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Campus is Fired Up and ready. Are you? See where you'll live, all your dining options and even explore student groups to join.

Check out these common questions about campus life.

    The East, South and Towers Housing Communities
    As a campus resident, you’ll be part of a housing community that brings together several different residence halls or apartments. Each housing community give you access to a residence hall director/residence director, a care advocate and an assistant director.

    Living Learning Communities
    Live in community with students who share your interests. Focusing on everything from music to engineering to public service and beyond, our living learning communities give you a built-in support system.

    Interest areas of LLC: Business, Education and Human Services, Health Professions, Honors, Leader Advancement, MAC Scholars, Public Service, Music, Science and Engineering.

    Glad you asked!

    Familiar eats on campus
    Starbucks, Einstein Bros Bagels, Ponder, Idli Dosa Indian Restaurant, Shake Smart, Ignite Donuts, Slim Chickens, Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers, Subway, Which Which and Build pizza by design.

    Buffet style or made-to-order options on campus
    Breakfast bars, pizza and pasta, grilled food, bowl recipes made to order (without wheat, gluten and the top 9 allergens), deli, salad bar, vegetarian and vegan selections and a dessert station.

    There are also around 100 restaurants in the Mount Pleasant area to try, not including fast food.

    For starters, student tickets to CMU's Division 1 athletic events are free. There are plenty of student organizations to join (300+), including club and intramural sports. You'll have access to the fitness center's pool, hot tub, sauna, weight room and much more.

    There are also around 500 events that take place locally every year, like concerts, festivals, farmers markets, art walks and more.

    Find your people

    Picture this: Around 300 student organizations, 45+ club sports and 30+ intramural sports. If you want to meet people with similar interests, you can find a registered student organization for that.

    search STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS

    Make connections with CMU Greek life, build your network with pre-professional organizations or boot up with our eSports team! There is at least one organization for every area of study, plus ones for social justice, community service and leadership.

    Have an idea for a group that isn’t there? You can start one!

    Make a difference

    Getting involved is a part of your education. Being active in the CMU community is all about meeting new people, hearing their stories and learning how to work with others.

    Find new friends while making a positive impact through community service and volunteering. Spend time giving back to the Mount Pleasant community with the Mary Ellen Brandell Volunteer Center

    Want to help out somewhere else in the world? CMU is also a national leader in alternative breaks, giving you the chance to volunteer locally and globally.

    Find out how you can get involved and don't miss out on this huge part of #LifeAtCentral!

    Aerial photo of Towers Community at Central Michigan University.

    Housing

    There are 17 residence halls on campus. Something else that sets us apart – there are no community bathrooms in student housing at CMU. We get it.

    There are also 9 Living Learning Communities open to incoming freshmen who have specific interests – business, health, public service and more. Here, you can live where you learn and learn where you live. Competitive scholarship recipients will also be placed in the Honors Program Living Learning Community.

    EXPLORE LIVING ON CAMPUS

    Student at CMU Dining facility

    Dining

    Each residential community has a connected restaurant, so you’re never more than a quick stroll to your next meal. 

    Pull up a chair! Try our 3 residential dining restaurants. Want something specific? Other dining options across campus include Build Pizza, Freddie’s, Slim Chickens and Shake Smart. Looking for coffee? We have Starbucks, Ponder Coffee and Einstein Bros. Bagels. Need a snack on the go? Grab some fuel at one of our 2 markets on campus.

    Food is important to learning, and we believe no student should worry about their next meal. The CMU Student Food Pantry is there to help.

    See CMU Dining

    19th Annual Grandparents U

    Details:

    🤠 Howdy, CMU Chippewas! Grandparents U is a summer camp that brings generations together for three days of fun and wonder on the campus of Central Michigan University!  

    🗓️Dates: Tuesday, June 23 – Thursday, June 25, 2026 

    Saddle up and explore the beautiful campus of Central Michigan University while experiencing life as a CMU Chippewa in the residential halls with your grandchildren. Enjoy hands-on educational sessions conducted by faculty, staff and community members. Engage in conversations and make memories you’ll never forget.   

    There is something for everyone! Grandparents and grandchildren (ages 8 – 12) can customize their experience by giving preference to classes that fit your interests.   
      

    📝Registration Costs:

    Early Bird Rate: Register before March 31, 2026 
    $195 | Adult  
    $175 | Child   

    Regular Rate: Register between April 1, 2026 - May 15, 2026
    $225 | Adult   
    $205 | Child 

    Gold Members: Enter your Gold Membership number to receive $10 off your registration total. 
     
    Registration per person includes:  
    - Housing (Tuesday and Wednesday nights)
    - Meals (Starting with lunch on Tuesday ((NEW this year!)) and ending with breakfast on Thursday
    - Access to 5 hands-on learning sessions
    - Evening activities
    - Signature t-shirt
    - Entry in the closing raffle

    📚Class Selections  

    Class preference will be based on the date registration is received. Hurry – the sooner you register, the higher your preference! Once registered, you will receive an e-mail in May with a list of classes that are being offered. You will then rank your top choices and be placed according to availability.   

    Here is a sample of previous class offerings:   
    - Egg Drop Competition
    - Behind the Scenes of CMU Public Media
    - Cooking with a Campus Chef
    - Paws in Action
    - Tour with the CMU Police Department

    Class times and topics are subject to change without notice.   

    Special evening events will be offered to all participants. Events may include swimming at the Student Activity Center, Movies, and Games 
     
    Some classes are limited in size due to facilities and equipment availability. Participants will be notified at check-in of their class assignments. Classes will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Every effort will be made to assign participants to the classes of their choice: however, we cannot guarantee placement within a particular class. All classes are conducted by CMU faculty, staff, and community members who are volunteering their time. In rare circumstances, it may be necessary to change or cancel a class.   

    🏡Housing  

    Due to scheduled maintenance in the Residence Halls, air-conditioned rooms are limited and will be assigned on a first-come, first-served basis. Linens are not provided for camp.  

    📌Adult and Child Attendance  

    Children must be accompanied by an adult, at all times. No more than two children may be accompanied by one adult, and no more than two adults may accompany one child. If two children attend with one adult, they must attend the same classes. If two children attend with two adults: each adult/child pair may attend different classes.     

    ❗️Additional Information  

    Important: Grandparents U is funded by the registration fees paid by the participants. If the minimum number of registrants is not reached by April 30, 2026, the event will be canceled, and refunds will be provided.   

    🚫Cancellation policy  

    If individuals need to cancel, a request for a refund must be made in writing and received no later than 5:00 p.m. May 18, 2026. No refunds will be issued after this date.   

    The term Grandparents University® is a registered trademark that originated at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and is used with permission. 

    Date: June 23 - June 25
    Time: All Day
    Location: Online -
    https://advancement.apps.cmich.edu/events/gu/registration
    Sponsor: Alumni Relations
    Contact: Alumni Relations alumni@cmich.edu 989-774-3312
    Register for this event
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