This is because you have not been contributing to the California educational system by paying taxes. So, you get charged non-resident tuition. Those living in California contribute via taxes, so they get the cheaper, resident tuition.

If you decide to move to California prior to starting school (for about a year), keep all of your documentation that shows you contribute to the state of California, such as leasing/mortgage papers, W-2s, car insurance papers, etc. – if you ever appeal your residency at your college/university, this information will help you greatly.

To establish residency, usually you need to get a driver’s license in the state, register to vote, stuff like that. But you’ll also need to be independent and paying taxes in California– in other words, your parents in Michigan can’t claim you as a dependent. Usually, from what I’ve seen at my university, non-residents end up staying non-residents all 4 years because it’s actually quite hard to establish residency for tuition purposes. (sorry.)