Ann Arbor is consistently ranked America’s top college cities. It’s a great place to live and get an education!
For newcomers, accessing resources to meet your basic daily needs might be challenging; this list can help. Here are some resources in the Ann Arbor-Ypsilanti area that provide a variety of products and services that everyone needs.
Grocery and department stores
| Store | Description | Address |
|---|---|---|
|
Fresh Thyme |
Lower-priced alternative to Trader Joe’s and Whole Foods for healthy, organic, and free-trade food options. Located 2 miles south of WCC at the corner of Golfside and Washtenaw. |
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|
Kroger |
Regional grocery store; wide selection of international foods. Sign up for the Kroger plus card to get deals. |
3200 Carpenter Rd 2641 Plymouth Rd Ann Arbor, MI 48105 (good Asian food selection at this location) |
|
Meijer |
Michigan-based department and grocery store that provides a wide variety merchandise to meet customers’ daily needs, including a selection of international foods. Sign up for MPerks to get deals. |
3825 Carpenter Rd Ypsilanti, MI 48197 |
|
Walmart |
Retail corporation that has a chain of supermarkets in several places across the country, discount department stores and grocery stores. |
2515 Ellsworth Rd Ypsilanti, MI 48197 |
There are many markets and restaurants for people from all over the world to get the food they are accustomed to back home.
International food and markets
| Culture | Market | Location |
|---|---|---|
|
African |
Kasoa African Market |
3980 Platt Rd |
|
Asian |
Hua Xing Asia Market – Asian department store |
2867 Washtenaw Ave |
|
Galleria Market – Korean |
3111 Packard St |
|
|
Way 1 Supermarket |
2789 Plymouth Rd |
|
|
Indian |
Bombay Grocers |
3010 Packard Rd |
|
Mexican |
Dos Hermanos Market |
412 W Michigan Ave |
|
Middle Eastern |
Alez Market |
2243 Ellsworth Rd |
|
Mediterranean Market |
4019 Stone School Rd |
Transportation
Washtenaw County is commuter friendly! The Ann Arbor Area Transportation Authority (AAATA, also known as TheRide) is an effective way to get around town. TheRide is a not-for-profit local public transit system for the greater Ann Arbor-Ypsilanti area. WCC students, staff, faculty can ride for free by swiping their student ID at any of TheRide buses when they are leaving campus.
See Get to Campus for more options.
Secretary of State
4675 Washtenaw Ave, Ann Arbor, MI 48108
An official governmental department that has branches across the state, the Secretary of State office can help you get your driver’s license, register your vehicle, notary and document certifications. Moreover, they can help you answer your questions on what’s legal to do and what is not.
Banks and credit unions
In the U.S., it is recommended that you open an account at a bank or credit union (a member-owned financial institution). Having an account will allow you to keep your cash safe and make your life easier by allowing you to pay your bills online (even automatically if you’d like!). It will also allow you to manage your money more easily.
Automatic Teller Machine (ATM)
Located on the first floor Student Center building, near the south entrance. Students or staff can withdraw cash when it is convenient.
Locations
University of Michigan Credit Union (UMCU)
Virtual branch, with an ATM and video teller located in the Student Center, second
floor.
PNC
3175 West Clark Road, Ypsilanti, MI 48197
Located within walking distance of WCC, at the corner of Clark and Golfside.
Washtenaw Area Credit Union
424 S. Mansfield, Ypsilanti, MI 48197
734-484-5100
Special offers for college students are available.
Events
There is always something happening in Ann Arbor and the surrounding communities. Check out these area calendars to find fun things to do.
Parks
- Ann Arbor: Be sure to check out the map of Ann Arbor parks, and visit nearby Gallup Park.
- Ypsilanti: Ypsilanti city parks (map) and township parks are waiting for you.