Begin Your Housing Search
Freshmen students will be able to obtain on-campus housing through Resident Life if available. Please visit the Resident Life website at www.resnet.umd.edu for more information.
Transfer students MAY be able to obtain housing and should place their name on the Resident Life waiting list. However, new freshmen students have first priority for housing. The University’s Off-Campus Housing Services office has many resources to assist you with your off-campus housing search, including OCH101, an online searchable database that lists available rental housing in the College Park and surrounding areas; Roommate Finder, another online searchable database which makes finding a roommate easy, and numerous informational resources.
Stop by the office in 1110 Stamp Student Union for personal assistance or visit their website, www.och.umd.edu, for all of their materials and services.
Money Matters!
We know that after academics, financing your education is a top priority. That is why we have outlined a few details that you should understand to ensure that you have some sort of financial aid while attending the University of Maryland. Be sure you take action as quickly as possible because often money is given out on a first-come, first-served basis. Please visit www.financialaid.umd.edu for more information.
Remember: always follow up on all of your university matters, especially financial aid. Don’t assume that it will get done.
Types of Money Available-
Student Loans (need and non-need based)
Parent Loans
Need Based Grants
Scholarships
Federal Work Study
Returning Student Scholarships (through the Counseling Center’s Returning Student Center—25 years old or older)
FAFSA
If you want to be considered for Financial Aid, remember to do the following and keep these deadlines in mind complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). For priority consideration, the FAFSA processor must have received your FAFSA by February 15. The FAFSA can be submitted online at www.fafsa.ed.gov. The University of Maryland's school code is 002103.
Maryland Residents may apply for aid from the Maryland State Scholarship Administration by listing a Maryland school on the FAFSA and by mailing the FAFSA by March 1. For more information about state aid, please utilize MSSA's web site, www.mhec.state.md.us/.
Returning Students
Returning students are students who are 25 years or older returning to school after a break. The Learning Assistance Services office offers scholarships for these students. Please visit www.counseling.umd.edu/LAS, click on Programs for more information.
University Bill Pay
To view your billing information or to pay for any of your tuition or fees, visit www.umd.edu/bursar. At this site you can choose to view your billing information, set up a Terp Payment Plan, pay your bill, learn about tuition and fees, dispute bills and more. The main website looks like the screen to the left. Visit this website and click on the red box called Online Billing (inset) to set up electronic billing and payment. This service allows you to receive email notifications of your billing statements. NOTICE: All students must sign up for e-billing. Starting Spring 2008, no students will receive paper bills.
Complete your Immunization Record
At UMD it is required that all students have an Immunization Record on file with the University Health Center. Please look in the booklet you received called "Transition and Orientation Guide."
You can find the Immunization Record Form by clicking here.
Beginning in Fall 2009, health insurance became MANDATORY for all admitted students. All new-admitted students much complete an online form at www.firststudent.com to indicate whether they either: 1) have insurance and wish to waive the requirement or 2) wish to purchase the Studen Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) available through the University of Maryland. Students who have not opted out of SHIP by Jan 30, 2009, will automatically be enrolled in SHIP for the remainder of the 2009-2010 academic year and the cost will be billed to their student bursar account. For more information on the new mandatory health insurance policy, please visit www.health.umd.edu.
We highly recommend:
-Providing the pharmacy with your pharmacy insurance information
-Visiting the Health Center website at www.health.umd.edu to find a complete listing of services offered
-Finding out about the University Health Insurance Plans for students and finding out if your insurance covers services beyond regular check-ups.
Complete your Faith and Religious Preference Form (Optional)
The University provides religious services to students through their fourteen chaplaincies and many additional clubs and organizations. As a way to reach out to students who wish to become involved with these chaplaincies, we offer you a chance to provide some information to the university for further follow up. This survey is completely optional. If you wish to complete the survey, please visit
http://www.chapel.umd.edu/faith/. In addition to the fourteen chaplaincies, there are many student run religious organizations.
It is important to apply for a permit as soon as possible to make sure that you have the best choice in parking lots. Parking permits are distributed on the basis of credit hours earned. The Department of Transportation Services (DOTS) breaks down credit hours into classes and offers first-come, first-served parking permits based on this information. The breakdowns and lots offered by class are as follows:
Freshmen: 0-30 Credit Hours can choose permits in lots 4 and 6.
Sophomores: 31-60 Credit Hours can choose permits in lots 4, 6, 9, 11.
Juniors: 61-90 Credit Hours can choose permits in lots 1, 4, 6, 9, 11, and in Stadium Drive Garage.
Seniors: 91 and above Credit Hours can choose permits in lots 1, 4, 6, 9, 11, and in Stadium Drive Garage.
Obtaining Parking Permits
To register for a parking permit you can visit the Department of Transportation Services in the Regents Drive Garage or you can visit the student permit site here.. Permit prices vary and you should check the website for the most updated information.
