Northwood (2026-2027) (Housing)

Northwood Community Yoga: Movement, Mindfulness, and Connection will be a beginner-friendly yoga event designed to help residents relax, move their bodies, and connect with one another in a supportive community setting. Residents will be invited to participate in a gentle yoga session focused on stretching, breathing, balance, and stress relief. The program will be accessible to all experience levels, including residents who have never practiced yoga before.

The event will begin with a brief welcome and introduction, allowing residents to settle in and meet others in the space. The yoga session will then guide participants through mindful movement and breathing exercises intended to support physical well-being and relaxation. After the yoga practice, residents will have time to cool down, reflect, and casually connect with one another.

Residents should bring a yoga mat or towel if they have one, though participation will remain flexible and accessible. This program is intended to help residents leave feeling calmer, more grounded, and more connected to the Northwood community.

Northwood Meditation Circle: Calm, Reflection, and Community will be a peaceful, beginner-friendly meditation event for residents who want to slow down, reduce stress, and connect with others in the Northwood community. The program will offer residents a chance to step away from academic, work, and personal responsibilities and spend time in quiet reflection.

The event will begin with a short welcome and an explanation of the purpose of the program. Residents will then be guided through simple breathing exercises and a short meditation practice. The meditation will be accessible to all participants, including those with no previous meditation experience. After the guided practice, residents will have the opportunity to reflect individually or participate in optional low-pressure conversation with neighbors.

The goal is for residents to experience a sense of calm, emotional grounding, and community support. This program will help residents learn a simple well-being practice they can use in their daily lives while also creating a welcoming space for connection within Northwood.

Join us for an opportunity to tour and volunteer at the U-M Botanical Gardens, Campus Farms!

The campus farm is a student-driven living learning lab that supports sustainable food systems. Northwood residents are welcome to join sessions in May, June, July, and August to learn more about the farm, volunteer by harvesting seasonal goodies, and explore other exciting opportunities for engagement.  Pizza lunch will be available at the farm! 

Because the farm is not on the bus route, residents without transportation can meet RAs at the Community Center at 10:30AM for a vanpool. Families and children of residents are also invited to attend but must commute to the farm on their own.

We strongly recommend that participants wear long-sleeve shirts,  pants, and closed-toed shoes to volunteer.

U-M Campus Farms at the Matthei Botanical Gardens is located at 1800 N. Dixboro Road, Ann Arbor, MI, 48105.
Click here to learn more about the Campus Farm program.

Join us for a family friendly movie night to watch a K-pop animated movie! Pizza will be served. Bring your singing voice and feel free to come in costume! We hope to see you there!

Children must be attended by a parent/guardian! Due to potential concerns related to food allergies, unattended children will not be allowed to participate.

Cool off and connect with your community at Sundaes on the Deck!

Stop by to enjoy an ice cream sundae, relax outdoors, and take a well-deserved break from your busy day. Whether you're catching up with friends or meeting new people, this casual summer event is a sweet way to unwind and celebrate the season. Families and friends welcome!

Children must be attended by a parent/guardian! Due to potential concerns related to food allergies, unattended children will not be allowed to participate.

Join the Northwood RAs for Bubbles and Boba in Northwood IV!

RAs Adam, Tasmine, Angie, and Cheryl will be handing out complimentary boba tea and bubble wands at the picnic tables by the Northwood IV playground. This event will be open to all members of Northwood and their families! *While supplies last!

Children must be attended by a parent/guardian! Due to potential concerns related to food allergies, unattended children will not be allowed to participate.

Northwood RAs are hosting a three-hour structured co-writing/co-working session for graduate residents. A great opportunity to work on dissertations, theses, major papers, etc. Residents bring their own work; the session offers quiet focused writing time, informal peer accountability, and a low-pressure social anchor.

Pizza and soda provided while it lasts.

This event is open to adult graduate students.

Let your creativity shine with sidewalk chalk and refreshments on the NW patio deck! *If inclement weather the program will be rescheduled *

Calling all grad families!  Bring yourselves and your little ones to Rainbow Park (behind the fire station in NW IV) for playground fun and community building–we’ll bring treats! Come swap stories with other grad parents while the kids burn off some energy.

