FAQ

Do you choose a roommate for me if I don't have one?

Usually, we will choose roommates for you, especially if you are brand new to the country and do not know anyone from the U of M. At times, we will honor requests to live with students or scholars from your own country if space is available. Many students share apartments with people from different countries and find this an interesting opportunity to learn about and better understand other cultures, attitudes and world views.

Most residents are graduate students. The level of study is considered, so that undergrads share with undergrads and graduate students or scholars are placed together.

Does the apartment have its own kitchen, bathroom and living room?

Each apartment has a kitchen, bathroom and living room, all furnished.

Does each person have a private bedroom in each apartment?

Yes.

Are all utilities included?

All utilities are included in the 3 bedroom apartments. In the bi-levels and 2 bedrooms, all is included with the exception of electricity. Electricity costs is shared equally with the roommate or roommates.

Do you give short term leases?

We do, especially in the spring and summer terms and occasionally in the winter term.

How close are you to the ISR, the Business School and the School of Social Work?

We are about 20 minutes walk to the ISR and 5 minutes from the Business School and School of Social Work.

How many activities must a resident participate in every year?

We hope residents participate as often as possible, taking into consideration their busy schedules. We do expect residents to prepare a meal each semester for the rest of the group. We recommend that residents team up with 2 or 3 other residents or friends to make a meal for 30 to 40 students once a semester. ECIR reimburses the cost of food- up to $100. We also expect our residents to attend the Retreat at the beginning of the year, an overnight stay in cabins at a nearby lake.

Does one have to be an international student to apply?

We have 2 or 3 students who represent the United States and these students have a special interest in International Affairs.

Are the apartments cable ready and is there internet available?

Roommates share cable costs or use a router for wireless cable. Some apartments band together to share cable costs.

Does each apartment have a telephone?

It is optional to have a telephone in the apartment. The apartment is ready for phone hook-up but many students have cell phones now and have opted out of that possibility.

The ECIR Reading Room has a telephone for local calls and with the use of a phone card, long distance calls can be made.