Life in Ann Arbor as an MBA Student
Ann Arbor is more than just a college town — it’s a great place to live, with a little something for everyone.
Over the years, Ann Arbor has won its fair share of accolades, from “best college town in America” to one of the most notable up-and-coming tech hubs in the country. A true Midwestern gem, Ann Arbor has everything you’d expect from a great city and more: walkable neighborhoods, public transit, plenty of entertainment, parks, food, local businesses, great schools, the list goes on.
For students considering Michigan Ross, the location of their future school can be a big part of their final decision. For the inside scoop on what life in Ann Arbor is like for business students from around the world, we asked four MBA students to give us their honest perspectives.
Name: Reuben Kurian
Program/Year: MBA ’24
Hometown: Bangalore, India/Milwaukee, WI
Post-graduation career interest: Consulting
Favorite Ann Arbor spots (to eat, to drink, for activities)?
Zingermans and Frita Batidos are my favorites for sandwiches, burgers, and beef brisket. Bill's is a great spot for outdoor beers when the weather is good, and Washtenaw Dairy has top-notch ice cream! Also, if you love karaoke, Circ is the place to be!
Best Ann Arbor memory so far?
Huge college football wins against our rivals Michigan State, and Ohio State were two of the most incredible days in Ann Arbor. On those big home game days, the entire city eats, sleeps, and breathes Michigan football, and the streets of Ann Arbor bleed maize and blue!
What's different about Ann Arbor from where you lived before?
I've lived in big metropolitan cities (LA, Bangalore, Mumbai, Delhi, and Warsaw) all my life. Moving to a college town (one of the greatest in the US) has been an awesome and refreshing change. The community is so closely knit, and the connections one can make are more authentic and strong!
What surprised you the most about moving to AA?
Being a huge sports fan, I knew Michigan would fit the vibe because it's a big sports school. That being said, I was not expecting the city to be this passionate and involved in all kinds of Michigan sports, from football to ice hockey and more. It really does speak volumes about how proud the people of this city are to represent the Wolverines!
Name: Adam Brewster
Program/Year: MBA ’24
Hometown: Grosse Pointe Park, MI
Post-graduation career interest: Marketing
Favorite Ann Arbor spots (to eat, to drink, for activities)?
Benny’s Diner, Pretzel Bell, Dominick’s, Bill’s Beer Garden, Biercamp, pickleball at Burns Park, and York Food and Wine.
What's different about Ann Arbor from where you lived before?
Coming from New York, it was nice to return to a city where everything is so close and easy to get to.
What surprised you the most about moving to AA?
I went to Michigan for undergrad, so I knew what to expect in Ann Arbor. But I love the different experiences I’m able to have as an MBA student. There are so many terrific places to eat and hang out that I didn’t explore during my time as an undergrad student. I’ve enjoyed discovering those spots and having a completely new experience.
How do you get around town?
I typically take the bus or walk between my house and campus. I have a car, which is really helpful for grocery shopping and other errands. I also take advantage of the scooters around town.
Have you visited anywhere else in Michigan?
I grew up just outside of Detroit, so I have been all over Michigan. It’s definitely worth spending time in Detroit. I also love northern Michigan. It’s a beautiful place to head for a weekend when the weather is nice or to go skiing in the winter.
Name: Marlowe Camblin
Program/Year: MBA ’24
Hometown: Chicago, IL
Post-graduation career interest: Consulting, venture capital
Favorite Ann Arbor spots (to eat, to drink, for activities)?
For food & drink: York, Vinology, HOMES, The Last Word, Kerrytown Market, The Boro (Dixboro Project), Blank Slate Creamery & Slurping Turtle (for sashimi!). For shopping: Malofta Vintage, Dear Golden, Thistle & Bess. For activities: any of the local music venues, bar trivia nights, and strolling through the Arboretum.
Best Ann Arbor memory so far?
My favorite day was definitely the Southeastern Michigan Wineries Tour with Wolverine Wine Club, followed by a sip & paint event with my section! I've also enjoyed several great jazz performances with friends at the Blue Llama! (So random - they make a fire creme brulee.)
What surprised you the most about moving to AA?
For a pretty small city, it offers so much - I can always find something to do or support one of the many amazing local businesses!
Name: Livia Lucena
Program/Year: MBA ’24
Hometown: Fortaleza, Brazil/Royal Oak, MI
Post-graduation career interest: Consulting
Favorite Ann Arbor spots (to eat, to drink, for activities)?
Aventura for food, Last Word for drinks, and kayaking/river walking at Argo Park
Did you move here with someone (partner or pet)?
Yes, partner Eric and dog Mozzarella. Moving with a dog and a partner has been great; the community of AA in general has been super friendly. For us, having a yard was really important, so we decided to move to Kerrytown, which is right by the Broadway dog park and the river - we are a part of a community Group Me to schedule dog playtime, overall info on the park, things to do…
Eric definitely has been super involved in the Ross community, I believe going on treks was a key part for him to create some of the friendships (we went on Colombia and Japan treks with Ross). Most of the events are very partner friendly, which is amazing.
Best Ann Arbor memory so far?
Farmer's market Saturdays, the Nichols Arboretum peony garden, and the Bus before Michigan Football games.
What's different about Ann Arbor from where you lived before?
How friendly everyone is.
What surprised you the most about moving to AA?
How close AA is to a lot of nature spots.
Have you visited anywhere else in Michigan?
Detroit is a must-visit for the bar/food/sports scene, concerts at Pine Knob during fall/summer, Pictured Rocks, Sleeping Bear Dunes, and Mackinac Island for nature!