Tour the North Campus Bell Tower and hear the 60 bell carillon played live by carillonist and Northwood resident advisor Adam Lenhart. Music will include Disney favorites, movie soundtracks, pop music and classical. The concert will last from 12:00–12:30 with a tour following immediately afterwards. Appropriate for all ages.

Join GRAs Amber and Taylor, as well as Northwood TFs, for a book club! We will be reading the novel I Medusa, by Ayana Gray.

This New York Times Bestseller, I Medusa, written by Ayana Gray is a “captivating villain origin story” reimagining one of the most iconic monsters in Greek mythology as a provocative and powerful young heroine

We will meet for the dinner and discussion in the Northwood Multipurpose Room: August 14th, 1:00 - 2:00 PM: Discuss the entire book

Please note that all books are provided free of charge, but our stock is limited. Register in advance to secure your copy! If you aren't able to register but secure your own copy, reach out to Laura Herbert (lmhmich@umich.edu) to be added.

This event is for graduate students in Michigan housing only. We apologize for not including partners and kids; our funds are restricted. Please contact Laura Herbert (lmhmich@umich.edu) if you need additional accommodations.

Come meet Nico, the DPSS therapy dog, and learn about active scams, impersonations, and frauds that DPSS sees Michigan students being targeted by.  In this conversation, you will learn about warning signs, current scams, and ways to protect yourself.  The seminar will be held in person at the Northwood Community Center, but a Zoom option is available (see the flyer or contact RA Braden Oh for the link).

Northwood graduate residents will attend the Ann Arbor School of Yoga’s $5 community yoga class as a group. This program is designed as a welcoming, beginner-friendly wellness outing that supports stress reduction, healthy routines, and community-building. Residents are encouraged to participate at their own comfort level—resting is always an option.

Plan (Start to Finish)
4:00 PM – Meet-Up at Northwood (10–15 minutes):
Residents meet with the Graduate Resident Advisor at a designated Northwood meeting spot. I’ll do a quick check-in, confirm transportation plans, and share a few expectations: come as you are, listen to your body, and respect others’ focus during class. I’ll also remind residents what to bring (water, comfortable clothing; mats are optional if the studio provides them/if residents have one).

Travel to Studio (15–25 minutes, depending on transit/carpool):
We’ll head to the Ann Arbor School of Yoga together. This travel time is intentionally part of the program—light conversation, introductions, and a friendly “we’re doing this together” vibe, without pressure to socialize intensely.

Arrive + Settle In (10–15 minutes):
We’ll check in, pay the $5 fee, store belongings, and get set up. I’ll help first-timers feel oriented (where to put shoes/bags, where to set up, studio etiquette). Residents can choose to spread out or sit near each other.

Community Yoga Class (typically ~60–75 minutes):
Residents participate in a guided class that may include breathing exercises, gentle-to-moderate movement, and a relaxation period. The emphasis is on stress relief, grounding, and leaving feeling more resourced than when they arrived.

Post-Class Cooldown + Optional Check-Out (10 minutes):
After class, we’ll regroup outside (or in the lobby) for a brief, optional reflection. I’ll offer simple prompts like: “One word for how you feel now?” or “Anything you want to do differently next time?” Sharing is optional—residents can also just enjoy quiet.

Return to Northwood (by 6:30 PM):
We’ll travel back together and close out the program with quick reminders about future wellness/community opportunities.

Need a break from doom scrolling? Join us for an afternoon of arts & crafts over lunch! We will have tie-dye kits (feel free to bring your own T-shirts or bags to tie-dye!), friendship bracelet-making supplies, journaling supplies, and paint-your-own mugs and picture frames to decorate. This event will be at the Northwood Community Center.

Northwood graduate residents will participate in a guided community meditation session led by a Northwood RA. The program is designed to offer a welcoming and beginner-friendly opportunity for residents to pause, reduce stress, and practice mindfulness in a familiar community setting.
No prior meditation experience is required. Residents will be encouraged to participate according to their own comfort level. They may sit in a chair, sit on the floor, keep their eyes open or closed, take a break, or leave quietly if needed.

