEVIS receipt and financial documents in hand luggage for US immigration.

Ann Arbor, home to the University of Michigan, is one of the pricier US college towns - about $1,500-2,200 a month all-in sharing and cooking, with rents pushed up by high demand in a desirable town. U-M students ride both TheRide city buses and the U-M bus system free, and the Indian-heavy Detroit suburbs (Troy, Canton) are about 45 minutes away.

Monthly cost of living in Ann Arbor (a student estimate)

That's roughly $18,000-26,000 a year for living costs, on top of tuition.

Finding accommodation

Ann Arbor is a college town built around the University of Michigan, so most students share apartments or houses near campus, or take university housing for the first year.

• the University of Michigan students ride TheRide / U-M buses free with a valid ID.
• Central/State St area keeps you within walking or biking distance of campus - off-campus leases there go fast.
• Being a college town, most daily needs are close to campus; factor in occasional travel to the nearest city/airport.

Working part-time

On an F-1 visa you can work on-campus up to 20 hours/week during term (full-time in breaks). Off-campus work needs authorization - CPT during study, OPT after (up to 12 months, +24 for STEM degrees). You cannot freelance or work off-campus without approval.

Safety & student support

Ann Arbor is a relatively small, student-centred town and generally safe by US standards; still use normal awareness at night.

• the University of Michigan runs security escorts, safety apps and (often) night shuttles - save the campus safety number.
• The campus and Central/State St area areas are walkable and student-dense.
• Stick to well-lit, well-travelled routes at night; small-town crime is low but not zero.

Indian community & food

Ann Arbor has an active Indian student community centred on the University of Michigan. U-M's large international community keeps a strong desi presence in this college town.

Indian grocery stores

• Patel Brothers (3426 Washtenaw Ave) - the main desi supermarket in Ann Arbor.
• Indian grocers on Plymouth Rd near North Campus and in neighbouring Ypsilanti.
• The Detroit suburbs (Troy, Canton) - large Indian supermarkets ~45 min away for a big shop.

Student community

• the University of Michigan has an active Indian/South Asian student association running major Diwali/Holi events.
• Detroit-area suburbs (Troy, Canton) host larger Indian events and temples, ~45 min away.

• Indian restaurants in Ann Arbor catering to the student community, with more in the nearest city.

Cost & living figures for Ann Arbor last verified Jun 2026. Figures are estimates and change over time.