University of Maryland Reviews

Maryland has one of the most...

Maryland has one of the most diverse campuses in the nation. You can find any kind of background here, whether you are speaking about ethnicity or religion. Additionally, the campus is definitely more liberal and is very accepting to gays and lesbians.

Groups like NORML and SSDP are...

Groups like NORML and SSDP are pretty big on campus, and there is definitely weed all over the place. Other than that, I know a few people do 'shrooms or harder stuff, but its not too big. It's mostly weed and booze here.

A lot of people smoke pot, but I...

A lot of people smoke pot, but I haven't seen too much of anything harder. Smoking pot is probably almost as popular as drinking.

There's always a party somewhere...

There's always a party somewhere at Maryland. The frats frequently host all sorts of events and there's lots of bars within walking distance. Santa Fe Cafe, usually referred to as 'Fe, is probably one of the most popular, along with the Thirsty Turtle.

Most parties are the same—a lot of...

Most parties are the same—a lot of drinking and people just gathering up. There are a few bars. Cornerstone and the Fe are the best ones and often have a lot of people and fun. The Turtle is perfect for underclassmen—most people in there are underclassmen, so it is a good place to get to know your class. There is also Bentley's, but that is more of a graduate bar. The bar scene is alright and the party scene okay—not a lot of variety but still worth it.

Maryland prides itself on...

Maryland prides itself on diversity. Minorities make up a large percentage of the student population. In my freshman hall, I roomed with two Latina girls, lived across the hall from an orthodox Jew who roomed with a first-generation Asian-American, and next door were two inner-city girls from Baltimore. I had a blast learning about their cultures, ideas, beliefs—everything! I even got to go home with them every so often and witness their cultures first-hand. My classmates are from all different parts of the country and world. Coming from a suburban all-white private school in the Midwest, it was quite the culture shock for me, but I have loved every moment.

Everyone uses the DC metro! It's...

Everyone uses the DC metro! It's cheap, fast, and convenient any time you want to go into the city. No one ever really wants to get around College Park outside of the campus itself, which has good on-campus buses.

UM Shuttle is great. They run...

UM Shuttle is great. They run mostly on time, and most of the time, the drivers are students who understand that you have a place to be. The College Park and Greenbelt Metro stations are just a few minutes from campus and buses run to both. You can get into DC in 20 minutes—we're only seven miles away.

Maryland is labeled as a "party...

Maryland is labeled as a "party school." There is a party on campus every day of the week—you just have to find them.

Public transportation is...

Public transportation is convenient. The main bus stop on campus can take you to one of three Metro stations, which all lead to Washington DC. The campus routes are convenient, as well, except for the fact that they don't run until 5 p.m., meaning you have to walk to most of your classes. But, you get used to it—most kids don't even find it necessary to get a bike.

The transportation around the...

The transportation around the University of Maryland is semi-convenient. The buses are very popular among students and really come in handy on such a big campus. However, I only use the bus to go distances of more than a mile because the buses don't run as often as I would like.

I would say the drug scene at UMD...

I would say the drug scene at UMD is pretty standard. Some people do lots of drugs, some people don't do any drugs, and some do drugs every now and again. Most common is smoking pot—besides alcohol, of course.

Atmosphere? There are 25,000 kids...

Atmosphere? There are 25,000 kids your age just anxious to enjoy themselves in an over-the-top fashion, and anything you'd need to do this is sold in a nearby store, and DC is a metro ride away. Let's be honest, College Park would likely not exist without the University. But because of that, the campus is so vibrant that it is the local atmosphere, and it's awesome.

I personally love the Diner food....

I personally love the Diner food. Some people complain about it, and those who do, will do so profusely. However, they often had house-moms who made different gourmet meals for them every night. There are tons of choices, including different basic meals every day and a large number of standard stations. Alot of guys, including myself, have difficulty staying under budget as far as points go. The thing to do is to go to the diner with girls and ask one of them to treat you, making sure to alternate which person. They are usually scared to death of the freshmen 15, would never use their points anyway, and understand what's up, so nobody minds. If you're really picky/stupid, there are plenty of fast food places on Route 1.

I’m from New York CIty, so College...

I’m from New York CIty, so College Park definitely feels safe to me. Out of the three years that I’ve been here, campus has gotten safer year after year.

Dorms are small, outdated, and...

Dorms are small, outdated, and during the beginning of fall semester and end of spring, they are unbearable due to the heat. South Campus suites are nice as they are air conditioned. La Plata is nice because it’s air conditioned. Denton Community was nice—mostly freshmen are there, which leads to a social atmosphere.

The campus is a microcosm of the...

The campus is a microcosm of the world. I met people from every race and religion I could think of. It’s actually the first place I’ve ever felt comfortable and accepted being Jewish.

Off-campus housing nearby is very...

Off-campus housing nearby is very expensive, and I have heard it is getting even more expensive this year. I loved living off campus. I lived 50 feet from campus, so it wasn’t a big problem.

Helpful, informed, and focused. I...

Helpful, informed, and focused. I found every class interesting.

Some classes are so big you can...

Some classes are so big you can get lost or take a nap and no one will notice you. However, once you get more into your field, the classes get smaller and the teachers get to know you. I went through school not getting to know many teachers well. It’s pretty easy to do that, but I also have friends who worked closely with their professors. It’s what you make of it when you come to a big school like this. You either get lost or make your presence known.

The Philip Merrill College of...

The Philip Merrill College of Journalism is amazing. The professors there are excellent because they are high-level journalists working for different, big-time newspapers across the country (like the Washington Post and Baltimore Sun). It’s one of the top schools in the country. There are Pulitzer Prize-winning teachers like Haynes Johnson. Diana Huffman, a Baltimore Sun Distinguished Lecturer, was my favorite teacher who taught journalism law. Also, Baltimore Sun reporter Jim Haner taught ethics. Reese Cleghorn is a good guy, but I didn’t like his class.

The labs are not too crowded and...

The labs are not too crowded and always open. Bring your own laptop, though.

Yeah, you should bring your own...

Yeah, you should bring your own computer. It’s a must! Computer labs aren’t that bad at night. Daytime? Packed. Not only that, but it’s a pain to walk to them late at night when you need to check something or write a paper.

Not being Greek, I felt a slight...

Not being Greek, I felt a slight pressure most of my college experience to become a part of the Greek system, and I think that is why a lot of students join—because they don’t know how else to get involved on campus. And while the Greek system is a great fit for some people, it isn’t the only thing to get involved with on campus. It might take a little more effort to go to a meeting of a club or organization that you’re interested in, but it’s well worth it. Not being Greek, I still went to lots of parties and had my share of typical college experiences. You just have to know where to look. Don’t feel like you have to join the Greek system to fit in and have fun!

I loved Maryland and was so glad I...

I loved Maryland and was so glad I chose to go there. I am proud of what I’ve accomplished, and I am definitely proud to be an alumnus.