University of Maine Top Questions

I think the best thing about UMaine is how truly diverse the campus is. It's interesting, because generally when we think of "diversity," we just think of race and ethnicity. But "diversity" really just means differences between people that may affect the way they perceive the world around them. These are the kind of things that make it so we can learn from each other. And if we look at diversity in that way, the term really should include age, personality type, financial background, class status, etc etc We are a Maine institution, and most students here are from Maine, but based on a more all-encompassing view of diversity, we are an extremely diverse campus. Many private colleges are much more limited in their diversity, because they are so expensive, which inherently closes out many kinds of people. Where these schools may be more diverse in race, UMaine is probably more diverse in other ways. There are 45-year-old non-traditional students, graduate researchers from all over the world, 20-year-old undergraduates, etc, and they all feel equally comfortable on our campus and can all learn and grow from each other's experiences.

Personally, the best thing about UMaine is that you can be whoever you want to be. College is most definitely the time when you discover yourself and what you want to do with your life, and UMaine really does have it all. Students change majors all the time (which is totally normal), but contrary to many schools, UMaine is so well-rounded that there is no need to switch schools entirely due to the lack of a major. I feel that the size is just right in the respect that you can get to know professors personally if you choose; however, you can also fly completely under the radar if you prefer that route instead.

UMaine is full of great people and great faculty. I have never been bored while on campus, unless I choose to be bored. There are a lot of opportunities to get involved in something you are interested in. UMaine is like a small campus within a big campus. I can never walk down a sidewalk without seeing someone as I walk. But, at the same time it is a large campus, where there plenty of clubs and things to do. We have a ton of school pride and are very passionate about a lot of issues.

UMaine is home. It's easy to be yourself here, and there's a lot going on. School pride is especially evident at sports games, and if you're a hockey fan you can scream your lungs out! That being said, UMaine is big enough that you don't have to be a super-fan to feel involved in something that interests you, or feel connected to people around you. Whether you're into hiking with the Outing Club or having LAN parties with the Gamer's Guild (it's cool if you don't know what LAN parties are, too) you'll be able to find something you like. But it's not a big city either, and the idea of being able to walk around campus and wave at people you know is definitely a reality here.

I personally love the size, its not too big not to small, big enough to always meet someone new and small enough that whenever you are on campus you'll see someone you know. I spend most of my time on campus in the Union its where a lot of things are going on and a lot of people are all the time. There is a lot of school pride! I see Umaine sweatshirts everywhere! the college town up here is Umaine we are our only town, the orono is a nice college town too though, lots of good places to eat and hang out!

UMaine is the perfect size school. It is not too big or too small. You can walk around campus and see someone that you have met here and be able to say "hello!" Walking across campus might take you 15 minutes, but it is an enjoyable walk and you don't need to take a bus to get there. Most of my time on campus is spent in the Oakes Room. It is a little coffee shop in the library where you can study, talk, and enjoy a fair-trade cup of coffee. There is a lot of school pride. Once you leave UMaine, it stays a part of you forever. We have a very active alumni association, and people wait for hours in the cold to see our hockey games. I am in a touring singing group, and when we perform, alumni and our supporters come from miles around to hear us. I will always remember my first year experience here. The first year students all live together "up on the hill" as part of the First Year Residential Experience (FYRE). What I enjoyed most was the people I met through this. I was in a residence hall with other first years that were going through the same things as me, taking the same classes, struggling with being away from home for the first time, and looking to make new friends. The people I met my first year will remain friends for life.

The campus seems very big, but it is the right size. It's big enough that you can meet new people all the time, but it's small enough that wherever you go you will see someone you know. The best thing about Umaine is it's community, it's a home away from home. This is a complete college town, the community and the school really works together. The best thing about the campus is that there is always something to do.

As the state's flagship university, it features a gorgeous campus and a wide-range of educational and community choices. However, recent budget cuts have slimmed down the scope of what was possible here at UMaine. My hope is that these budget cuts reflect a temporary alteration rather than the watering down of the brand and image of UMaine. I have loved being a Black Bear over my college career and will always be a Black Bear. The sense of community and feeling like the campus is a home for me will carry through with me for the rest of my life. My only real complaint is that I hate the winter. But to be honest, the past two winters have been so mild that they haven't bothered me at all.

Umaine offers a wide variety majors, because it is a University. Even though Umaine is a little larger (12,000 graduates and undergraduates combined) there is still quite a sense of community. This sense of community is especially strong withing departments. ie, music ensemble friends, Alternative Spring Break Group, and my friends from printmaking (art)

The best thing about the university of Maine is the people. They are friendly, and always willing to help you navigate through the college experience. During my time at the university I enjoyed being in many student groups which allowed be to travel both nationally and internationally.