University of Maryland-College Park Top Questions

The University of Maryland at College Park does not represent just a single stereotype. Diversity is incredibly dominant on campus and all stereotypes are represented. However, the locations and organizations of certain communities do play a role in grouping similar types of people. The Engineering School is located on the Northeast side of campus. The majority of engineering programs and communities are located nearby to provide for greater accessibility. This creates a "geek" bubble on this part of campus. The Business School, on the other hand, is located on the South side of campus. Most of the business students reside in the Commons Apartments along with the Hinman CEO students. People on this side of campus are often seen walking around in suits; thus creating another stereotype. Fraternity life can be either nonexistent or extremely prevalent. People who do not want to associate with fraternities will rarely see them around. However, people who do want to be involved can do so easily. Fraternity row is located just off campus. This location groups together all the frat kids so that association with the rest of campus is minimal. These stereotypes are just a few of the many that exist. Locations of certain programs on campus organize similar populations together for a greater sense of common interest and community.

The University of Maryland at College Park does not represent just a single stereotype. Diversity is incredibly dominant on campus and all stereotypes are represented. However, the locations and organizations of certain communities do play a role in grouping similar types of people. The Engineering School is located on the Northeast side of campus. The majority of engineering programs and communities are located nearby to provide for greater accessibility. This creates a "geek" bubble on this part of campus. The Business School, on the other hand, is located on the South side of campus. Most of the business students reside in the Commons Apartments along with the Hinman CEO students. People on this side of campus are often seen walking around in suits; thus creating another stereotype. Fraternity life can be either nonexistent or extremely prevalent. People who do not want to associate with fraternities will rarely see them around. However, people who do want to be involved can do so easily. Fraternity row is located just off campus. This location groups together all the frat kids so that association with the rest of campus is minimal. These stereotypes are just a few of the many that exist. Locations of certain programs on campus organize similar populations together for a greater sense of common interest and community.

One of the stereotypes you may find at Maryland is the sports fanatic! Maryland students are proud to be Terps in their red, black and gold emblazoned t-shirts, whether it's at a football, soccer, field hockey, or basketball game. Students rush to get the team sports posters at the beginning of each season, and heckling is one of the most fun parts about being a student spectator--it makes you feel like part of the game! On the other hand, one of my favorite things about Maryland is that students come in all types! There are the outdoor recreation fanatics at the climbing wall, and then the loyal members of the marching band, with a thriving Greek community and the cooperative housing folks hosting their potlucks every Sunday. No matter what you're looking for, Maryland has it.

We're all here. Jocks, frat boys, nerds, stoners on stoners on stoners. This place is huge and you can always find what you're looking for. One thing I find scarce here is people with a global mindset. Students here dont seem to care much for global matters, foreign affairs, travel, culture and the like. This is not to stereotype, you will absolutely find exceptions. Ethnically also, groups tend to be homogenous. For the most part, students that aren't white hang out in circles of their own background. Remember this is a choice, and though I come from an international background I choose my friends based on their personality, not what their moms cook. If you enjoy having that sense of community and the culture of your background, Maryland is a great place to connect with it. There are large student groups dedicated to all sorts of races, religions and cultures. Good stuff.

There is a major population of Jewish students at the University of Maryland. In fact our school is rated top 4 as the most desirable public university for Jewish students. 50{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} of Greek life is Jewish and 25{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} of students in general Jewish. It is common for people to refer to Jewish female students as "JAPPY" (jewish american princess) because they are perceived as being quite affluent. These stereotypes are accurate because even those who fit the stereotype agree. These statistics were provided to me because I am a tour guide at this university.

The University of Maryland is a hard school to stereotype because it is honestly as diverse as it hopes to appear. To mention a few of the generalizations though, people sometimes think there are a lot of Asian and Jewish students at UMD. This is true to a certain extent, there are many of these students at UMD but it must be appreciated that there are a lot of most every kind of student as well. Maryland is a huge school and thus there is a group or niche for everyone. Maryland also has a fairly prevalent Greek community which can sometimes get a bad rep as loud, rowdy, and exclusive. This is sometimes the case, but many of my friends are in Greek life and it is never a problem. The bottom line is that UMD is a big school with many diverse students and groups.

really big into our sports teams, greek life and partying, but we're good in academics as well

UMD students are perceived as being members of Fraternities or Sororities. This is a pretty accurate stereotype since Maryland is very big on Greek Life. For example, two huge events held every Fall and Spring semester are Rush week and Greek week. UMD has a wide range of Greek organizations ranging from the 'Divine 9', multicultural, service, and academic Sororities/Fraternities who sponsor various events and activities throughout the year.

Although stereotypes are often wrong, there is still some truth in it. Maybe football players were hit one time too many in the head, and maybe they do all want to be business majors. But let's face it there are other student in the business school and although I can't speak for all of them, there are some really smart football players. One of my friends who is a football player is a pre-vet student, and let me tell you it is just as hard as pre-med (it's the same requirements after all) and he is doing just fine :-)

The stereotype of students at the University of Maryland is that everyone drinks heavily and parties often. Though this is a big state school and there is a quite diverse population of students, I would say that the stereotype does, in fact, apply to a majority of people.