<p>Well I'm very seriously considering UM Ann Arbor but I'm having trouble finding a dorm that fits me. A little info about myself and what I'm looking for:</p>
<p>I'm out-of-state, from Illinois. My ideal dorm would be one that is very laid back, relaxed and open. I'm very much against the preppy, rich, arrogant people who have to dress up at all times. At the same time, I don't want a party dorm. I consider myself to be pretty serious about academics and would like it to be a relatively quiet dorm that I can study in, but not a geek dorm, it should be a fun place to be also.</p>
<p>Ok, so I know that all of those qualities in one dorm is impossible but which dorm would you say is best for me? I really appreciate anyone who takes the time to answer me.</p>
<p>You don't get to choose your dorm, but it sounds like you would not want Markley. Markley is characterized by mediocrity; often alot of chotchy, preppy kids who don't value diversity and uniqueness, and it is known as the party dorm and is also extremely loud. It sounds like you would like East Quad (my dorm, the best one!) Some of the kids here, both in the RC and regular LSA and engineering, are some of the most interesting people you will ever meet. So far, I have met someone from trinidad and tobago that speaks better english and uses bigger words than I do, someone from atlanta who will argue the validity of libertarian politics (at 2:00 am while drunk nonetheless), a girl who is more into triathlons than I am (I'm pretty competitive), and so many other interesting people. You will not find this diversity or such a broad spectrum or for that matter appreciation of uniqueness at any of the other dorms, especially Markley. East Quad can get loud, but there is a study lounge on the first floor that is usually pretty quiet. It is possible to study in your room, but it's hard not to be distracted (i.e. other people, instant messenger, etc.) East Quad!!!!!!</p>
<p>Oh, so how do these dorms get those stereotypes if they're random?</p>
<p>Well I mean not EVERYONE in those dorms will be like I described, but the michigan learning communities have alot to do with it. For example, 1/2 of east quad is the residential college, and other dorms like mosher jordan, alice lloyd, couzens, etc have other learning communities. Markley, however doesn't and is all freshman. It is an interesting phenomenon, but I should have been clearer before. Unless you aply to a learning community, you cannot chose your dorm. Even if you are in honos, you are not guarenteed housing in south quad.</p>
<p>Ok thanks for the help. How would you generally describe the student body? Like as far as how friendly, open, relaxed they are and how much they care about their studies.</p>
<p>Because michigan is such a large public school, you will find all types of people here. Everyone I have met has been really cool, open, and relaxed. We all like to have a good time also. We are, however, very studious. Here, for the most part, it's the work hard-play hard mentality. We are antisocial nerds during the week and get trashed on the weekends...though last weekend i was in the library until 3:00 am both nights because i had a bio midterm on Monday...DAMN YOU phylogenetic classification</p>
<p>There are a few ways you can play the housing system at Michigan. </p>
<ol>
<li><p>If you're female, you can ask for an all-female dorm. These are Barbour, Newberry, Stockwell and, by special application, Martha Cook. All except Stockwell are located on central campus. Stockwell is on the Hill. If you ask for all-female housing, you'll get it. </p></li>
<li><p>You can apply to a Learning Community - these are all located on the Hill. </p></li>
<li><p>You can apply to Residential College in East Quad. </p></li>
<li><p>You can apply to Honors - in South Quad. </p></li>
<li><p>You can request North Campus - not a popular option, but some students actually like it because it's quieter. If you're going to major in music, engineering, art, urban planning or architecture, it's an OK option. Even with these programs, however, you'll have to take a bus to many of your classes. </p></li>
</ol>
<p>Whatever your dorm assignment, at Michigan, you're going to meet a lot of really nice kids. The atmosphere is a combination of laid back, sophisticated and sports crazy. Where else can you buy a latte at the football game?</p>
<p>"laid back, sophisticated and sports crazy."</p>
<p>Awesome, sounds like me. Now how to handle that money problem...</p>