<p>Hey, I'm a high school student interested in UMCP, just trying to explore colleges. What is life like at the college? What are some popular activities/things to do on the weekends? Is it a place where everyone can fit in? Any advice for future students? Thanks!</p>
<p>Moonman157,</p>
<p>Student life at UMCP is pretty diverse. You have all types of people's and you should be able to find people with the same interests and goals as you. On weekends, the majority of students go partying. There's numerous frats that have parties every weekend. There's also numerous bars that students get into such as Cornerstone, Santa Fe(better known as "Fe"), and many more. Lots of parties in Leonardstown, The View, and The Commons. Besides partying, there's a hookah bar. There's TERPZONE which is open late on the weekends and offers a bowling alley and video games. Maryland always has activites going on, from there terrorizing basketball/football games to their special dance events. I'm a Jewish student and Hillel and Chabad are always having special events. This past weekend there was Testudo's Bar Mitzvah, much like a real one.</p>
<p>But, campus safety is poor, so you must be wise with the decisions you make. Don't go exploring the campus late at night by yourself. Go in a group of ten people at least.</p>
<p>It sounds cliche, but the size of UMCP allows it to be anything you want it to be. As a large school, it has the rep of being a big party school. However, if you're not into the partying scene, there's more than enough to keep you busy. It all depends on the friends you decide to make. If you surround yourself with a bunch of party-oriented people, that's what you'll probably end up doing.</p>
<p>D isn't into the party scene, which is mostly off campus and at the frats. She and her friends regularly go into DC...there's a bus/shuttle that goes directly from the Stamp to the Metro station. There are additional shuttles at night and on weekends that drop off right by the dorms, so although I'd always advice traveling in a group of 3 or more, there are lots of ways to be safe at UMCP. There are ALL KINDS of performances, movies, presentations, etc. on campus. If you're looking to party, it's there, but there are certainly many alternate activities.</p>
<p>Just to reiterate what previous posters have said, you can do ANYTHING here at Maryland.</p>
<p>We have over 550 student groups and organizations: athletic (club and intramural sports), community service, religious, academic, music, dance, leadership, art...anything. Just take a look at STARS</a> - Student Activities Reporting System and you can see the immense range of things to get into. That said, you can become as involved with those clubs as you want. For some, their organizations become a major part of their college life...for others, it's just something they do now and then.</p>
<p>DC is really close if you're into that. There are a ton of malls on the Metro. Terp games are fun. Stamp always has something interesting to do. </p>
<p>Basically, every student has the opportunity to carve out their own niche. I somehow found myself as being deeply involved with Orientation (first as an Orientation Advisor and now as a Student Coordinator helping to design and run it), and as an group organization officer (Argentine Tango Club, but how I got into that is another story). </p>
<p>The best thing about Maryland is that there will always be people who share your interests, as broad or as focused as they may be. We have whatever you're looking for, from intense laboratory research that will change the world (yes, undergrads can do research!) or a Friday night keg party.</p>
<p>Advice? Get involved with something you never thought you would do, something outside your field of study. I mean, it's good to get involved with what you want to pursue, but you'll be better for it if you try. Also, USE THE RESOURCES offered by the university.</p>
<p>Thanks so much for the replies! I'm really starting to think that Maryland is the school for me!</p>
<p>yayyyyy moonman, that's what we like to hear!! :)</p>
<p>lindz0722 and somebodynew were great resources for us last year, when D was still "deciding". They didn't lead her astray! SHE LOVES IT!</p>
<p>Astrophysicsmom - great name as I applied to UMD for astrophysics. Would love to get some insights!</p>