Terp Tip: Some students who will not be on campus for long periods of time choose to park in one of two pay-parking garages on campus and pay an hourly or daily rate that may be a better deal financially for that student. This option might be an option that you will want to entertain when you start thinking about traveling to and parking on campus.
Connect with Campus
Your first UMD semester
Research shows that students who get involved on campus are more successful than those who don’t. This includes transfer students. Often transfer students have a harder time finding their place on campus. We will give you some information on how to get involved!
1. Mark your calendar! The First Look Fair is when over many clubs, organizations and community vendors descend on the Stamp Student Union and provide students with involvement information. The First Look Fair will take place the third week of September.
2. Visit the Office of Campus Programs in the Stamp Student Union to learn about all of the clubs and organizations you can get involved in.
3. Consider getting a job on campus.
4. Attend at least one speaker or event on campus on a topic with which you are unfamiliar.
5. Visit STARs to look up contact and meeting information for all of our over 550 clubs and organizations.
Sweet Treats and Quick Eats
Whether you are staying on campus all day or staying for a couple of hours, the University of Maryland has many convenient food vendors, dining halls and cafés to suit your needs. Two dining halls, two full-service restaurants, nine fast food options in the union, eleven cafes and coffee bars and five Shops @ Maryland (convenience stores) make up the wide range of dining and convenience shopping options at Maryland.
Meal plans
There are resident student meal plans available, however, since most transfer students will not live on campus, we recommend Terrapin Express or an Apartment Meal Plan if you are living nearby campus and will be on campus regularly.
Commuter meal-plan options are available to students who do not live in a residence hall. We call it the Apartment Dining Plan. The plan assumes that you will be eating many of your meals on campus. You can use this plan at 27 locations for food or groceries. There are four levels of the Apartment Plan listed below. Points do not roll over from year to year unless you sign up for a plan for the following academic year. If you do not wish to sign up for a plan in the next academic year, but want your points to roll over, there is a $25.00 service charge. You can sign up at www.dining.umd.edu.
Level |
Price |
Points |
Fee |
Coupons |
1 |
$250.00 |
240 |
$10.00 |
$10.00 |
2 |
$500.00 |
485 |
$15.00 |
$20.00 |
3 |
$750.00 |
730 |
$20.00 |
$30.00 |
4 |
$1000.00 |
975 |
$25.00 |
$50.00 |
Send your Final Transcripts and come to class!
As the new school year gets closer be sure that you send your final transcripts to the Registrar’s Office as soon as possible. This will free up any confusion about courses taken previously and will allow a smoother transition.
If you have completed all of these steps, you should be ready to attend Maryland come August. We are really excited to have you as part of the Terp Family and know you will have a great time here!
On your first two days of class you will see booths set up around campus. These booths are here to help you find your way around campus. Feel free to stop by and say hi as well as grab a map and possible free give-aways.
More important information regarding academics at UMD
UMD Honor Pledge
The Honor Pledge is a statement undergraduate and graduate students should be asked to write by hand and sign on examinations, papers, or other academic assignments not specifically exempted by the instructor. The Pledge reads:
"I pledge on my honor that I have not given or received any unauthorized assistance on this assignment/examination."
The Pledge was adopted by the University Senate on April 9, 2001, and approved by the President on May 10, 2001. The University of Maryland Honor Pledge was initiated by students. Hundreds of students signed a campus-wide version of the Pledge before it was officially adopted by the University Senate. It helps keep students honest as they continue their studies here at UMD. You will sign the Honor Pledge Banner during your Orientation.
Code of Student Conduct
The Code of Student Conduct outlines rules and regulations for student action on and around campus. All students should make themselves aware of these policies and regulations. They can be found at http://www.president.umd.edu/policies/docs/v100b.pdf.
President’s Promise
“Every student should have the opportunity for a special program experience” - Dr. C. D. Mote, Jr., President.
President Mote wants to ensure that every student has a unique experience here at Maryland. To that extent he has set up the President’s Promise. His promise helps promote student learning outside the classroom in areas such as international experiences, research, internships, learning communities, leadership, service-learning experiences and more! To find out more information, visit the President’s Promise website at .www.presidentspromise.umd.edu.
Returning Students
Returning Students are students who are 25 years or older and are returning as undergraduate students to the University. The Counseling Center and Learning Assistance Services has a special team focusing on Returning Student issues and success. They are located in the Shoemaker Building in Room 2201. Visit their website at www.counseling.umd.edu/LAS. Click on Programs and scroll down to Returning Students for more information.
UMD Libraries online
The University of Maryland makes it easy to conduct your research from anywhere with Internet access. Just log onto www.lib.umd.edu to connect to the library research ports. Access thousands of journals and databases or just look up the location of a book. You can also request books from many libraries within the University System of Maryland (USM), which includes 11 universities and college across the state.
