International Student Housing · Guide
An international student's housing-start guide
I spent 20 years helping international students navigate housing in a new country, as a university director and as the founder of an international education business. Here's the plain-English version of what I used to explain in person, adapted for Ann Arbor.
Start earlier than you think
Ann Arbor's student rental market moves fast and early. Leases for the fall semester are often signed many months ahead, sometimes the previous fall or winter. If you're arriving in August, starting your search in spring (or earlier) isn't premature; it's normal here. The best-located places near campus go first. Build your timeline backward from your arrival date and start looking before you feel ready.
Lease words, in plain English
- Joint liability: most student leases make every signer responsible for the total rent if one roommate leaves. Read this clause carefully.
- Guarantors: many landlords ask for a US-based guarantor. International students without US credit history should ask about alternatives: larger deposits, lease-guarantee services, or paying ahead.
- The fine print: deposits, notice periods, and who pays for what when something breaks. In Michigan, security deposit rules are set by state law, so know your rights before you sign.
If a clause confuses you, ask. I explain leases the way I used to explain them to my own students: slowly, completely, no judgment.
Timing your arrival
Try to arrive at least a week before classes start. You'll need the time for keys, furnishing, and the unglamorous admin, and jet lag plus a new city plus day-one classes is a combination nobody enjoys.
Getting around without a car
You don't need a car in Ann Arbor; many students never get one. The bus system (AATA/TheRide) covers campus and most student neighborhoods well. A bike multiplies your options: the Border-to-Border Trail and the city's bike lanes make much of town comfortably rideable (see my Ann Arbor by Bike guides). When choosing housing, check the bus stop and the bike route, not just the mileage. A 15-minute bus ride beats a 30-minute walk in February.
Educational information only, not tax, legal, immigration, or financial advice. Not affiliated with the University of Michigan or Eastern Michigan University.
Questions about any of this? That's literally what I'm here for. Ask in plain language, in yours or mine.
Common questions
When should international students start looking for housing in Ann Arbor?
Start months before arrival. Ann Arbor's student rental market moves early, with fall leases often signed the previous fall or winter. Starting in spring for an August arrival is normal, not premature.
Can international students rent an apartment in Ann Arbor without US credit history?
Yes, but expect extra steps: many landlords ask for a US-based guarantor, a larger deposit, or a lease-guarantee service. Ask about alternatives before you apply, and read the guarantor and joint-liability clauses carefully.
Do I need a car as a University of Michigan student?
No, most students don't have one. AATA/TheRide buses cover campus and student neighborhoods, and Ann Arbor is very bikeable via the Border-to-Border Trail and bike lanes.