Construction at UMD

Hi, My son is considering UMD computer science this fall. I heard about Construction. Any current students know how it will affect classes? Also we are concerned about class size in CS department.

See similar discussion here http://talk.qa.collegeconfidential.com/university-maryland-college-park/2073983-umd-computer-science-classes.html#latest

I am interested in this as well. My DD has committed to UMD, but the construction of the Purple Line sounds like it will go through the middle of campus? There is already a lot of construction down near the main entrance to the campus. Hopefully it all won’t be too disruptive.

Here is an article from The Diamondback (school newspaper) which gives a lot of good detail. http://www.dbknews.com/2018/04/11/purple-line-maryland-construction-umd-college-park-campus-drive/

@Sirius18 Here is the info about the Iribe Center - it is new construction, and is separate from current classrooms in use for CompSci classes, which will expand possibilities for students https://www.hdrinc.com/portfolio/brendan-iribe-center-computer-science-and-innovation

Thank you. Ir seems to be an exciting building but I am worried about the Purple Line lightrail construction which goes all through campus in the next 3 or 4 years

Thank you again. Seems disrupting a lot of things on campus. May be he can consider doing Masters

I can appreciate your concerns, but rest assured that I don’t see it as disruptive to the quality of education nor student life. I see it more of a nuisance/eyesore during construction phase.

I think one of the best things about Maryland is that they are not stagnant. They are constantly building and improving facilities so that students can have the latest and greatest.

Yes, until it is done, it may be hard to imagine how this will improve campus life. However, as an old alum, one of the things I told my son was that my biggest regret was not taking advantage of the proximity of DC and all it has to offer. I was OOS and didn’t have a car, so I made sure he knew to not have the same regret. From that perspective, I see this “improvement” as a wonderful opportunity for future students to not be intimidated by the need to find ways to get to public transportation. It will make their lives a lot easier when venturing into the greater DC area both for fun and for securing top internships.