Settling In
Key information for the newly arrived about housing, the University’s Mcard, banking, phones and communication, and transportation in and around Ann Arbor.
- Housing Arrangements
- Mcard
- Banking Information
- Phone Calls and Communication
- Transportation in and Around Ann Arbor
Housing Arrangements
Ann Arbor has both on-campus and off-campus housing available for international students. Please check the links below to further explore your options.
Housing Information for International students
You can also explore the listings of rentals and sublets posted on Ann Arbor’s craigslist at http://annarbor.craigslist.org/hhh/, keeping in mind that you should exercise reasonable caution when using any public listing website.
Mcard
The Mcard is the University of Michigan’s single-card program that combines many features including photo identification, library borrowing privileges, building access, meal plans and Entrée Plus, and ATM/debit card access all on one card. All of the University community is required to have a valid Mcard. The eight digit UMID number printed on the front of each Mcard is the cardholder’s University ID number. Further information on Mcard and how to get one when you arrive on campus is available at Mcard.
There are added benefits to carrying around your Mcard with you such as discounts for students and non-students at many area merchants, companies and organizations. Students, faculty, and staff can ride any AATA fixed bus route by simply swiping their valid Mcard through the on-board card reader.
Banking Information
F- and J-visa holders do not need a Social Security number to open a bank account or for most other financial transactions. Banks will ask you to fill out an Internal Revenue Service form W-8BEN to prove that you are exempt from the requirement of providing a Social Security number.
Warning: Only fill out W-8BEN forms that you receive from your bank or download from the Internal Revenue Service website. W-8BEN forms received in the mail are not valid.
The U-M Campus Information Center banking page maintains information about local banks including:
- Savings accounts
- Checking accounts
- Bank fees
- Location of branches and automated teller machines (ATMs) near campus
- Contact information
See their website at http://umich.edu/~info/moneyMatters.html#anchor_banks.
Phone Calls and Communication
The phone services available to you vary depending on where you live (in University Housing or off-campus), what kind of phone(s) you want to use (for example, home phones or land lines, cell phones), and what kind of calls you plan to make (local and/or long distance). Detailed information about the various options can be found on the International Center website at http://www.internationalcenter.umich.edu/life/telephone.html.
Transportation In and Around Ann Arbor
There are many options for getting around campus, around Ann Arbor, and into and out of Ann Arbor.
The Campus Information Center website provides information about your options, including the free U-M bus services, transportation options for late at night, city or AATA buses (which are free with your Mcard), taxis, and more. See their website at http://www.umich.edu/~info/transportation.html.
U-M students, faculty and staff can also register and pay to utilize the zipcar car sharing service with pick-up and drop-off points around Ann Arbor. See http://www.zipcar.com/umich for more details.