The University of Baltimore

UMBC is a great academic school and it stops mostly there. I went to a smaller school in Frederick for my undergrad studies and when I came to UMBC, I had higher expectations. I was expecting a school with more students to entail more fun times but I actually go back to my undergrad school on most weekends to "party". It was hard to make lasting friends at UMBC as a transfer student because the way the system is set, if you are a commuter, the chances of fitting in are slim to none. I am a commuter now and I do miss those days of being a resident.The campus is very safe. The school has students who act as security officers that will respond to students' need at their request. Also the coursework is challenging. I am speaking as a Chemical engineer. I don't know about the coursework of the other majors but in general the students are smart and pushed.

Male -- Class 2000

Coming to UMBC as transfer student I expected a lot. But thus far, I have been unpleased. Okay first off, if you are student who has not been academically challenged or prepared for college (meaning your high school was crap and your math, reading, and writing skills are below average) then you may not want to attend here. There is a reason why UMBC has won twice in a row #1 in up and coming school. The academics are challenging and the school moves at a fast pace. Please do not get behind in your work because it will affect the rest of your semester, even if it is in the early part. If you were to ask different students about the academics you would get different responses. But I am telling you, its hard and the support system is unrecognized. If you feel like you can handle anything and is up for the challenging, then welcome. If not, then there are other schools that will assist you needs to help you make it. Overall, UMBC is a GREAT school and will prepare you for some top ranked graduate schools.

The social life at UMBC is unbelievable! Sometimes it doesn't feel like I am in college. Like really, it's boring. The "activities" they offer only attracts certain types of people. There is not a variety of student's organizations and programs for the variety of students. The weekends are horrible. Because most of the students are from the area, so they go home, leaving the school a ghost town. The few parties I have attended were wack! The greek life sucks! You almost never see them do anything. Especially the African American greek organizations. Everything is too low key! People keep things to themselves so you never know what is going on around campus...well because most of the time, nothing is going on. I do believe the main reason for why the social life sucks, is because most of the student population consist of commuters. Going to UMBC is like going to a four year community college with dorms! If you want that fun social life of college, then UMBC is NOT the school you should be at. If you are a quiet person that only wants to focus on school and have few or no friends, then welcome! And if you become a lonelier it's okay, you are not alone and the students will not pick or mess with you. People are pretty much in their ?own worlds? here.

I have my pro and cons about UMBC, which makes it hard to decide whether or not I should transfer. The students and staff can be friendly and welcoming. During "Welcome Week", I must say I was pleased in how UMBC welcome their new students. There was events to attend everyday were you could meet people! That I was pleased about, and it did help me establish some friendships. The staffs who answer the phones are always friendly and try to answer as many questions you have. The professors are better than what I expected. Although they have limited office hours (once a week for an hour), they are approachable and can assist you. The food is pretty good. The dining hall has a variety of choices and the quality is satisfying. In the lower level of the commons (basically student union) you would find more places to eat, similar to a mall's eatery. There is also a Chick Fil A and Starbucks on campus. Anywhere on campus to decide eat, you can use your meal card, which is one of the features about the school I love!

So do your research on UMBC. Its not a bad school but do lack some of things that would make your college experiences memorable.

1st Year Female -- Class 2013

Useful Schoolwork: A+, Social Life: F