Things to Know Before Going to UMICH

Hey Maddsters!
I just finished my first year at the University of Michigan and I just wanted to share some things I've learned with you all!
Please DM me with any questions!
Instagram: maddykim16
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Maddsters’ Guide to Michigan: bit.ly/3cOnUO4
UMICH Resources: bit.ly/3oEs4KW
College Packing List: bit.ly/3zEEAk1
Hungry Maddy Kim Guide to AA Food: bit.ly/3bhbrlD
My new obsession: the app Upside to save on food, gas, and groceries! Code: MADDY24238 gets you a 15¢/gal bonus: upside.app.link/MADDY24238
Maddening Conversations podcast: open.spotify.com/show/2qEEFzw...
Check out my UMICH DORM VID! • COMPLETE GUIDE TO UMIC...
And my Campus Tour Video! • UMICH CAMPUS TOUR
A quick overview since this video is long :)
0:26 - College is whack because there's no rules
1:34 - Lots of wealth
3:03 - Culture shock
4:10 - No one cares what anyone else is doing
4:25 - No one knows what they're doing
4:45 - Don't worry about your major
5:50 - Take AP classes in high school!
7:03 - Registration and transferring AP credits
8:20 - Classes are hard, so you have to put in effort
9:42 - Use your resources
10:05 - Imposter syndrome
10:30 - Competitive?
11:08 - 8ams aren't that bad
12:11 - You're always busy
12:34 - It's hard to make friends in the beginning
13:07 - Do an early move-in program!
MLEAD: housing.umich.edu/mlead/
14:00 - Put yourself out there
15:10 - Take smaller classes (freshmen seminars)
15:38 - You have to put time into your friendships
16:14 - It's ok to do stuff by yourself
16:50 - Rushing
17:20 - Peer pressure?
17:50 - Hook up culture?
18:15 - Making more friends
18:46 - Dorms are amazing
19:50 - Roommates
21:50 - Everyone is sick
22:22 - Dining halls
24:20 - Freshmen 15
25:09 - Laundry
25:49 - Try the restaurants in Ann Arbor
26:33 - UHS is bad
27:10 - Free stuff
28:10 - Transportation
29:30 - Be thankful for the opportunity to attend a great school!
Feel free to reach out!
Instagram: @maddykim16

[@reevekatt4574]

I'm a HS rising senior who can't go visit because of rona, this video was super helpful to get an idea of what it's like! thank you!

[@PrepExpert]

Where did you end up going?

[@fuda1658]

Attending UMich this summer as ‘25! Thank you for the information :) On a note you brought up in the beginning, as someone who attends a majority black high school, it’s crazy to think there would be more 1%ers than people who are black.

[@90snostalgia39]

Thanks for the insight! Thinking of applying next year.

[@elisharichards7987]

I dont usually watch videos of people talking to the camera this long but this video was great! I'm attending the school of kinesiology fall of 2021 so this is a great warm up.

[@5577dance]

Maddy! Love this vid, hope your doing well💜💜

[@brooke_]

thank you sm for making all this mich videos. I just got accepted to LSA CS as a nontraditional out of state CC student and I've been really nervous about what to expect.. it has really helped to binge watch your videos!

[@MaddyKim]

Thanks for watching!

[@natalie5865]

Thanks for this! I've been considering applying to Michigan because my parents are both alumni, and it's in-state.

[@aoifeharte8628]

this was all really good advice!! im also a rising sophomore at umich, go blue!!

[@yashitachaudhary9044]

This was super helpful as a incoming U-M student!!!

[@emmachristine1131]

I'm headed to umich next year so this video was super helpful!! thank you for the insight :)

[@eduardodasilva1509]

Me too!

[@michaelargenta3856]

i see walk of shame for bothof u .... hahahahaha....

[@CarolKrein]

girl I love your vibe

[@lakipesic]

I just wanted to say thank you! I’m 17, from Serbia and I’m looking forward to going to UMICH.. this means so much, you have no idea! Thank you🤗 PS. I hope I’ll meet you if I get accepted!😁🤗

[@MaddyKim]

Aww thank you!! Good luck!!

[@lakipesic]

Thanks!🤗❤️😁

[@michaelargenta3856]

have u done the walk of shame yet ???

[@asharajagopal3299]

Got into LSA 2025, so I’m doing my research. Thanks for your help!

[@nicolesiembieda4004]

same!

[@Lion58392]

Well said!!!!

[@tranfamilyusa4434]

thanks for sharing. good luck

[@PerfectlyLeila]

Thank you so much this was super helpful and funny!! I was admitted a little bit ago. I feel like we'd be super close friends if I decide to go to campus!

