Regina
The best thing about this school is the diversity. All of my friends are of different races and we all participate in various club activities ranging from martial arts to music. If I could change anything it would be to add another diner to the campus. The campus is beautifully large and for it's size it would nice to be have more dining places that are close to classes or dormitories. My shcool size is perfect. When I first came to Maryland I thought that it would be too large but discussions make classes more personal and the campus is gorgeous so walking around is never a burden. I personally enjoy exercising and the walk along with our amizing gym is wonderful. I do Chinese martial arts and in between practice days I always find myself at the gym, which is one of the best facilities on campus. In addition to the gym, students show a lot of pride for this school. Football games are loud, crazy, and filled with red and white and the soccer games are just as exciting.
Brittany
The best thing about Maryland is the huge amount of clubs and organizations. There is honestly no reason for any student to be bored while attending the university. The one thing I would change is the food in the diners. Excluding the newest diner, 251North, I dread going to get something to eat. I think my school is too large only when I have to register for classes and the wait list are over 50 people. There is a ton of school pride, and its contagious! Overall, every place has its ups and down, but I love UMD.
Alyssa
I love Maryland!!!
There is always some activity or event going on. There are countless organizations and groups to join. If you’re interested in community service, religion, music, comedy, sports, or any other number of things, there is something here for you.
When I applied to Maryland, I was worried that it was going to be too big. However, when I got here I made friends with many different groups of people, so I never felt lost in the crowd. I actually see going to a big school as a positive because I am always meeting new people and making new friends.
Academically, Maryland has many top ranked programs and opportunities for research. There is also a great career center to help you land that internship or job after graduation.
If I had to choose one negative thing about Maryland, I would say the amount of crime. On the other hand, I feel safe walking across campus. If you need to walk somewhere late at night, make sure to walk with another person, or call a nite ride bus to take you where you need to go.
Mishal
The best thing about this school is the mall and the fact that it is so close to DC.The only thing I would change is to make sure that off-campus housing was cheaper. The size of the school is just right.
Nicholas
The best thing about this school is the diversity of the student body.
One thing I would change is the range of majors offered here at College Park.
I think that although the school is large, it is perfect for me because I have found my niche here.
People react positively, and have a lot of spirit and passion for the MD Terrapins.
I spend most of my time at Stamp Student Union because it is the hub of student activities, and offers a great place to eat, study, or relax in between classes.
This is mostly a college town; most people living in College Park are students or are involved with the university in some way.
I think the administration here is very effective, and I respect the work that they do.
The biggest recent controversy on campus was probably the Duke riot two years ago.
There is definitely a ton of school spirit; students have so much spirit and pride for their Terrapins.
One experience that I will always remember is moving into the residence halls as a freshman, because it was one of the most exciting times of my life.
Some student complaints include that advising can sometimes be unhelpful or vague, and that prices for things such as meal plans and textbooks can be very high.
Carly
University of Maryland, College Park is an extremely diverse college. Campus life is constantly booming with new activities and clubs that help to shape our campus into what it is today. Maryland students are innovative and hard working. The best thing about this school would be its accepting environment. No matter what cultural background or lifestyle you come from, Maryland will always have a spot for you. As a student, you will find your place easily because the campus is so large. Being a part of a large school definitely has its benefits. There are a wide variety of classes to choose from compared to a smaller school. Take it from me personally; I attended Towson University my freshman year of college, and felt as if I did not have a wide variety of Gen. Ed. classes to choose from.
When I tell people that I attend the University of Maryland, College Park, their immediate reaction is, "Oh wow, you must be smart!" Another reaction may be, "It must be fun to attend the sporting events!" Both of these responses are positive. Every single time I have told someone that I attend the University of Maryland, College Park, I am confident in myself and feel accomplished as a student. Having that proud feeling inside of you, because you attend Maryland, is something amazing.
I am not involved in a sorority, so I spend most of my time with my friends on campus. My friends and I will go to spots such as, the student union, or the library. SInce the campus is so huge, there are many other spots that students can relax at that are more secluded.
The school's administration is beyond caring. I can tell you from personal experience because I transferred from Towson University. At the University of Maryland, College Park, administration seems to come to me. At Towson, I always felt as if I was bothering administration when I came to them with questions. Maryland has a sense of urgency that makes me feel secure. When I have an issue that I need addressed by administration, they will answer me in a short amount of time and in a professional manner.
Route one is the hot spot for college students. If you are over the age of 21 there are a couple bars on this road. There are also an endless amount of restaurants for students to access, that are in a walkable distance from campus. Route one has everything from Domino's to Chinese Buffets. There are also plenty of healthy options such as Jason's Deli and Yogi Berry (a frozen yogurt chain).
Maryland has so much pride it's leaking out of our veins...okay maybe not that much pride, but it is surely close to that. You can sense our pride the most by attending a basketball or football game. These games are filled with excitement and student unity. Even though we have such a large school, students are able to realize that they are also part of a close knit community. We are Terps, and we are one!
