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.
Off-Campus Housing
Off-campus apartments and rooms are frequently available during the summer months, due to the large number of undergraduate participants 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 $690-$870/month
One bedroom $800-$920/month
Two bedroom $999-$1600/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 participants post ads for summer sublets.
Cooperative Student Housing
The Inter-Cooperative Council (ICC) has been housing ICPSR summer scholars on both North and Central Campus since 2002. One great advantage of co-ops is low housing costs. Estimated monthly summer rates are $350-550 per month- depending on the particular house, length of stay and double or single room occupancy. Some houses have summer meal plans while in others members buy food and cook individually. Houses with meal plans cost a bit more. All houses have fully-equipped kitchens, laundry facilities, wireless internet, TV lounges, and some even have game rooms and workout facilities.
The ICC student housing co-ops are operated by the "members" who live in them. This typically requires 2-4 hours of work per week from each member during the summer.
Members' jobs range from cooking dinner to dishwashing and housekeeping to accounting or basic maintenance. North Campus Coops offers the greatest availability and is 10 -15 minutes from Central Campus by bus. The ICC also has 15 different houses surrounding the UM's central campus - all within a 10-15 minute walk to the ICPSR. Coops on Central Campus tend to fill quickly. The individual houses vary quite a bit in quality and atmosphere. Some houses are more popular with undergraduates, while others attract more grad students. You can inspect the accommodations online and contact houses directly through the ICC website.
When contacting the ICC, or a specific house make it clear what your needs and expectations are; then plan to be flexible, laid back and tolerant. Feel free to ask ICC staff for housing recommendations. When applying to the ICC, be explicit that you are with the ICPSR Summer Program and the specific dates you will need housing in Ann Arbor. Don't hesitate to ask a staff member which houses they recommend for visiting summer scholars. When requested and if possible, they will group ICPSR participants in the same houses. For more information on co-ops, contact:
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's (ECIR) mission is to be a reconciling living/learning community across the lines of religion, ethnicity, and culture. ECIR offers 1-bedroom apartments and bedrooms in 2- and 3-bedroom apartments. Two to four month leases are available in the spring and summer. All apartments are air conditioned, furnished, and have a bathroom, kitchen and living room. Summer rent for a bedroom in a 2- bedroom apartment is $684. Rent for a bedroom in a 3-bedroom apartment is $540 or $584. 1-bedroom apartments cost under $960. For more information, e-mail info@ecir.org, phone 734-662-5529, or visit the Ecumenical Center Web site.