[@AntiMasonic93]

Univ of Michigan Law School is a T14 school. U of M is one prestigious school. The graduate programs are up there with the ivy leagues.

[@rachelknodel5435]

Informative video! I'm moving there in the fall, although I think my experience may be different since 1) I'm from Michigan originally and 2) I took two gap years after high school...but I'm still really excited! I'm in a small learning community, so I really hope to make friends through that experience! I think it's funny you mention the rich kids and the Canadian goose jackets, I've literally never heard of them before even though I've lived in Michigan most of my life; I've always just worn a regular jacket over a hoodie and called it good for the winter lol.

[@MaddyKim]

Thank you! I think everyone's experience will be different in general, and that's exciting you'll be there in the fall! You'll definitley need a nice winter jacket because you walk SO MUCH! I'm from Illinois but I always drove everywhere, so even though the weather was the same, I was still cold because you spend a lot of time outside walking to classes! Good luck and Go Blue!

[@madhavbhat8616]

This is such a comprehensive video! Is there any stigma around the kids that live in the learning communities like MRADS?

[@MaddyKim]

Thank you! I was not in a learning community, but I don't think there is a stigma around those who are. I know a few people from MCSP, Lloyd scholars, and WISE and they are all awesome! I think the learning communities are a great way to make friends at a huge university. From my experience people are very accepting no matter what interests you have!

[@mawadda1291]

4:33 BESTIE PLEASE I WAS WATCHING THIS AT 2AM AND I HEARD THE KNOCKS AND WAS LIKE OMG IM GONNA DIE

[@williamkelly7661]

"I saw a pair of balenciagas and I was like omg they actually look like socks" LMAO

[@andrewwong6964]

WOW!!! I can't wait to come to the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, and become a Maddster!! That's all I want in life tbh

[@MaddyKim]

Thanks for being a dedicated fan! #Maddster

[@brxntrxn]

Applying just for the blueberry muffin :P

[@MaddyKim]

Definitely life changing

[@tobimichigan]

Lovely video

[@mariawajahat3613]

This video was SO helpful. I plan on majoring in bio chem, but I’m not sure yet. Any advice? Go blue!!

[@MaddyKim]

tough major lol

[@Helen-no1zj]

I just got accepted by UMich and this is lowkey freaking me out because I have so much social anxiety 😭😭 But thanks for making this video it really gave me an idea of what to prepare for when I go there🥰

[@MaddyKim]

Congrats! Good luck!

[@rosenwu2124]

just got accepted as a transfer student! very useful tips thx xD

[@MaddyKim]

Go Blue!

[@aarongeorge2705]

JUST GOT ACCEPTED INTO MY DREAM SCHOOL SO I GOTTA KNOW THIS STUFF

[@MaddyKim]

CONGRATS!! If you see me on campus next year say hi :)

[@MickLeonardJD]

As a Michigan Grad, I can tell you it’s the best school on the planet.

[@tomgrier9542]

Winter in A2 is a living hell!

[@besarsinani318]

I wanna go for BioMed Engineering at UMich but it’s become so selective, my second choices are UMadison and State

[@andrewveghte5027]

Great video - do you think you are getting your moneys worth if you pay out of state tuition for a public university ?

[@MaddyKim]

Hmmm... Good question. It's hard to tell because I can't compare my experience at Michigan to one from another school as I haven't attended another public/private school. I do think it's "overpriced" just because the tuition is SO expensive, however, I feel that the connections and opportunities you get after you graduate because of Michigan's alumni are unique. I feel like no matter what college you go to, you get out what you put in so depending on what you do, Michigan isn't necessarily "better" because it's more expensive... if that makes sense.

[@lizliz7919]

do you go to ann arbor or dearborn or flint? nice video btw ! (:

[@MaddyKim]

Ann Arbor

[@carterderosia8999]

i just got in!

[@MaddyKim]

CONGRATS!! Feel free to say hi if you're on campus next year :)

[@allaboutroy7399]

As a recently admitted student, this has been so helpful! Thank you!! Can I just ask - what do you mean it’s not allowed to sit by students you don’t know during meals after the first month? Is this a Covid thing??

[@MaddyKim]

You can always sit by random ppl! Just after the first month ppl are a bit more closed off so it might be a little more awkward, but still a good way to make friends!

[@allaboutroy7399]

@@MaddyKim Thank you!! I’m so looking forward to college

[@kierstenw7757]

Are you getting a scholarship from Michigan? Or how are you paying for school? I want to go to UMich OOS once I apply next year and I’m worried about tuition.

