Details

• United States of America
• BaWiSo-23
• Undergraduate
• SoSe 2026
• Time spent at the partner university: 4 months
• Contact: Login to see contact information

1. Preparation

I would recommend starting the visa application process as early as possible to avoid unnecessary stress. However, in my case, everything worked out quite well even though I applied relatively last minute, and I received my visa within just five days. The process can be a bit overwhelming, as you are largely responsible for organizing everything yourself. Therefore, I would recommend connecting with other exchange students to go through the process together and share experiences. The International Office was also very helpful and provided support whenever I had questions. Since flying is the most practical way to get to Michigan from Germany, I took a direct flight from Frankfurt to Detroit, which was very convenient. However, I also heard from other exchange students who flew into Chicago and traveled to Michigan from there. From Detroit Airport, there is a bus connection to Ann Arbor that is significantly cheaper than taking an Uber. I would definitely recommend checking out this option, as it is an affordable and convenient way to reach the university.

2. Accommodation

There is a Google Sheet that provides all the important information about housing and helps exchange students connect with others to arrange sublets. These are usually around half the price of other housing options and are also a great way to meet new people and make friends right from the start. Alternatively, there are several modern apartment buildings that offer amenities such as a reception, gym, and spa. However, these come at a much higher price and can be quite noisy, especially on weekends, as there is usually a party or pregame happening on almost every floor.

3. Academic life at host university

Many courses have strict attendance requirements, although this does not apply to all of them. Therefore, I would recommend checking the syllabus carefully before choosing your courses. There are plenty of libraries and study spaces across campus, but some can get quite noisy. Personally, I would recommend the Law Library, as it is a great place to study in a quiet environment. Overall, I found the academic level quite manageable and generally comparable to WU, although some courses, such as Private Equity, can be more demanding. Class participation is also very important, as it often makes up a significant part of your final grade. I took several courses focusing on M&A and Private Equity, which were slightly more challenging but also offered a great learning experience. One of the biggest advantages was that many of these courses were taught by industry professionals rather than traditional professors, providing valuable practical insights and real-world perspectives. The university is also a great place to complete your free electives. For example, there are some really interesting German courses with a great group of students. These are also a fun way to meet new people, including German student-athletes, who often take these courses as well. The university's gyms are excellent, with great facilities, including one with a swimming pool. A new gym was also being built during my exchange. As for food, I would not necessarily recommend the dining halls, as they cost around $17 per meal. Although they offer an all-you-can-eat option, there are plenty of better food spots around campus that I would recommend trying instead.

5. Every day life in the host country

Public transportation in Ann Arbor is quite limited, so I would recommend living close to campus, as most places are within walking distance. Overall, the city feels very safe, and I never had any major concerns. However, be prepared for the winter, as it gets significantly colder than in Vienna. I would also highly recommend attending as many university sports events as possible, especially football and basketball games, as they are a huge part of the Michigan experience and the atmosphere is incredible.

6. Testimonial

It was super fun but also incredibly eye-opening – you meet so many smart, inspiring people there. Make sure to enjoy every single day, it's truly one of a kind. Michigan is the kind of place you go into without big expectations, and it ends up blowing them out of the water.