Beyond the Diag

This summer, the University of Michigan launched Beyond the Diag- a new program for students living in off-campus areas.

Check out our Off Campus Living Guide for tips and local resources!

Interested in joining the Beyond the Diag Team? Apply to become a Neighborhood Ambassador today!

Apply Now!

Student Neighborhoods

The primary focus of Beyond the Diag is to establish a network of off-campus student neighborhoods within the Ann Arbor areas where many U-M students live. These neighborhoods will help foster a greater sense of community and improve communication between neighbors and the University. Each neighborhood will have a student community ambassador to create events and newsletters for the residents in their area.

For its inaugural year, Beyond the Diag will concentrate on two off-campus neighborhoods: the Oxbridge Neighborhood (surrounding the U-M Oxford Housing complex) and the East Packard Neighborhood (the area south of Oakland Avenue between Packard Street and South Forest Street). Our goal is to continue expanding the program into other neighborhoods over subsequent years.

Helpful Links

For city resources and information pertinent to U-M students (including trash pick-up, polling locations, etc.), check out the Student Living section of the Ann Arbor website.

For helpful tips and off campus housing options from University Housing, check out the Off Campus Housing.

Searching for off campus housing? The Off Campus Housing page also provides a listing of apartments and houses for rent by landlords registered with their site. More information and to search units is available at this link- available units.

Be a Good Neighbor

Introduce yourself: Introduce yourself to your neighbors who own and rent in the neighborhood and exchange contact information. Learn a little about them and share a little about yourself. Let your neighbors know that you care about the neighborhood in which you live.

Communicate: Ask for assistance when you need it – many neighbors are willing to lend a hand. Discuss concerns with your neighbors as soon as they arise and before they escalate into larger issues. If you need help with a conflict, contact the following:

Office of Student Conflict Resolution
734-936-6308
www.oscr.umich.edu

Housing Information Office
734-763-3205

Student Legal Services
734-763-9920
studentlegalservices.umich.edu

Get involved in your neighborhood: Many neighborhoods have an association that meets regularly, shares information of interest to neighbors and organizes events, so reach out to the permanent residents in your area. Learn more about the city of Ann Arbor residential associations.

Keep the noise down: Remember that your neighbors live just feet away. Avoid creating loud noises between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m., and work with your neighbors to find a solution that doesn’t involve the police.

Park your car in appropriate places: Park only in driveways, parking spaces that are assigned to you, or in legal spaces on the street. Do not park in a neighbor’s parking space unless you ask first, and avoid parking across the sidewalk or on grass.

Be responsible when throwing a party: Talk to your neighbors before you have a party. Afterward, clean up all visible party-related debris left on your property and your neighbors’ properties as soon as possible – don’t trash anything that you are not going to clean up.

Know your rights and responsibilities: The Off Campus Housing department provides many resources for living off campus.

Important City Ordinances

Noise Violations

You may not create or permit unreasonably loud noise that disturbs or endangers others between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. Noise violations are enforced by the police department, and are punishable by a fine of $50 to $500 for the first offense.

Trash Accumulation

The exterior of your property must be kept free from trash accumulation – all trash must be placed in the city provided cart. If the city has to clean up a messy property, the owner of the property is responsible for all fines and costs, which will total no less than $100 for the first offense.

Upholstered Furniture Ban

Upholstered furniture that is not intended for outdoor use cannot be placed on balconies, porches, decks, landings, or other areas exposed to weather. If this ordinance is violated, a notice will be mailed to the residence or posted on the property. If the furniture is not removed within the specified time period, the penalty is a fine of up to $1,000.

Snow Removal

When it snows more than 1 inch in residential areas, you have 24 hours after it stops snowing to remove any accumulation. If you live on a corner property, both sidewalks must be shoveled and the ramp at the corner must also be cleared. If residents fail to clear their sidewalks, the owner of the property is issued the ticket and is responsible for all fines and costs, which will total no less than $100 for the first offense.

Parking Regulations

If you park on or across lines of a parking space in a lot, you will be charged the full rate for each space that you occupy. If you park at a meter you must pay and can only remain in the spot for the time allotted on the meter. If you leave your vehicle in a parking lot or structure for 3 or more days, it can be deemed abandoned and may be impounded. The owner of the vehicle is responsible for all fines and costs.

For more information about city ordinances, refer to the Ann Arbor city code data.