You've got lots of great options when you visit Ann Arbor, and here are a few opportunities you'll want to take advantage of.

Are you ready to communicate with your student about an incident related to alcohol or other drugs, if needed?

Why communication matters: Studies show college students still regard their parents (or parent role models) as trusted advisors and vital in their social support network. Students often rely on parents when they encounter difficulties and challenges. 

Ever wonder if students' voices are heard at U-M?  

Recently, the U-M Board of Regents approved plans for renovation of the Michigan Union, and students have helped drive the planning process. 

The Michigan Union Board of Representatives (MUBR) and the student organization Building a Better Michigan (BBM) were instrumental in gaining student support and successfully advocating for improvements to the Union.

In a few short weeks, many families will be making the trip back to Ann Arbor, this time with plenty of empty room in the car, to pack your student’s belongings and head home, if only for a moment. And the student you will be picking up will be a little different from the one you dropped off on that day at the end of summer: buzzing with new information, talking about people and things you’ve never heard of, but also in many ways more confident.

Living off-campus can be an exciting time for many students! The freedom and independence are what many students look forward to. One challenge your student may face is having time to prepare healthy meals to fuel their busy lifestyle. The novelty of eating whatever they want will wear off eventually. Plenty of options exist to make quick meals at home or find delicious and healthy meals on campus.

On-Campus Options

They are all grown up and off to college, but it doesn’t mean you won’t worry about your student from time to time. At the University of Michigan, safety is a priority with numerous resources to ensure your student is experiencing a safe, secure environment. Here’s a handy guide to what’s available.

For parents, "off to college" is often as exciting, anxious and hopeful as it is for your students. In many ways, this is the big moment you’ve been working toward for some eighteen years, and it’s natural to think of it as a significant change in your relationship with your student. But while first-year students will transition to greater independence, the truth is that they still need their families in ways big and small.

Here are our top tips for making your student's move-in as smooth as possible, both on-campus and off.

On Campus

1. Stick to your time slot

Navigating a large campus such as the University of Michigan's, which at last count hosted 584 buildings, can be a daunting experience. Never fear, U-M has a variety of resources, including those found at Campus Information, to make the Wolverine experience a breeze. 

Student-grown produce now served at MDining Halls

With the first delivery of Campus Farm fresh produce to Mosher Jordan dining hall on June 29, the university’s sustainability goal of using more local food products made another giant leap forward. And students -- both participants in the Campus Farm as well as those enjoying the delicious results -- are learning hands-on lessons about food sustainability, being an engaged consumer, and sources of essential nutrition.