Frequently Asked Questions

We admit a maximum of 250 students in each incoming class. However, as the RC spans all four years, there are about 650 active RC students on campus currently.

All students applying to U-M LSA may indicate their interest in the RC on the U-M LSA Common Application by selecting the RC as their “Program of Study.” Students who did not indicate interest in the RC on their application are invited to fill out this form to indicate their interest.

The RC admits on a first come, first served basis until capacity of 250 students is reached. The RC also admits transfer students and dual-degree applicants (such as SMTD-LSA).

Nope! RC students are also LSA students. However, RC students should plan to pay for residential Housing costs for their first and second years in order to complete the RC's residential requirement.

Absolutely! There are students majoring in Computer Science, Mathematics, on Pre-Med tracks, Neuroscience, and many other STEM fields enrolled in the RC. You will also find many RC students interested in research, both in their study abroad pursuits and their UROP projects here on campus.

The RC has several options for our students pursuing passions within the arts, yet we are not exclusively an “arts college.” While not every RC student would self-identify as "artsy," RC students are known for their broad approach to creativity - and not just in the realm of the Arts. Creative techniques to learning language outside the classroom, exploring music for the first time in Found Instruments, and interdisciplinary approaches to social justice are all creative qualities you’ll find in your fellow RCers!

No! Many RC'ers first year will be mainly RC courses, and after that first year, you have plenty of opportunities to either take mostly RC courses, take few RC courses, and anywhere in between.

Yes, if it is a non-residential community. You may join UROP, CSP, Honors, or University Mentorship. It is also possible to join upper-level residential communities, such as the Global Scholars Program and Max Kade with your junior year, once the residential requirement is completed.

Absolutely! Several RC-Honors students join our community each year. However, RC-Honors students must live in East Quad - they may not elect to live in Honors housing in South Quad.

The RC has several student-led discussion groups called “Forums” that can be enrolled in for credit. Titles and topics range from Food Forum to Feminist Forum, from LGBTQA Forum, to Creative Writing Forum. There is also a theater troupe (the RC Players), the RC Student Union, and the RC Review literary magazine.

The RC is home to the Keene Theater, a ceramics studio, a printmaking studio, a photography darkroom, a sculpture studio, the RC Art Gallery, RC Academic Advising, the Benzinger Library, several study lounges, music practice rooms, a dance studio, the Blue Cafe, and the East Quad Dining Hall.

Yes, RC students make up about half of East Quad’s residential space, while the remaining students come from all schools across campus.

For Fall 2025, you will be able to either select your RC roommate or be matched with a fellow RC'er. More information about the housing process will be available later this spring!

Yes! RC students can join a fraternity or a sorority. However, students who participate in a fraternity or sorority must still complete the RC’s first-year live-in requirement. 

Yes! You can learn more about the transfer process here.