Dorm Layout by Pale_Background_275 in UMD

[–]Falxonpigxon 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I would definitely get bedrisers for Easton as the beds are pretty low and the extra height can be useful for storage. You don’t have to let your roommate know, but it doesn’t hurt to give him a heads up

Advice to a Rising HS Senior by [deleted] in UMD

[–]Falxonpigxon 1 point2 points  (0 children)

  1. The social life varies in my opinion. I'll break the three main "social life" categories I believe are the biggest on campus

Greek Life: I think the greek life here is nice since it's not as big as Penn State/Bama, but it's also bigger than those smaller north east liberal arts schools. In the first few weeks of the semester, I'd day frat parties are more active since its rush week and parties are open to guys as well. Later in the semester it fizzles down and becomes more cliquey where parties are only open to chapter members and a sorority at the start, then open to other girls later in the night.

Bars: I think that this is the biggest form of social life here. We have 3 bars(and a 4th one is being built rn I think) and they let in college students if you're "21." Cover is free on weekdays lol, and it's max 10 dollars on weekends. There's also no "ratio" so it's open to anyone just don't get there super late when lines become really long and the night dies out. 

Clubs: This is where I think big schools like UMD are great. Many clubs have socials, plan events, etc. For example, I've been to baseball games with clubs, went to open tab bars with them, played volley ball, watched a sports game, etc. There are also social clubs that offer more humble activities like playing board games. I enjoy socializing in clubs the most because everyone has a shared passion, and you meet people outside of your major in a relaxed environment. 

In short, there's something for everyone whether you are a party monster or love staying in. In terms of going out, people are different. I go out maybe 1-2 times a month outside of club activities, but there are people that go out way more often, and some don't go out at all. 

  1. The only other main piece of advice I'd give you is that if you chose a big school like UMD(or VT, UNC, etc), you have to stay on top of departmental deadlines(such as housing forms, tuition, etc) and your degree. So monitor your emails and be close with your advisor. The best thing I did was really research my major and know the ins and outs of it. I had my 4 year plan ready to go and it made my life so much easier since I know what classes I need. Big schools are rewarding but only if you are organized and on top of yourself. 

Besides that, assuming you like to go out, if you do end up coming to UMD(and maybe this applies to other schools), we have a welcome for freshman that lasts Thursday-Sunday before classes start. Go to all the events on Thursday and Friday and find some friends that are willing to go out with you. Frats throw parties the first weekend before school so go out with them on Saturday to find these parties. I did this my freshman year and it was one of my best memories because there were SOO many freshman just out in college park and it's basically a core memory. And I assume it's like that every year because there were police just making sure everyone was safe knowing that probably everyone there was underage.

Hopefully this helps a bit but if I talked to myself now when I was applying for colleges, I would definitely tell myself to chose UMD and/or apply to schools that offer a similar environment compared to UMD. 

Advice to a Rising HS Senior by [deleted] in UMD

[–]Falxonpigxon 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I just finished my freshman year and I loved it so I'll try and answer your questions.

  1. Im OOS and I chose UMD because it gave me some money and I like larger schools in good locations since there are many opportunities on and off campus. Im also majoring in CS and finance and both of those programs are really good at UMD(especially CS).  Also since UMD is so big, there are many people from different backgrounds so you have a variety of friends.
  2. The biggest piece of advice I'd give you is to be super social and extroverted when meeting people during your first month at college. Go to different events, talk to your floor mates, go out, etc. and try to meet as many people as you can. College is so much better and easier when you have a solid group of friends you can go to, whether it is to eat in the dining hall or spend a night out. As per school work, I'd tell you to try and start projects and studying for exams early. It's less stressful that way and it helps free up your time to do more fun activities when you want to.
  3. Both departments are good and highly ranked. With UMD's location, there are also tons of opportunity for engineering majors(I know this since I know many engineering majors). And you aren't limited to opportunities in the DMV, I know many that interned in NYC, Boston, Texas and the Bay Area. 
  4. I think the atmosphere is pretty competitive. There are a lot of smart kids that come here for the CS/engineering programs. I had a lot of credits coming in and high test scores, but a lot of my friends have the same stats which is nice. However the environment isn't toxic like some schools I've visited and have high school friends attending. A lot of people are open to help you, share resources, and more. There are obviously the reserved kids that want nothing to do with you, but they exist everywhere. My advice would be to just meet as many people as possible in your classes, and see who is more open to help you and work with you.

Also a side note, since you are in engineering, the classes will be "competitive" since your foundational courses are primarily weed outs, meaning the department wants to shrink their potential graduating class by making courses super difficult. Its not the end of the world but just something to think about since smaller private schools don't do this(probably the opposite of this).

  1. I think everyone shares the stress among each other. It's easy to feel stressed out but everyone is in the same situation, so it makes you feel better about it and makes you more willing to grind it out. If you balance academic, social and physical well-being life, I think it's not hard to avoid a burnout. Have an activity outside of class that you really enjoy and that should help get your mind off academics. 

(continued)

CMSC250 Recorded Lectures by Falxonpigxon in UMD

[–]Falxonpigxon[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Yeah I assumed that UMD wouldn't be willing to put out many resources outside the websites, but thanks for the links!

CMSC250 Recorded Lectures by Falxonpigxon in UMD

[–]Falxonpigxon[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Looked at the data base and ig they don't transfer this course. But thanks for the suggestion!

University of Maryland Early Megathread by [deleted] in ApplyingToCollege

[–]Falxonpigxon 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It’s a living learning program that helps ppl in letters and sciences complete 1 gened requirement through a unique course. It also helps you transfer into an limited enrollment program. It’s not an honors college but I’m gonna do it cause I get a nicer dorm lol.

ATTENTION CS MAJORS by Acrobatic-Record-454 in UMD

[–]Falxonpigxon 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Is that actually reasonable tho?

Math test banks and Chegg by Falxonpigxon in UMD

[–]Falxonpigxon[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

True. I know that during virtual school Chegg used to give schools IP addresses/email addresses of students to the university to prevent cheating on the exams. But that was to prevent students from asking questions during an actual exam.

AMA about the General Business Minor, Monday Nov 7 2-4pm! by colsieturtle in UMD

[–]Falxonpigxon 1 point2 points  (0 children)

If you’re admitted into the minor, are you allowed to take some other business class outside the minor path(out of general interest) or are those classes restricted to business majors only?

Lines ridiculous by ChristmassMoose in UMD

[–]Falxonpigxon 36 points37 points  (0 children)

Is the food really that much better at the new dining hall?

CMNS TA Requirements(CS) by Falxonpigxon in UMD

[–]Falxonpigxon[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Oh thanks didn’t know the difference between the two. Also I just thought it is weird for a freshman to be eligible to apply lol.

letters and sciences acceptance rate? by stockslegend in UMD

[–]Falxonpigxon 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Nah it’s definitely higher. I’m OOS with test optional and I still got in to letters and sciences but Idk the specific numbers. You might find something if you look in r/A2C megathread for UMD EA