A current UMich professional student checking in. I’m pretty much on board with olives’s commentary, but I’ll toss in my own thoughts.
As far as a car goes, I will say that I don’t know anyone without a car who survives without reliance on a significant other for grocery shopping. The major supermarkets are Kroger or Meijer, and they aren’t exactly within walking distance of anything.
Ypsilanti… I’ve never had any real reason to venture to Ypsi, so take from that what you will.
I’m with Tim when it comes to eve. Beyond delicious and wonderful service. A great special occasion place.
If you’re a home cook, it’s the best. Unfortunately, since you’re looking at an MD/PhD program, I’m guessing you won’t have much time.
I hate football Saturdays. I live near the stadium though, and it was a trade-off I was willing to accept.
Here’s the important part. Ann Arbor is not a major city. Somehow, some of my peers are still struggling to come to terms with this with this. I completely understand the need to pick the best program…been there, done that. But if you’re choosing between UMich and a similarly regarded program in a major city, seriously consider if you’re willing to spend most of the next decade in Ann Arbor. I know that you said that you don’t need to live in a large city, but I think that this is a pretty serious consideration.
In closing, I think that the culture of your program is going to be as major a consideration as the city that you pick. Do students seem satisfied? What were the interviewers like? Are these people with whom you can handle spending most of your waking moments?
Good luck! It sounds to me like you’ve got some exciting choices to make.