Join us for an afternoon of lunch and lawn games! We will have spikeball, frisbees and cornhole for everyone to enjoy. This is a great chance to meet your new neighbors at Northwood and enjoy the sunshine! Hope to see you there!

Celebrate back-to-school and kick off the new school year with a grab-and-go breakfast at the bus stop! Come meet new and returning students and families! Join us at the school bus stop on McIntyre, right in front of Parking Lot 46!

Children must be accompanied by a parent/guardian.

Northwood Meditation Circle: Calm, Reflection, and Community will be a peaceful, beginner-friendly meditation event for residents who want to slow down, reduce stress, and connect with others in the Northwood community. The program will offer residents a chance to step away from academic, work, and personal responsibilities and spend time in quiet reflection.

The event will begin with a short welcome and an explanation of the purpose of the program. Residents will then be guided through simple breathing exercises and a short meditation practice. The meditation will be accessible to all participants, including those with no previous meditation experience. After the guided practice, residents will have the opportunity to reflect individually or participate in optional low-pressure conversation with neighbors.

The goal is for residents to experience a sense of calm, emotional grounding, and community support. This program will help residents learn a simple well-being practice they can use in their daily lives while also creating a welcoming space for connection within Northwood.

Join us for an afternoon of Aerial Yoga! We will be going to AIR Aerial Fitness Studio in Ann Arbor for a private class! 

You will be introduced to aerial exercises on hammocks, while working on body alignment and specific muscle groups to balance on the aerial hammocks. Everyone is welcome, including those with NO aerial experience!

Registration is limited.

Open to Graduate Residents only.

If you need a ride to the program, please meet at the Northwood CC by 12:20 PM. Otherwise, please meet at AIR Aerial Fitness no later than 12:40 PM.

AIR Aerial Fitness is located at 960 Greene St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104

Northwood Community Yoga: Movement, Mindfulness, and Connection will be a beginner-friendly yoga event designed to help residents relax, move their bodies, and connect with one another in a supportive community setting. Residents will be invited to participate in a gentle yoga session focused on stretching, breathing, balance, and stress relief. The program will be accessible to all experience levels, including residents who have never practiced yoga before.

The event will begin with a brief welcome and introduction, allowing residents to settle in and meet others in the space. The yoga session will then guide participants through mindful movement and breathing exercises intended to support physical well-being and relaxation. After the yoga practice, residents will have time to cool down, reflect, and casually connect with one another.

Residents should bring a yoga mat or towel if they have one, though participation will remain flexible and accessible. This program is intended to help residents leave feeling calmer, more grounded, and more connected to the Northwood community.

Join NW I & II RAs, Adam, Amber, Nia, & Taylor for the NW I & II Community Gathering at Rainbow Park next to the Fire Station! We will have Boba Tea for you. Please come ready to mingle and get to know your neighbors!

Monday, September 21 is National Chai Day, so we are putting the kettle on!

A bethak is the sitting where the tea is only the excuse; come to the Community Center Deck in the late afternoon for karak chai brewed slow and strong the way it is made in Pakistan, heavy on cardamom, with ginger and caffeine-free options alongside and biscuits and rusk to dunk. The deck will be dressed in the colors of Pakistani truck art, there will be tea words in Urdu, Hindi, Bengali, Tamil, Punjabi and Nepali on the tables, and there will be no agenda beyond a warm cup and good company.

Families and kids welcome. Bring your own mug if you have a favorite.

Children must be accompanied by a parent/guardian at all times.

Have you ever sent a handwritten letter through the mail? When was the last time you received one, and how did it make you feel?

The start of a new semester can be overwhelming, and perhaps there’s someone outside of Ann Arbor you’re missing. Take some time to slow down, reconnect, and brighten someone’s day with a handwritten note or postcard!

We hope you’ll join us on September 23rd for a letter and postcard writing station from 5:30–7:00 PM. All stationery, writing utensils, envelopes, and postage will be provided.

