UMBC definitely provides a cultivating environment for learning through different cultural and social perspectives. Tolerance of those around you is highly stressed and a core value at the University. There are numerous cultural and social organizations available for students to join that are not exclusive, but inclusive. We want to learn about everyone and everything, so the more different you are the more of an opportunity there is for learning about each other.
I encourage students, especially first-year students, to step out of your comfort zone and keep your mind open to all of the classes available. A class may at first sound boring but you will always be surprised to find yourself interested in the subject matter because our professors encourage thinking about and solving issues presented in the curricula in a non-traditional way. Class discussions are a major focus in many of the first-year seminars which always brings up an opportunity for hearing a different viewpoint or angle that challenges your previously held opinions. This occurred for me in my Sociology 101 lecture and First Year Seminar class on social justice and equality in education.
Do you enjoy the experience at your school?
For the most part the people, both students and faculty, are outstanding and are always willing to go out of their way to help you when asked. There are tons of events going on on the campus during the day and at night ranging from Open Mic Nights - where our talented student body displays their musical skills by rapping, singing, reciting poetry, or playing various instruments - to karaoke and ice cream socials.
There are a few campus parties (some school-sponsored and others thrown by students) but they never cause any serious problems. UMBC is nothing like College Park in terms of a party school which can be a good and bad thing at times but as long as you get out and meet cool people you will always find ways to have fun. All in all, UMBC has a small-community feel to it and is nice for students that do not want to live too far away from home or feel like just a number among many students. The faculty will get to know you by name and genuinely care about your well-being. I have personally connected with so many faculty members in my first year that I know I will stay in contact with in the future.
Do you feel you’re getting value for the money you’re spending on college?
UMBC is ranked as one of the most affordable institutions of higher learning in Maryland. I know that when I tell my other friends who attend Maryland universities like Stevenson and College Park what I pay for tuition they get jealous. The cost is most affected by whether you commute or live on campus and what residence hall you live in along with your meal plan of choice. The apartment housing can be a bit pricey and most students only live in them if they have a nice scholarship to pay the expenses. Overall, you are truly getting a Harvard education for a public, state university price.
Do you have any tips for prospective students?
Come visit UMBC for yourself to get a real feel for the University.
Step out of your major periodically and have some fun with your classes! :) I am completing my undergraduate studies in Pre-Medicine but I enjoy taking classes in the social sciences and arts & humanities.
Stay in constant contact with your advisor. They are there to help you and the thousands of questions you may have for them.
Have balance. Prioritize your homework/studying, clubs, and leisure time because you can easily slide into chaos if you do not. Know what you are in school for and surround yourself with people that share your same drive for success.
Seize every opportunity that comes your way and have fun growing and developing YOU!
Which types of students will excel at your college?
Studious
Open-minded and opinionated (that will change lol)
Chill
Love to learn
Caring
People from all religious, cultural, and socioeconomic backgrounds
UMBC definitely provides a cultivating environment for learning through different cultural and social perspectives. Tolerance of those around you is highly stressed and a core value at the University. There are numerous cultural and social organizations available for students to join that are not exclusive, but inclusive. We want to learn about everyone and everything, so the more different you are the more of an opportunity there is for learning about each other. I encourage students, especially first-year students, to step out of your comfort zone and keep your mind open to all of the classes available. A class may at first sound boring but you will always be surprised to find yourself interested in the subject matter because our professors encourage thinking about and solving issues presented in the curricula in a non-traditional way. Class discussions are a major focus in many of the first-year seminars which always brings up an opportunity for hearing a different viewpoint or angle that challenges your previously held opinions. This occurred for me in my Sociology 101 lecture and First Year Seminar class on social justice and equality in education.
For the most part the people, both students and faculty, are outstanding and are always willing to go out of their way to help you when asked. There are tons of events going on on the campus during the day and at night ranging from Open Mic Nights - where our talented student body displays their musical skills by rapping, singing, reciting poetry, or playing various instruments - to karaoke and ice cream socials. There are a few campus parties (some school-sponsored and others thrown by students) but they never cause any serious problems. UMBC is nothing like College Park in terms of a party school which can be a good and bad thing at times but as long as you get out and meet cool people you will always find ways to have fun. All in all, UMBC has a small-community feel to it and is nice for students that do not want to live too far away from home or feel like just a number among many students. The faculty will get to know you by name and genuinely care about your well-being. I have personally connected with so many faculty members in my first year that I know I will stay in contact with in the future.
UMBC is ranked as one of the most affordable institutions of higher learning in Maryland. I know that when I tell my other friends who attend Maryland universities like Stevenson and College Park what I pay for tuition they get jealous. The cost is most affected by whether you commute or live on campus and what residence hall you live in along with your meal plan of choice. The apartment housing can be a bit pricey and most students only live in them if they have a nice scholarship to pay the expenses. Overall, you are truly getting a Harvard education for a public, state university price.
Come visit UMBC for yourself to get a real feel for the University. Step out of your major periodically and have some fun with your classes! :) I am completing my undergraduate studies in Pre-Medicine but I enjoy taking classes in the social sciences and arts & humanities. Stay in constant contact with your advisor. They are there to help you and the thousands of questions you may have for them. Have balance. Prioritize your homework/studying, clubs, and leisure time because you can easily slide into chaos if you do not. Know what you are in school for and surround yourself with people that share your same drive for success. Seize every opportunity that comes your way and have fun growing and developing YOU!
Studious Open-minded and opinionated (that will change lol) Chill Love to learn Caring People from all religious, cultural, and socioeconomic backgrounds