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    Student Life in Royal Oak — What To Do Near ESI Michigan

    March 28, 2026 5 min read

    Royal Oak is one of Metro Detroit's most exciting neighborhoods — and it's right outside our campus doors. Here are our favorite local spots and resources for ESI students.

    Why Students Love Royal Oak

    Royal Oak is a walkable, vibrant city packed with restaurants, boutiques, art galleries, and nightlife. For ESI students, it's the perfect place to build a career in beauty — surrounded by a community that values creativity, self-expression, and local business. Whether you're grabbing coffee between classes or exploring the downtown scene after school, Royal Oak has something for everyone.

    Our Favorite Local Resources

    We've been part of the Royal Oak community for years, and our students quickly discover the best of it: independent restaurants and coffee shops, seasonal festivals, art walks, and the salons and boutiques lining Main Street — all a short walk or drive from campus.

    Dining & Coffee Near Campus

    Between classes, students love exploring Royal Oak's incredible food scene. From craft coffee at local roasters to quick lunches at family-owned restaurants, there's no shortage of options within minutes of our campus at 4050 Crooks Rd. The Royal Oak downtown strip along Main Street is especially popular for post-class meetups.

    Events & Nightlife

    Royal Oak hosts regular community events, art walks, seasonal festivals, and live music throughout the year. These events aren't just fun — they're networking opportunities. Many ESI graduates build their initial clientele by connecting with the local community at these gatherings.

    Exploring Nearby Communities

    Royal Oak is surrounded by equally vibrant neighborhoods — Ferndale, Birmingham, Berkley, and Clawson are all minutes away, each with their own salons, restaurants, and shops. These communities are all part of the Metro Detroit beauty industry our graduates thrive in.

    Start Your Beauty Career in Royal Oak

    Ready to join the Royal Oak beauty community? ESI's Royal Oak campus offers Cosmetology, Esthetics, Manicuring, and Instructor Training programs with hands-on L'Oréal Professionnel training. Contact our admissions team at 586-884-4686 or visit our campus for a tour — and discover why Royal Oak is the perfect place to launch your career.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Where is ESI's Royal Oak campus?

    We're located at 4050 Crooks Rd, Royal Oak, MI 48073, with ample free parking and easy access to I-75 and Woodward Avenue.

    What is there to do in Royal Oak?

    Royal Oak offers incredible dining, shopping, nightlife, art galleries, and community events, most of it concentrated along the walkable Main Street district near our campus.

    Is Royal Oak a good place to start a beauty career?

    Absolutely! Royal Oak has a thriving salon and beauty community, making it an ideal location to build your clientele and launch your career after graduating from ESI.

    Ready to Start Your Beauty Career?

    Schedule a campus tour or call admissions at 586-884-4686.