Now that you have completed the previous steps you are ready to attend Orientation. You should have already registered for your Orientation date. If you have completed the previous steps, you should be well on your way to a successful transition. During the program you will meet and get to know your Orientation Advisor (OA), meet with an academic advisor to discuss your course schedule, and register for classes. In addition, you will learn your way around campus, obtain more information about how you should prepare for living on or commuting to campus, talk with staff and students who can help you get involved with campus organizations, and get your photo ID card.

What should I wear and bring?
You will be doing some walking during your program. Be sure to check out the weather before heading to College Park. Often our summers can be rainy, so be prepared with an umbrella or other rain attire. You will receive a bag to carry all of your materials in, so a backpack is unnecessary.

Things We Recommend You Bring To Orientation
• Comfortable clothing and walking shoes
• A back-up copy of your grades and transcripts
• Parking pass (found in this mailing)
• Completed immunization form if you want to turn it in early
• Notebook and pen
• Documents that you need for meeting with campus staff (for Example: residency forms, if needed), etc.

Prepare for Orientation
As you begin your preparation of coming to Orientation remember that you are an active participant and the most important player in your educational success. Come ready to ask questions of our staff and students. Remember to do some research on your major requirements and keep a checklist of the things you still need to complete or offices you need to visit.

Transfer Orientation At-a-Glance
The program is always being revised to ensure that all of our students get the best transition possible.
Click here for a sample program schedule.

Local hotels and motels
You will find a list by clicking here.

Directions to Orientation
Getting to the University of Maryland is easy whether you are driving up from the District, hopping on a Metro Train, or flying in from somewhere else. The University is located just a mile inside the Capital Beltway, about 4 miles to the northeast of Washington. The main entrance to the campus is located on US Route 1, just a short walk from downtown College Park, MD. When making your travel preparations, it is helpful to remember that the Capital Beltway and surrounding highways are routinely congested with daily commuter traffic. Planning extra travel time will ensure you arrive on time for your orientation.

From Baltimore and Points North
Take I-95 South to the Capital Beltway (I-495) • At the Beltway, follow signs for 495 West toward Silver Spring and once on the exit, bear left at the fork following signs to College Park • Continue following signs to US Route 1 South, College Park • Proceed approximately 2 miles South on US Route 1 • Make a right turn at Campus Drive (Campus North Gate) • Proceed to campus parking (LOT #1 ONLY)
From Montgomery County and Points West
Take the Capital Beltway (I-495) to US Route 1 South (Exit 25) • Proceed approximately 2 miles South on US Route 1 • Make a right turn at Campus Drive (Campus North Gate) • Proceed to campus parking (LOT #1 ONLY)
From the Bowie/Annapolis Area and Points East
Take Route 50 West to the Capital Beltway (I-495) • Proceed North on I-495 to College Park/US Route 1 (Exit 25) • Proceed approximately 2 miles South on US Route 1 • Make a right turn at Campus Drive (Campus North Gate) • Proceed to campus parking (LOT #1 ONLY)
From Washington, DC
Leave Washington via New Hampshire Ave. (Rt. 650 North) or Riggs Road (Rt. 212) • Make a right turn at the intersection with the East-West Highway (Rt. 410 East) • Continue on Rt. 410 East to intersection of US Route 1 • Turn left onto US Route 1 North and proceed to Regents Drive • Turn left into campus on Regents Drive (Campus South gate) • Proceed to campus parking (LOT #1 ONLY)
Arriving Via Metro
The University of Maryland is conveniently accessible via the Washington, DC Metro, the capital's subway and commuter rail. The closest Metro stop is the College Park Metro Station, which is located along the Green Line of the Metro system. The University operates a free shuttle to the campus beginning at 6:40 AM and running continuously every 8 minutes on weekdays. The Metro Station Manager can assist you with locating the bus stop and the shuttle will bring you to the Stamp Student Union, just a few short steps from Cole Field House where the orientation check-in takes place. For specific Metro instructions, fares, and schedules you can contact Metro Information at www.wmata.com or (202) 637-7000. If you have further questions regarding travel arrangements, feel free to contact the Orientation Office at (301) 314-8217 .
Arriving Via Train
If you are traveling to the Washington, DC metro area via train, you should plan to arrive at Union Station in downtown Washington. Union station has a Red Line Metro (subway) station located on site. A Metro Station Manager can assist you with the train connections for College Park, Maryland (on the Green Line). For additional Metro information please refer to the previous section.
Arriving Via Air
People flying in to visit the University of Maryland typically use either Baltimore Washington International (BWI) or Reagan National (DCA) airports. Airline tickets tend to be less expensive at BWI, but there are often exceptions and you may save money by checking both destinations.
If you reserve a plane ticket for BWI, you will need a rental car or airport shuttle service to get to College Park, a distance of about 25 miles. Visit the BWI website at www.bwiairport.com for more information on shuttles from BWI to College Park. You may also jump on the B30 Metro Bus that will take you to the Greenbelt Metro Station. You will then take the Green Line one stop to College Park and jump on the College Park Metro directly onto campus.
If you are flying into Reagan National, there is a Metro station at the airport that can bring you to College Park.

Go to Step 11
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Please contact the Orientation Office at 301-314-8217 or at askorientation@umd.edu if you have any comments, questions or concerns.