Pros and Cons of Bringing a Car to Campus at Michigan

Deciding whether to bring a car to the University of Michigan is one of those questions that comes up early in the housing planning process, and the answer really does depend on your routine.  

Between the cost of parking near UMich, the realities of getting around Ann Arbor and how walkable your day-to-day life actually is, there’s a lot to think through before you commit.  

At Rambler, we understand that this might be a difficult decision, which is why we have created an honest breakdown to help you figure out if bringing a car makes sense for you. 

Pro: Freedom to Explore Ann Arbor and Beyond 

Ann Arbor is a genuinely great college town, but having a car opens things up considerably. 

Day-to-day, a car makes it easier to reach grocery stores like Trader Joe’s and Whole Foods, which are a little farther from campus. Additionally, you’ll be able to go to shopping places like Briarwood Mall, which aren’t within walking distance of campus.  

With Detroit about 45 minutes away, you also can catch concerts, explore neighborhoods, visit museums or just get out of the campus bubble when you need a change of pace. 

Pro: Getting Home Is a Lot Easier 

For students from Michigan or neighboring states, having your own car means you control your schedule. No coordinating rides, no cross-referencing bus or train times, you just go. Whether it’s a long weekend or a holiday break, that kind of flexibility is hard to put a price on. 

Pro: More Options for Ann Arbor Student Housing 

One of the less obvious benefits of having a car is what it does for your housing search.  

Ann Arbor student housing spans a wide range of neighborhoods and not all of them are a short walk to the Diag or your classroom buildings. A car means you can consider apartments and houses in areas you might otherwise rule out, which can open better options at better price points. 

Read Next: What Types of Housing Are Available to University of Michigan Students? 

Con: Parking Near UMich is Genuinely Competitive 

This is the one things students talk about most. Parking near UMich is limited, and it fills up fast, especially during peak class hours and on game days. Even if you find a permit, you may still spend more time hunting for a spot than you’d like.  

And it’s not just on campus. Parking at off-campus apartments can fill up quickly too, so it’s worth asking about availability before you sign a lease.  

For anything on or close to campus, walking or biking will almost always be faster. 

Con: Permits and Parking Fees Add Up 

The cost of parking in Ann Arbor can be a very expensive item to factor into your budget.  

University permits vary depending on the lot and demand and off-campus housing doesn’t always include parking. This means there will be an additional monthly fee on top of your rent. If you’re already stretching your budget, this is worth factoring in carefully before deciding to bring a vehicle. 

Read Next: How Much Does it Cost to Live Near the University of Michigan? 

Con: Ann Arbor is Built for Walkers and Bikers 

UMich’s campus and surrounding neighborhoods are genuinely walkable. Between wide sidewalks, dedicated bike lanes and the University’s bus system, most students find they can handle their daily routine without a car at all.  

If your classes, go-to study spots and social life are all within a few blocks of each other, a car may spend more time parked than it does moving. 

Con: Traffic Around Campus Can Be Frustrating 

Drive near campus during class change or on a football Saturday, and you’ll understand quickly why some students leave their car parked for days at a time.  

Traffic around campus can get very bad, especially on Hill Street, South U and State Street, with students having the right-of-way, or at least thinking that they do. Because of this, often times, walking or a bike will get you where you need to be faster.  

Whether a car makes sense at Michigan comes down to your lifestyle, your budget, and where you’re living.  

If you’re exploring Ann Arbor student housing options and want to talk through what location means for your day-to-day commute, our leasing team is happy to help. Reach out today to learn more about Rambler Ann Arbor! 

Riley Schultz

Riley is the Leasing and Marketing Manager for Rambler Ann Arbor. He got his start at LV Collective as a Sales and Leasing Intern before moving into his current role. Outside of work, you'll find him hunting down new local spots, playing marimba, or shooting and developing his own film. He's even been featured in the New York Times!

Published On: August 28, 2026

Last Updated On: September 21, 2026

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