Getting Around

Useful Links

Finding Your Classes

It's not easy to find your classes, especially when you're a new here, but there are several helpful resources available. Make sure to hang on to the campus map they give you - it's a lifesaver in your first few weeks. You can also look at the sites below, if you're not sure where a building is.

  • Team ATLAS's Campus Maps Site - A site similar to Google Maps, developed by Team ATLAS in Winter '06.
  • MSchedule - One of MSchedule's many features is a campus map; simply import your schedule, and MSchedule will show you where the buildings are.

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Walking

Walking is the most common way to get around campus, unless you're going from one campus to the other. A lot of students aren't used to the walking they'll have to do. Make sure you have comfortable shoes, and try to build up your endurance before you get here. Also, it pays to be cautious - if you're walking at night, use S.A.F.E. Walk or bring a friend with you.

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Buses

There are many options for riding buses both around Ann Arbor and also to and from the city. The University buses stay on campus and are perfect for moving across campus (most importantly, from Central to North Campus). Simply wait at a stop until the bus arrives, and when you want to get off the bus, pull the yellow cord to signal the driver.

  • University Bus Routes - These are the blue buses which offer free transportation around campus. On this site are maps of the routes as well as hours of operation.
  • MAGIC Bus - A website that provides GPS location and E.T.A. for some buses.
  • Ann Arbor Transportation Authority - Routes around Ann Arbor & Ypsilanti (free with your Mcard!)
  • Greyhound Buses - Budget transportation to popular locations like East Lansing
  • Airbus - A cheap and easy way to get back and forth from the Detroit Airport during school breaks

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Bicycles

Riding a bicycle is a great way to get around campus and get some good exercise. But before you decide to use your bicycle around town there are a few things you should know.

Ann Arbor Bikeway System

  • Invest in a good bike lock! It will pay off in the long run, bicycle theft is more common than you think.
  • Lock your bike up in a well-lit area to something sturdy.
  • Keep your bike well-maintained and it will last a lot longer and be more reliable.
  • A seasonal tune-up at a local bike shop is always a good idea.
  • Bicycles aren't allowed on University buses.

  • Register your bike with the City of Ann Arbor. You can do this at City Hall in the City Clerks office. There are two benefits to this. First, if your bike is stolen and recovered by the police, it will be easy for them to locate you and give you back your bike. In addition, it helps bolster the argument for the provision of more racks, as well as the creation of more bike paths and trails in the City.

Bike Shops

Michigan can be pretty harsh on bikes in the winter - and so can Ann Arbor's bike thieves. Here are some places where you can buy replacement parts, get repairs done, or even buy a whole new bike if you need it.

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Student Driving

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Cabs

Taxi cabs are a great way to get around the city, and are fairly cheap too. Most rides around town are less than $10. Here are the numbers for the most popular cab companies in Ann Arbor; if you need a ride, just call.

There are other alternatives to cab companies when looking for a lift late at night:

  • NightRide - A late night ride service provided by AATA, only $5 per person.
  • Ride Home - A free service provided by the University after the buses stop running. Available at the front desks of the Shapiro Library and Duderstadt Center.

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Trains

Need a way home but can't afford plane tickets? Take Amtrak. It's cheap, convenient, and you can do all your scheduling online just as you would for a plane trip. Remember: the station code for Ann Arbor is ARB.