Apply for free through October 31

Now through October 31, we're waiving application fees for all domestic freshman and transfer applicants!
*Common app code: Central27

Apply for Free!
Skip to main content

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

    12th Annual CMU Alumni Weekend on Mackinac Island

    Details:

    Enjoy an unforgettable getaway at the 12th Annual CMU Alumni Mackinac Islance Weekend!

    Join CMU Alumni and Friends for our 12th annual Alumni Weekend on beautiful Mackinac Island. In partnership with the Island House Hotel, proudly owned by a CMU alumnus, we are thrilled to offer an unforgettable Mackinac Island getaway. Enjoy breathtaking waterfront views, scenic hiking trails, charming downtown shops and all the excitement of Macktoberfest happening throughout the weekend. All alumni and friends are invited to join us!  

    Weekend Highlights:

    • Two fun-filled evenings of German-themed food and entertainment with fellow CMU alumni
    • Connecting with alumni and friends around the island
    • Plenty of time to explore the beauty and charm of Mackinac Island!
    • Registration for add-on Saturday acitivities will be sent to weekend attendees late this summer

    Whether you're returning for another incredible alumni weekend, or joining us for the first time, this weekend promises fun, friendship and CMU Chippewa pride. Space is limited – don't miss your chance! Please note, all Macktoberfest events during this year’s Alumni Weekend are for 21+ only. 

    When:
    Friday, October 9-Sunday, October 11, 2026

    Where:
    Island House Hotel
    6966 Main St. 
    Mackinac Island, MI 49757
    906-847-3347

    Macktoberfest CMU Alumni Weekend Cost & Package Details:
    All bookings are made through The Island House Hotel. This exclusive CMU Alumni Weekend package includes your choice of a Traditional or Deluxe Room (based on double occupancy). 

    What's Included:

    • Two nights lodging
    • 50% off Island House bike rental
    • One slice of Mackinac Island Fudge per room from Ryba's Fudge Store
    • One specialty beverage from Starbucks per guest
    • Round-trip ferry transportation via Arnold Transit Company per guest
    • Full admission to Macktoberfest, including: 
    • Friday evening Firkin Tapping | 5-6 p.m.
    • Ceremonial keg tapping
    • Beer and wine tastings
    • Appetizers
    • Accordion music and games
    • CMU Alumni table
    • Saturday evening Macktoberfest Main Event | 6 p.m.
    • Open bar
    • Souvenir glass beer stein
    • All-you-can-eat Bavarian buffet
    • Live music, contests, games, and prizes

    Package Pricing:
    Rates are per person for the full two-night stay. All packages are subject to tax. Enjoy a 25% total savings with this exclusive CMU Chippewa bundle.

    • CMU Alumni Weekend Package + Traditional Room Per Person | $575
    • CMU Alumni Weekend Package + Deluxe Room Per Person | $650

    Please note, all Macktoberfest events during this year’s Alumni Weekend are 21+ only.

    Booking & Guest Room Policy:
    Ready to book your room? Please call 906-847-3347 or follow the link here to reserve your space!

    Important Notes: 

    • Be sure to mention the CMU Alumni Weekend when making your reservation
    • Full payment is required at the time of booking
    • Cancellation Policy:
    • A $50 fee applies to all cancellations
    • Cancellations made within 7 days of arrival are non-refundable
    • Room Block Release:
    •  All un-booked rooms will return to general inventory 30 days prior to arrival

    The discounted CMU rate is available through September 11, 2026, and may be extended beyond that date based on availability

    We can’t wait to see you on the island! Fire Up Chips! 

    Date: October 9 - October 11
    Time: All Day
    Location: 6966 Main St.
    Mackinac Island, MI
    Sponsor: Alumni Relations
    Contact: Alumni Relations alumni@cmich.edu 989-774-3312
    RSVP BY Friday, September 18, 2026!
    return to top of page