Getting Around Michigan | Freshman Essentials

As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you. It never changes which products we recommend. How we choose →

0 of 7 packedCheck items off as they go in the cart. We’ll remember your progress.

★ Top pick · if you only buy one thing

MobilityTypically $60 to $120

Insulated, Waterproof Winter Boots

Dry, warm feet all winter

From November through March, insulated waterproof boots decide whether the day starts with warm, dry feet or wet socks. No other commute buy comes close.

Why it matters at Michigan

Icy, slush-covered sidewalks make regular sneakers useless, so real winter boots keep feet dry while waiting for the Blue Bus.

Packed

See our top pick on Amazon ↗

Typically $60 to $120 · opens Amazon in a new tab

01.

Mobility

2 picks

MobilityTypically $40 to $80

Durable, Weather-Resistant Backpack

Protects gear on wet walks

Why it matters at Michigan

Frequent walks through rain or snow to reach the bus mean a weather-resistant backpack keeps books and a laptop dry and protected.

PackedSee it on Amazon ↗

Typically $40 to $80 · opens Amazon in a new tab

MobilityTypically $250 to $500

Commuter Bike with Fenders

Cuts commute time, stays clean

Why it matters at Michigan

Fenders keep slush and spray off clothes during Michigan's wetter months, and a bike is a genuinely useful three-season option for shortening long Central Campus walks; most students store it once deep winter ice sets in.

PackedSee it on Amazon ↗

Typically $250 to $500 · opens Amazon in a new tab

02.

Safety

3 picks

SafetyUsually $25 to $60

Bike Helmet

Pairs with the campus bike

Why it matters at Michigan

A commuter bike is already on this list, so a properly fitted helmet is the safety piece that has to travel with it every ride across campus.

PackedSee it on Amazon ↗

Usually $25 to $60 · opens Amazon in a new tab

SafetyUsually $25 to $50

Heavy-Duty U-Lock

Protects a daily-use bike

Why it matters at Michigan

Campus safety officials say most bike thefts happen to bikes secured with a cheap cable lock, so a hardened U-lock protects what may be your student's main commuting tool.

PackedSee it on Amazon ↗

Usually $25 to $50 · opens Amazon in a new tab

SafetyUsually under $20

Reflective Safety Gear (Vest, Clip Lights, or Armband)

Seen in the dark, stays safe

Why it matters at Michigan

Michigan winters bring early darkness, so reflective gear keeps students visible to traffic and buses on evening walks.

PackedSee it on Amazon ↗

Usually under $20 · opens Amazon in a new tab

03.

Hydration

1 pick

HydrationUsually under $35

Insulated Water Bottle (32oz+)

Stays hydrated, even in cold

Why it matters at Michigan

Cold weather hides dehydration risk, so an insulated bottle keeps drinks from freezing during long walks across campus.

PackedSee it on Amazon ↗

Usually under $35 · opens Amazon in a new tab

Just as important

What we’d skip

A curator who never says “don’t buy” isn’t curating. These are the things Michigan makes unnecessary.

A car

Freshman parking at U-M is scarce and expensive, and the Blue Bus is free. Most first-years genuinely don't need one.

Electric scooter

Ann Arbor sidewalks are icy or slushy for months, so a scooter sits in storage for half the school year.

How we chose these 7

Every pick starts from Michigan’s housing policies, residence halls, and climate. If we can’t explain an item in one sentence, it doesn’t make the list. No filler, no padding.

Read exactly how we build each list → · All Michigan guides