Why Living on North Campus Isn’t as Bad as You Think by Hanson Liu

 Why Living on North Campus Isn’t as Bad as You Think

Written by Hanson Liu

Summer Orientation Peer Advisor 

Undergraduate Student

Shanghai, China

When I first found out I’d be living in Baits II on the North Campus as a first-year LAS student, I will admit, I did panic. All of my classes will be in the Central Campus, the other side of town. I googled the distance to Central Campus, saw all the memes, and braced myself for what I assumed would be months of social isolation and constant bus rides. But after two years of calling North my home, I’m here to tell you: it’s not that bad. In fact, it has several significant benefits.

1. The Buses Work Well

Let’s start with the obvious concern: transportation. Yes, North Campus is a few miles from the Diag, but the Blue Bus system is surprisingly efficient. With regular routes like the Bursley-Baits and Northwood showing up every 10 minutes during rush hours, you rarely have to wait long, and the buses even have live tracking. Plus, most students at Central still walk 10–15 minutes to class. Would you rather walk through snow or ride in a heated bus?

2. Quietness and Peace of Mind

North Campus is calm and quiet. If you’re used to the bustle of the Diag, the peacefulness up here might feel strange at first, but it grows on you. There’s less noise, fewer crowds, and more opportunities to recharge and self-reflect. As someone who enjoyed the silence while being productive, studying in my dorm became a viable option. 

3. The Study Spaces

During finals season, when it feels like half the university is crammed into Shapiro Library, North Campus’s study areas become a lifesaver. From my experience, it’s much easier to find space at Pierpont Commons, the Duderstadt Library, or the common areas in the Stamps School than it is anywhere on Central. It acts as a safe insurance when you need it the most.

4. Nature, Trails, and Balance

One of North Campus’s best features is its access to nature. Open lawns, large football fields, and spontaneous sightings of wild deer and turkeys remind you that you’re not just surrounded by buildings and stress. Whether you’re walking to class or taking a break between assignments, the green space gives you a sense of balance that’s hard to come by on Central.

 

 

5. The Social Life

While Central Campus might have more “happening,” North Campus offers a tighter community. Because you're a little removed from the action, people here make more of an effort to connect. With the only big dining hall being Bursley, it is common for you to run into someone who lives close by. You’ll find yourself forming strong bonds with your floormates, dining hall crew, and even your bus buddies. It's the kind of environment where friendships grow deeper and faster.

All in all, the purpose of this blog is by no means to persuade you to live in the North Campus. I hope it served as a piece of authentic information while you make your decision for dorms and apartments. Instead of the never-ending hate towards North Campus Dorms online, I want to shed some light and help you look at both sides of the argument. Hope you enjoyed reading my blog. Congratulations on becoming a Wolverine and Go Blue!