Dissertation Writing & Coworking Group: A two-hour dedicated co-writing (or co-working) session for graduate residents working on dissertations, theses, and/or papers. Residents bring their own work; the session offers food, quiet focused writing time, informal peer accountability, and a low-pressure social anchor.

Join us for an opportunity to tour and volunteer at the U-M Botanical Gardens, Campus Farms!

The campus farm is a student-driven living learning lab that supports sustainable food systems. Northwood residents are welcome to join sessions in May, June, July, and August to learn more about the farm, volunteer by harvesting seasonal goodies, and explore other exciting opportunities for engagement.  Pizza lunch will be available at the farm! 

Because the farm is not on the bus route, residents without transportation can meet RAs at the Community Center at 10:30AM for a vanpool. Families and children of residents are also invited to attend but must commute to the farm on their own.

We strongly recommend that participants wear long-sleeve shirts,  pants, and closed-toed shoes to volunteer.

U-M Campus Farms at the Matthei Botanical Gardens is located at 1800 N. Dixboro Road, Ann Arbor, MI, 48105.
Click here to learn more about the Campus Farm program.

Come meet your (new) neighbors! On Saturday, September 19 at 5:00 PM, the Northwood V RA Team and Transdisciplinary Fellows are putting on a picnic for the community: pizza and drinks on the open lawn at the center of Northwood V. Bring your family, bring your kids, bring the neighbor you have nodded at across the courtyard but never spoken to!

Sign-in required. All are welcome. Children MUST be accompanied by a parent/guardian.

Food will include a halal option and a vegetarian or cheese-only option. This is an outdoor program; if weather forces a move, the fallback location will be posted at the lawn and sent to the community email list that morning.

As we start the fall term, join RA Cheryl for a virtual meditation to help center yourself and carry this tool through the rest of the term. This event will be held virtually.

Zoom Link to Join: https://umich.zoom.us/j/4501852178

This wellness program offers a guided session that blends gentle yoga movement, breathwork, and a short meditation/relaxation practice.

Participants will be led through beginner-friendly stretching and postures with options to modify for different abilities, followed by breathing techniques and a calming mindfulness exercise to support focus and relaxation. The session will include light music and a brief closing reflection, and attendees are encouraged to bring water and wear comfortable clothing. No prior yoga experience is required.

This event is part of the Northwood "Be Well" program series.

Meet the people who show up when the alarm goes off. Ann Arbor Fire Station 5, the station that serves North Campus and Northwood, is opening its doors to our community on for a guided tour led by the Ann Arbor Fire Department. Residents will see the engine and its equipment, look at the gear firefighters wear, and hear how a call comes in and how quickly a crew gets out the door.

Ira Harrison, the University's Fire Inspector and Community Risk Reduction Officer, is expected to join and cover apartment fire safety: what a Northwood alarm means, what to do when it sounds, and how to prevent the most common kitchen and electrical fires. Time is set aside for questions.

TRAVEL INFORMATION: The station is at 1946 Beal Ave, Ann Arbor, MI 48105, a short walk from Northwood on North Campus. RAs will lead a group walk leaving the Northwood Community Center, 1000 McIntyre Dr, at 9:40 AM. Residents may also drive and park at the station, or meet the group at the station at 10:00 AM.

Open to all Northwood residents and their household members. Children are welcome; for safety reasons an accompanying adult must supervise children at all times.

Space is limited, so registration and RSVP to tasmine@umich.edu is required.

**FOR ADULT GRADUATE STUDENTS ONLY!**

Need a break from studying? Join us at Ann Arbor Art Center (A2AC) for a Paint Your Own Pottery class! We will learn how to custom-design and paint our pottery. Whether you're a seasoned creative or brand new to painting pottery, everyone is welcome!

*Please note that your product will have approximately a 4-week processing time to be fired in A2AC kilns and won't be available to take home right away*

Meet at Northwood Community Center OR at Ann Arbor Art Center (directions will be provided upon registration).

We will have limited availability for rides to A2AC and highly encourage taking your own transportation - the location is in downtown Ann Arbor, 117 W Liberty St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104