I don’t where to go to college next year. I’ve narrowed my options down to the University of Iowa and the University of Michigan. I am from Michigan and live about 3 hours away. Financially for me they are basically the same. I liked the food at Iowa a lot better than at Mich, and I think I liked Iowa’s campus more. I do have family living in Iowa so I wouldn’t be totally alone if I didn’t want to be. However I know that graduating from UMich carries more weight when applying for jobs and grad school than U of Iowa would. It has better academics, and I don’t know if I can justify going to Iowa when it’s not as academically outstanding. My biggest fear in going to college next year is not making friends because I’m not very outgoing, but I don’t know which college is better for that. In case it matters, I plan on majoring in biochemistry.
I guess what I’m asking is how should I be evaluating these schools to make a decision and does the college I choose for my undergrad actually matter in the long run?
I think you should go to UMich.
It seems like your biggest concern is finding friends, which is a worry that would be present at either school; it wouldn’t be overwhelmingly “easier” or “better” at a particular school I don’t think. Ann Arbor is a big city with tons of events going on, probably making it easier to find social situations (concerts, plays, events, etc.) where you can find others with similar interests to you outside of school as well as in class/dorms. I don’t know anything about Iowa, but it seems like you would be secluded to only finding school/class/campus social situations. You can also join all sorts of clubs or live in residence halls/learning communities and go through college with thousands of other frosh who are looking for friends too at both schools. Don’t sell yourself short. You seem like a really kind an genuine person. You can make friends; you’ve probably made it this far with some really good ones 
Don’t go to college for the food. That’d be kind of dumb (no offense). Think about what UMich could do for you given it’s strong academic programs, research, and alumni connections. I think that name/reputation is fairly important in finding grad schools. It’s definitely important for job/research opportunities given the connections that UMich professors you may work closely with have in their field. So that really only leaves UMich as an option. Everyone knows that UMich is rigorous and a top-notch education whereas you can’t say the same about Iowa.
That’s just my opinion anyway. I don’t know anything about University of Iowa, so take it with a grain of salt. Keep me updated with your decision. Good luck and go blue!!! Be true to your heart
Perhaps you can consider a learning community at Michigan?
Not sure if the same thing is available in Iowa… the upside is that you will be placed with like minded students and will be doing things with them your Freshman year.
As for food, price out what it would cost to go to Zingerman’s 3X per week at Michigan (or Cottage Inn, Thai Food or whatever else you like). Even if you burn though $60/week on restaurant food in Michigan, I am thinking you will still be far ahead when you factor in travel to Iowa.
Also, have you ate at South Quad? That place seems to have very good food, IMO.