[@MaddyKim]

I am not on a scholarship from Michigan, but I know there are many available for students!

[@herlincontreras4504]

How does owning a car factor into school life? Is there parking available to the dorms and how plausible is it to use cars as a method of transportation for any school needs?

[@MaddyKim]

Most freshman do not have cars and a parking space does not come with the dorms. Once you're out of the dorms and in your own living space then people have cars. I know you have to buy parking spaces when living in an apartment and if you want to drive to class you have to pay the parking meter. If you're in a house you may or may not have a parking space (depends on your situation). While living in the dorms I didn't feel the need to have a car because of the dining halls and Walgreens/7-11 that was nearby. Most everything is within walking distance and there are also buses that will take you around campus and up to North Campus. Once people are in their own living space, cars are helpful for grocery shopping, but there are also buses that will take you to Meijer. Overall, first years don't really need a car on campus (and it's expensive to find parking spots) and then it depends on your living situation once you're out of the dorms.

[@herlincontreras4504]

@@MaddyKim oof. I've been out of school for 4 years due to the military and I have my own car so I'd like to find a way to be able to keep mine while im in school but from the sounds of it, itll be tough to do so. Sounds like I'll have to really weigh whether itll be worth it to keep my car :( Thank you for the informative and detailed response though, I really appreciate it!

[@MaddyKim]

@@herlincontreras4504 I know a couple freshman who brought their cars but I'm not sure where they put it/their parking situation, so it's possible but you wouldn't necessarily need it. Good luck!

[@natcorrea7421]

What’s the experience been with distance learning, tuition refunding, etc?

[@MaddyKim]

For me personally, all of my classes this semester were large lectures so I watched lecture recordings and online exams. Some friends had smaller classes so they had Zoom/BlueJeans calls at the normally scheduled times. It differed for each class, but I personally think it went well. Definitely an adjustment, but not too bad. There were no tuition refunds (unfortunately) but if you lived in the dorm you got a small housing refund if you ended up moving back home.

[@salvemessina7312]

How do you pay for laundry machines? Do kids bring their own desk chairs? Are the standard ones comfortable?

[@MaddyKim]

There is an app that is connected to the laundry machines that you can load money on. Dorms come with desk chairs, some kids brought their own!

[@ethanschwartz4321]

What preferences did you put in the housing form to get into west quad?

[@MaddyKim]

No preferences. All luck

[@inkinkky5528]

I'm a first-year studying engineering at UT Austin and I'm thinking about transferring to UMich next year because I want to do consulting in the future and Michigan's name could be more helpful, do you think it's worth it? Thank you!

[@MaddyKim]

Hmmm... I actually think ab if I went to UT Austin and had Matthew McConaughey as my prof a lot haha. Mich has a lot of consulting clubs (VERY competitive and hard to get into). I feel like if you maximize your education and opportunities, you can do whatever. I don't hire ppl so idk how impactful Michigan's name is compared to UT Austin so... idk it's up to you! The weather is a lot better where you are tho!

[@inkinkky5528]

@@MaddyKim Thank you for the response! Yea I really hope to see Matthew McConaughey if he goes to football games this fall lol🤣UT doesn’t seem to have many consulting clubs, so that’s definitely what I need to consider. I think I might just apply and if I’m luckily accepted some how, go tour umich in person(hopefully the covid situation will be better by then), thanks again Maddy!

[@rin-sd2ql]

i applied for lsa; i hope i get accepted 💙💛!

[@Stella-qj8vp]

Hi maddy! I’m an incoming freshmen and I have a question about which meal plan should I choose I see there are 3 types on my contract!

[@MaddyKim]

Get the unlimited basic!

[@Stella-qj8vp]

@@MaddyKim thank u! got it!

[@elliethebest5861]

hey! i’m 16 and british, i live in britain but i adore the university of michigan, i’ve researched into it and i love it. i’ve contacted specific individuals on campus for insight, but do you think personally as a student it’s possible? i’ve learnt from a british curriculum all my life, my grades are good to a somewhat good/average. i want to be an international student and i want to move to the USA and study there permanently. :’)

[@MaddyKim]

I have some friends who are from abroad and they are able to handle the curriculum well! College is an adjustment for everyone, so everyone is going through it all together! Good luck!

[@elliethebest5861]

Maddy Kim thank you so much! that honestly helped a lot, it was reassuring :’) thank you!

