<p>So I got in and am SERIOUSLY considering attending!
Seems like my type of school. Amazing academics, big-time sports scene including pregaming early for games, great social life and parties...
But one of the things I'm concerned about is adjusting OOS. At the state universities I'm familiar with, a lot of kids stick to high school friends. As someone from MA, I would have a tough time if it's like that at UMich. So some info on how the adjustment is for out-of-staters and how hard it is to make friends would be appreciated. Thanks!</p>
<ol>
<li>michigan is only 66 % instate. 34 % are out of state</li>
<li>everyone is looking to make new friends and get a change of scenery</li>
<li>basically, this wont be a problem</li>
</ol>
<p>My daughter is an out of state freshman from California. She knew absolutely no one who went there when she started and was so far from home. She loves Michigan!! She loves her friends, the sports, her classes. She hates one thing: the bus to North Campus, but happily she won’t be living there next year. She met people by trying out for club soccer (making the team and then deciding she didn’t want that much of a commitment); going through rush (met a lot of people that way, and never considered herself a sorority person at all); becoming a tour guide; meeting people inn her classes, and meeting people in her dorm. If you are willing to put yourself out there, you will be able to meet a lot of great people.</p>
<p>My D is an OOS junior. When she came to UM she knew no one, but she made great friends immediately…even with instate kids who were looking to expand their social networks beyond their hs crowd. You’ll find people at UM and the Midwest overall very friendly and social. There are clubs, sports, etc. to suit every interest (the advantage of a large school like UM). </p>
<p>I think it’s realistic though to expect to go through some kind of adjustment to college life, no matter where you go. But UM does have a lot going and a fairly good support system if you need it. Not only is it great academically, you really do get the classic college experience there in the perfect college town.</p>
<p>Thanks for the input! The chance that I’m going there is super high since I probably won’t get into Duke/Penn/Cornell so the fact that EVERYTHING about it should be amazing is helping me get excited! I’m thinking about rushing so that should help with meeting people as well.</p>
<p>massgirl, university is not high school. Students at college do not band together and form posses and cliques. Fitting in at a school like Michigan is easy. Not only is one third o the student body from OOS, but another third come to Michigan with very few friends. The final third admittedly come to Michigan with a large list of friends and acquaintances, but many of those actually see that as a weakness and are keen to make new friends.</p>
<p>On a side note, I chose Michigan over Cornell, Duke and Penn, so do not count Michigan out until you have weighed all the pros and cons.</p>
<p>Alexandre, no matter where else I get in I am definitely visiting and considering Michigan! I was just saying I probably won’t get into those schools. I’m so glad to hear that everyone there is looking to make new friends.</p>
<p>To be fair there are still “groups”. Not as bad as HS though.</p>
<p>Also IS kids definitely come in with groups of HS friends, but its not like you will be shunned from their group.</p>