I'll never forget the time that I went into the library during finals week. I thought to myself, "I'll never find a spot here. There are way too many people." However, I looked around and saw that one girl was sitting on the ground. I am a self conscious person to begin with, so I couldn't imagine sitting on the library floor letting hundreds of students stare at me. Somehow I told myself, "Who cares what anyone thinks." I sat down on the ground, put my headphones in, and began to study my notecards. No matter how cheesy this sounds, I learned a valuable lesson. At college there a wide variety of people on campus. Sometimes you have to tell yourself that it is okay to do what you want. When comparing high school to college, there is a huge difference. At college, people tend to judge you less. Individuals can express themselves in any way they want without feeling as if they are "weird" or too marginal from society. I sat down on the floor and didn't feel weird; I actually liked it!
Sophie
I love UMD. I love going to a big school, where you can meet someone new every day. Most of my professors are approachable, students are friendly, and the environment is alot of fun. I also really appreciate that Maryland excels at and is well-ranked in many disciplines, including Engineering, Business, Computer Science, and many others.
Abigail
Without a doubt UMD College Park is an amazing school! The campus is the perfect size; it is certainly large but not at all too big. It can be a pain if you have a class on the complete opposite side of campus, but the walk will allow you to see different parts of campus and different people along the way.
-When others ask me what college I attend and I respond University of Maryland College Park, people are impressed. I have met a significant number of people who attended UMD themselves and are very familiar with CP. The reputation that UMD has built truly carries a long way; I am confident that when I apply for a professional career later in life that the employer will have heard great things about UMD and be impressed. Even those who never attended UMD are familiar with the intense school spirit and many support the sports teams.
-In my opinion, the best part about CP is the night life and greek life! Although I am not yet a member of a sorority (as I am a freshman) I have met tons of people who are part of the greek scene...they are awesome and love to party! From the frat parties to the clubs in DC (easy to access by metro) to the bars (Corner Stone (C-Stone), Bentley's, and The Barking Dog) there is always something to do! I would not call CP a "college town" simply because of the close proximity to D.C., and also because we are not isolated from other areas/separate towns. Despite this, there is a definite "college-town" feeling throughout campus and on Route 1 (the main strip through CP with resturants, bars, etc) that is present all year round.
-If i had the ability to do so, I would change the transportation routes of the UMD shuttle buses. When they are running the buses are great...but for those students who live off campus like me, it can be difficult to get to your class that's across campus when they are not running. Generally the buses are on time and come frequently...but I would add additional stops to the routes and make sure that a greater portion of the on- and off-campus location were serviced by the buses.
-I spend most of my time on campus in my classes, because I live off-campus. My apartment building has its own study rooms and business center so I do not frequently go to the library or other places to study on campus, but they are great places to study with friends.
-Wallace Loh, the president of UMDCP, has truly made a presence amongst students here on campus. He created a video message that is delivered as a welcome to newly accepted students, as well as the yearly Christmas card that was sent to all of the students. He frequently sends out informational emails and I feel that he does a great job here at UMD.
-The experience that first comes to mind when considering something I'll always remember about UMD was the first time that I ever saw the Mighty Maryland marching band perform at a football game. Their sound is incredible and their performance truly inspired my Maryland school spirit that will stick with me for the rest of my life.
Overall, I would recommend attending UMD at anyone as it is a diverse environment that has something to offer for everyone.
Brendan
Without a doubt, the best thing about the University of Maryland is it's students. University of Maryland students are very involved in their campus and local communities. I always find it extremely interesting to see what students are working on in their respective fields. My friends within Student Government Association are always discussing their ideas to make the University of Maryland more involved with local businesses and school within the greater College Park community. My science buddies are always discussing their latest research endeavors under the supervision of some top-notch mentors. My friends in government and politics discuss their work on Capitol hill, and their internships with high ranking public officials (I was offered an internship in Steny Hoyer's office, but had to decline because of scheduling conflicts). My friends in the Smith business school tell me about their experiences with major financial firms. Yet, despite their achievements and ambitions, I would rarely describe University of Maryland students as arrogant or haughty. They are mostly down-to-earth students looking to make a difference in the world.
The one area that could some some improvement is the charisma of the lecturers. While the University of Maryland is full of top-notch research professors, the teaching prowess of it's professors leaves more to be desired. This is largely a major-specific issue. Some institutions have a more talented teaching core, while others... not so much.
Lana
I love my school. One of the slogans for a club I am in is, "Student now, Terp forever," and that can really sum up my overall positive experience here. There isn't one thing I can label as "the best" or even one experience I can pinpoint that I'll always remember. Everyday here is an experience and these four years are ones that I will never forget!
In my opinion, Maryland is not too large or too small of a school. It is definitely a large university, but for me is just right. I enjoy being apart of a school with a vast student body and would rather it be bigger than smaller. Its size and notoriety is in part of one of the best things about Maryland. People hear, "Oh you go to Maryland?!" and are really impressed by it - as they should be!
You don't hear many complaints from students about our school. Except for diehard fans who are still lamenting our most recent football season, there isn't any issue or problem that needs to be addressed. Crime rates are average as in all large college towns so people just tend to take caution at night, which is something people should always do anyway.