Special Needs, Special Services
The University of Maryland understands that people learn in different ways and therefore need special services. UMD is committed to the equal treatment of all of its students, faculty and staff. That is why they have set up Disability Support Services located within the Counseling Center in the Shoemaker Building. Established in 1976, the Disability Support Service (DSS) at the University of Maryland, College Park has been steadily growing from its original clientele of 7 persons to over 1000. The mission of the Disability Support Service is to coordinate services that ensure individuals with disabilities equal access to University of Maryland College Park programs. DSS provides many services. To register with DSS or find out more about those services, visit their website at http://www.counseling.umd.edu/DSS/.
UMD Traditions
Maryland Day
The University of Maryland, College Park, opens its doors every year on the last Saturday in April to alumni and their families, parents, prospective students, the business community and residents of the surrounding Baltimore-Washington Metro area. Our beautiful campus will buzz with activity as visitors join students, faculty, staff and their families for a day of learning, exploration and fun for the entire community.
Parent and Family Weekend
The University of Maryland is pleased to host an annual Family Weekend program, which is the largest University sponsored event for parents and families. Since its inception in 1980, Family Weekend has provided parents and family members with the opportunity to enjoy the campus community, spend time with their students, experience a variety of academic and social programming, and share their Terrapin Pride.
Parents are also encouraged to become part of the UM Parent Association. Working with the Office of Parent and Family Affairs, the Maryland Parents Association gives parents and family members the opportunity to network and provide support for other parents and family members, and to actively participate in the life of the University by serving on the Parent Advisory Council as well as volunteering for various campus events. Participating in the Parents Association is an excellent way to stay connected as a Terp parent and to support the education of your son or daughter.To find out more information about this event, please visit the Parent and Family Affairs website at www.terpparent.umd.edu.
Terp Talk
Byrd is Byrd Stadium, home to the Men’s Football.
Comcast is the Comcast Center where many Div. IA sports are played including Men’s and Women’s Basketball.
CSPAC is the Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center.
ERC is the Eppley Recreation Center, the main campus gym.
Graham Cracker is a collection of sorority houses located across Route 1.
Hoff is the full-service movie theater on campus located in the Stamp Student Union.
The Mall is the large grassy area located in front of the Administration building and the McKeldin Library.
North Campus refers to all buildings to the North of Campus Drive (the Stamp Student Union side).
North Hill refers to the cluster of residence halls that is situated along Campus Drive in the center of campus.
OAs are Orientation Advisors who are student leaders that will assist you in your transition to the university during Orientation.
OCH is the Off Campus Housing Services office located in the Stamp Student Union.
OCP is the Office of Campus Programs, a great resource for students to learn how to get involved.
OCSI is the Commuter Student Involvement Office located in the OCP suite of the Stamp Student Union.
OFSL is the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life located in the Stamp Student Union.
Ritchie is the Ritchie Coliseum, another gym located off of Route 1 near Frat Row.
South Campus refers to all buildings to the South of Campus Drive (the Health Center side).
STARS is the university databank for student clubs and organizations found at www.stars.umd.edu.
Stu-Cos are Student Coordinators of Orientation who have worked with the program for at least two years and lead the program.
Stamp is the Stamp Student Union-Center for Student Life which services many student groups acts as a central location for student life.
Terp is short for Terrapin. All students and employees at Maryland are Terps. Go Terps!
Testudo is the name of University of Maryland’s mascot and is a Diamondback Terrapin.
UBC is the University Book Center located in the Stamp Student Union.
Athletics
Athletics is a large part of UMD life. As a student you get free tickets to all sporting events. Football and basketball are two of our biggest events and require you to go online to reserve a ticket in the lottery system. To register your name for a ticket information and updates, go to www.tickets.umd.edu. Most other sports you can just show up to the event and show your University ID Card. Please visit the ticketing site for more complete information.
Traditional Songs
Alma Mater
Hail, Alma Mater!
Hail to thee Maryland!
Steadfast in loyalty,
For thee we stand.
Love for the black and gold,
Deep in our hearts we hold.
Singing thy praise forever,
Throughout the land.
Maryland Victory Song
Maryland we're all behind you,
Raise high the black and gold.
For there is nothing half so glorious,
As to see our team victorious.
We've got the steam boys,
We've got the team boys,
So keep on fighting, don't give in!
M-A-R-Y-L-A-N-D (yell)
Maryland will win!
Words and music by Thornton W. Allen
copyright 1928 by the Student Assembly of Maryland
Fight Song
Fight, fight, fight for Maryland,
Honor now her name again,
Push up the score, keep on fighting for more,
For Maryland, GO TERPS!
And we will fight, fight, fight for terrapins,
Keep on fighting 'till we win.
So sing out our song as we go marching along,
To victory!!!
Words and music by Ralph Davis, Class of 1941
copyright 1941 by the University of Maryland Student Government Association
