<p>What is the social scene like, diversity, athletics, etc. like? Did you have good time there? Did you live on campus? And anything else you would like to add!</p>
<p>Hey Harriet! I love it here so far (Im a freshman). Its a very diverse campus and they have enough of resources for minority students (programs, tutoring, clubs, etc).
The social scene is what you make it. There are always things to do and parties to go to. Of course there are many clubs and Greek life you’ll definitely find something you like. But I think at UMD, if you want to make friends that share common interests you HAVE to be proactive. It’s much easier if you live on campus. The surrounding area is … well… rough occasionally.</p>
<p>The athletics are decent. I really enjoy going to Soccer and football games… although this football season has disappointed me. I heard the Basketball games were better. All in All I love it here(and that’s saying a lot coming from me because MD was not my first choice).</p>
<p>I’m also interested in hearing from some current/past students.</p>
<p>I’m a current freshman in engineering living on campus. Social life can be whatever you want it to be. Typical college parties, sports at 11 every night, bunch of people playing the same game in a dorm room, whatever. There’s always people watching movies/sports/playing xbox or wii and stuff in the lounge on my floor. Depends on what you want to do.</p>
<p>Campus is big. Going to/from classes in the rain can suck.</p>
<p>Professors so far have been good, with the exception of my chem teacher.</p>
<p>My female second cousin decided not to go to Maryland, because she thought the area was too “sketchy”. She went to Indiana University instead.</p>
<p>I would suggest that all other things being equal, you go to a nice campus in a safe area.</p>
<p>Now, if you are a city kid, then perhaps that would be a different story.</p>
<p>@drillkid are the parties generally house parties, frat/sorority parties, dorm parties…? or a combination of all?</p>
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<p>Well this is a nice campus. And a beautiful one. And the surrounding area is only unsafe if you choose to not use common sense.</p>
<p>"And the surrounding area is only unsafe if you choose to not use common sense. " Yea your right about this. i live near college park and have walked around. It is safe out in the day. If your being stupid and go out at like twelve then yes something bad may happen. And also im wondering what are the people like there? Are they homogenous like all preps, hipsters, etc.?</p>
<p>Nah you’ll find almost all groups here. People wear whatever they want to class. Some dress preppy, some wear sweats every day. It’s a pretty laid-back atmosphere in that way. I really like it.</p>
<p>Is it easy to get to/ use the metro? I am from Cali and I have family in the DC area and that is a big reason Maryland is at the top of my list. As a freshman without a car would it be a hassle to go visit them?</p>
<p>If your family is close to a metro station, it will be very easy. There are shuttles that go from UMD directly to the Metro station/free for students, so it is easy and convenient to get to the Metro stations. Both of my daughters took advantage of the Metro a lot…and usually when my younger D (still a Terp) goes into DC, she takes the Metro instead of her car, because dealing with parking is usually a hassle.</p>
<p>Thanks so much!</p>