[@alextabet9247]

Michigan is selective. To have a reasonable chance of admission, you want a healthy mix of 8s and 9s on your GCSE. You also want to take 4 A Level (not 3 as it is customary m in the UK) and predictions of at least A*A*AA. The SAT will probably be required by the time you apply in the autumn of 2023. You want a score of 1450 or better. You also want to consider your major when selecting your A Level subjects. Definitely Mathematics and English as most American universities expect 4 years of Math and English. The other two subjects depend on your intended major. For example, Physics and Chemistry if you intend to go down the engineering path or Economics and physics if you intend to go down the business path.

[@afriyieee3712]

@@alextabet9247 That's a bit too much! Incoming Umich 2026 freshmen and I took 3 A level subjects with grade predictions AAA, none of which are math, english or any STEM science. I also applied test optional. My A levels are related to my course but from my application experience, US schools usually do not require subjects that relate to the intended major. I did lotsss of community service and extracurriculars (US schools place more emphasis on that). Considering that UMich awards college credits for A level grade D or better (C or better for engineering majors), you definitely don't need 4 A level subjects to have a chance. The stats you quoted would give anyone a veryyy good chance to get into a lot of colleges but is definitely not the bare minimum.

[@alextabet9247]

@@afriyieee3712 I am speaking from my personal experience working with over 100 students from British schools who have applied to US universities in the last 6-7 years. Your personal experience with Michigan is not consistent with the University's recent admissions trends. First of all, nobody has a "very good chance of getting in" at Michigan. Michigan fewer than 10% of international applicants last year. In the last three years, none of my students have been admitted into Michigan. Among my students who have applied to Michigan and were ultimately rejected, 1 has gone to Bowdoin, 1 has gone to Brown, 3 have gone to Claremont McKenna, 1 has gone to Columbia, 2 have gone to Cornell, 1 has gone to Duke, 1 has gone to Emory, 4 have gone to Northwestern, 1 has gone to Pomona, 2 have done to Penn, 1 has gone to UCLA and 1 has gone to UVa. And while it is definitely true that American universities place more emphasis on extra curricular activities than British universities, ECs do not trump academic record. Your case is not unusual, but it is not commonplace either.

[@Bunnnnbuns]

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@wilurbean]

A lot of your experiences are just college. It happens no matter where you go, even if you lived in Ann Arbor your whole life, it would still be the same shock.

[@windward2818]

I think South Quad is the largest central campus undergrad dorm on a room count basis. Is this still true?

[@MaddyKim]

Not sure!

[@kiannafraga7209]

Isn’t it like really hard and most people have less than a 3.5 gpa?

[@MaddyKim]

Yes, the course load is rigorous, however, if you put the time, work, and effort into it you will probably be ok. You will get out whatever you put in. As for gpa, I'm not sure what the average is as there are many different schools within the University (engineering, business, kinesiology etc), so different schools have different standards. Engineering is notoriously hard, so gpa will be lower there. I do not know other people's gpa (no one talks about it), but it is definitely possible to get above a 3.5, and even a 4.0!

[@AppleiOSGenius]

2025 my kid is at Conger 3209 Krystelle loves it we hope to see you and umich is huge

[@MaddyKim]

Say hi if you see me!

[@Kate-vh7og]

would you say west quad is pretty social? are people open to making friends

[@MaddyKim]

yep. check out my dorm vid: kzbin.info/www/bejne/omqXg2NtfL9gbK8

[@c0llapsingst4rs]

I’m like 14 and living in the other side of the world but obsessed with starkid so like here’s me just watching a billion videos on umich because that’s totally the college for me LMAO

[@MaddyKim]

Haha Go Blue!

[@c0llapsingst4rs]

@@MaddyKim yes go blue!

[@a-mah8839]

do you have to pay for the dole whip?

[@MaddyKim]

It's inside the dining hall so you have access to it if you have a meal plan!

[@vidushimishra4019]

How do they calculate GPA at Michigan?

[@MaddyKim]

Ummm... I'm not really sure tbh. I don't really know my gpa until I see it on my semester report! Sorry!

[@beko____]

For each class, multiply the number of credits a class counts for by the grade you get on the (0-4.0 scale). Add all of this together. Then divide that number by the number of credits you take a semester.

[@M2161]

My high school sends like 20% of their kids to UMich and we are really wealthy it’s wierd like don’t you want to go somewhere where your friends aren’t

[@willjcbs]

umich is a great school regardless, if u end up going there just don’t dorm with someone you know. that way you meet new kids but also have your old friends to fall back on

[@M2161]

@@willjcbs I agree all the people Ik love it there it’s just some people i see don’t expand outside of their high school connections which I think is a waste but it’s a great school with amazing people

[@itsjay9350]

Did you take a gap year

[@MaddyKim]

Nope