Returning students at the University of Michigan–Ann Arbor are not guaranteed on-campus housing, which pushes many students into an expensive and competitive off-campus rental market. That increases student rent burden and adds pressure to Ann Arbor’s limited housing supply—especially near campus, where units move fast and prices rise each year.

As a student, I wasn’t prepared for how high-stakes the off-campus housing search would be. When I didn’t receive on-campus housing for my sophomore year, finding a place to live became a constant source of stress while I was juggling classes and work. No student should have to choose between stability and affordability just to stay enrolled and succeed.

Expanding on-campus housing for returning students is a practical step the university can take to reduce the off-campus scramble. More capacity means fewer students forced into the off-campus scramble, more housing stability during the academic year, and less pressure concentrated on nearby neighborhoods.

We’re calling on the University of Michigan and the University of Michigan Board of Regents to:

• Expand university-operated on-campus housing options for returning students (sophomores, juniors, and seniors) on the Ann Arbor campus.

How this petition will be used: I plan to reference the petition’s signature count and key themes in a public comment to the Board of Regents at the May 21, 2026 meeting in Dearborn, and I will continue updating the submission as signatures grow.

Optional: Share your affiliation or a short comment.
If you are willing, you can fill out this 30-second form so I can summarize who is supporting the petition and include themes (and optional quotes) in my public comment to the Board of Regents: https://forms.gle/pvnzcboaqpB2oqnt6

Questions can be sent to umreturninghousing@gmail.com

This is a student-led initiative and not an official University of Michigan organization.