University of Maryland, College Park is an extremely diverse college. Campus life is constantly booming with new activities and clubs that help to shape our campus into what it is today. Maryland students are innovative and hard working. The best thing about this school would be its accepting environment. No matter what cultural background or lifestyle you come from, Maryland will always have a spot for you. As a student, you will find your place easily because the campus is so large. Being a part of a large school definitely has its benefits. There are a wide variety of classes to choose from compared to a smaller school. Take it from me personally; I attended Towson University my freshman year of college, and felt as if I did not have a wide variety of Gen. Ed. classes to choose from.
When I tell people that I attend the University of Maryland, College Park, their immediate reaction is, "Oh wow, you must be smart!" Another reaction may be, "It must be fun to attend the sporting events!" Both of these responses are positive. Every single time I have told someone that I attend the University of Maryland, College Park, I am confident in myself and feel accomplished as a student. Having that proud feeling inside of you, because you attend Maryland, is something amazing.
I am not involved in a sorority, so I spend most of my time with my friends on campus. My friends and I will go to spots such as, the student union, or the library. SInce the campus is so huge, there are many other spots that students can relax at that are more secluded.
The school's administration is beyond caring. I can tell you from personal experience because I transferred from Towson University. At the University of Maryland, College Park, administration seems to come to me. At Towson, I always felt as if I was bothering administration when I came to them with questions. Maryland has a sense of urgency that makes me feel secure. When I have an issue that I need addressed by administration, they will answer me in a short amount of time and in a professional manner.
Route one is the hot spot for college students. If you are over the age of 21 there are a couple bars on this road. There are also an endless amount of restaurants for students to access, that are in a walkable distance from campus. Route one has everything from Domino's to Chinese Buffets. There are also plenty of healthy options such as Jason's Deli and Yogi Berry (a frozen yogurt chain).
Maryland has so much pride it's leaking out of our veins...okay maybe not that much pride, but it is surely close to that. You can sense our pride the most by attending a basketball or football game. These games are filled with excitement and student unity. Even though we have such a large school, students are able to realize that they are also part of a close knit community. We are Terps, and we are one!
I'll never forget the time that I went into the library during finals week. I thought to myself, "I'll never find a spot here. There are way too many people." However, I looked around and saw that one girl was sitting on the ground. I am a self conscious person to begin with, so I couldn't imagine sitting on the library floor letting hundreds of students stare at me. Somehow I told myself, "Who cares what anyone thinks." I sat down on the ground, put my headphones in, and began to study my notecards. No matter how cheesy this sounds, I learned a valuable lesson. At college there a wide variety of people on campus. Sometimes you have to tell yourself that it is okay to do what you want. When comparing high school to college, there is a huge difference. At college, people tend to judge you less. Individuals can express themselves in any way they want without feeling as if they are "weird" or too marginal from society. I sat down on the floor and didn't feel weird; I actually liked it!