Details

• United States of America
• BaWiSo-19
• Undergraduate
• SoSe 2026
• Time spent at the partner university: 4 months
• Contact: Login to see contact information

1. Preparation

I'm a US citizen, so I didn't need a visa, US health insurance, or a new phone plan, which made prep much easier. If you're not a citizen, budget time for those early.The most important academic step is getting your course pre-approval (Vorausvereinbarung) done with WU as early as possible. Michigan is a newer partner school, so transfers take a while to process. Pick your classes early and push WU to confirm them. Also pay your ÖH and tuition fees to WU, sign up for the WU study-abroad grant and note its key deadlines, and try to rent out your Vienna apartment while you're gone. Reach out to the other WU students going abroad, swap numbers, start a group chat, and meet up beforehand. For packing, fly over and take the bus from the airport (cheap and easy). Pack warm clothes, bring two suitcases rather than one, and leave room because you'll bring a lot back. Think about your hobbies and pack for them, download movies for the flight, and start planning spring break travel early. The first week of classes feels like a lot, but don't stress since you adjust fast. Be social immediately: join clubs, talk to people, and watch for events.

2. Accommodation

I used the Excel sheet the university provides to find a place. Always video call the person before accepting anything or sending money, and ask them to show you the apartment so you know it's legit. My housing was private. No dorms are available to exchange students, so expect to rent privately. Negotiate hard, since more Michigan students leave for study abroad than arrive, which means lots of options and real leverage. I got a couple hundred dollars off per month just by asking. I lived right off campus. Ann Arbor is safe if you're close to campus, but still be smart. Scout your location based on your needs: keep in mind the walk you'll make every day, and check what's nearby for groceries and other necessities. Find a place you actually like, in a spot that works for your daily routine, then negotiate the price down.

3. Academic life at host university

Campus facilities are insane. Michigan has a huge budget and spends it, so there's a lot of construction but the facilities are excellent. Explore them and make use of the gyms, pools, and everything else. Ask current students and friends what's worth checking out. The academic culture is very interactive, with a lot of group work. You're expected to work hard and figure things out, but you're also expected to ask when you don't know something. Compared to WU Vienna, it's far more engaged: more discussion, more teamwork, and more direct contact with professors, who are extremely open and want to help you. Use office hours. Expect steady weekly work, busy but not overwhelming if you keep pace. On grading, it's competitive against your classmates, so stay interactive and prepared throughout the semester and study for exams. If you keep up during the term, you won't need to cram or present much. Marketing classes are easier, communications involves more presenting, and finance and operations are a bit more challenging. For course recommendations, read through all the electives since some are excellent, like managing real money through the Maize & Blue student fund. You can also take classes outside Ross. I really liked the Excel classes, since WU offers very little there, and the entrepreneurial class with Len Middleton was extremely fun.

5. Every day life in the host country

Public transport runs on buses, which are free with your student ID and key for getting around. For trips further out, the Amtrak train to Chicago is a solid option, so buy early and find good times. Otherwise use scooters, walk, or take Lyft (cheaper than Uber). Ann Arbor is safe overall and the police do a decent job, but be smart. Be careful walking late at night, especially as a woman. There are some homeless people and petty theft, so don't leave your things unattended and stay aware of your surroundings. For leisure, there are tons of clubs, and the easiest thing is to find people you like and do things together: go out for coffee, eat, or just hang out. There's always an opportunity. Michigan also has a huge number of events at Ross and across campus, so follow the Instagram accounts, ask around with teachers and other students, check the school boards, and use the student union to search for what's on. For sports, Michigan is one of the best sports schools in the USA. Use your student access to get cheaper tickets and go to as many games as possible: football, basketball, wrestling, gymnastics, and swimming.

6. Testimonial

My exchange flew by, and the people are what made it special. I grew close with both Americans and other exchange students, and those are friendships I'll keep for life. Between the sporting events, the travel, and the constant energy on campus, there was always something new to do. I felt lucky every day to be there, and I'd do it again in a heartbeat.