The University of Maine

Date: Mar 23 2008
Major: Undecided (This Major's Salary over time)
If I can help one person in deciding not to attend UMaine by this review, my goal had been fulfilled. Atrocious social life, surrounding towns, people in general, classes, food, etc. It wouldn't be too bad if you were a commuter and had many friends either in high school or commuting with you. But as an out of state student, I made two friends in the semester I was there. My roommate (UMaine is horrible as pairing roommates by the way, trust me) just kept her big circle of friends she had from high school. I tried to be nice, but they blatantly ignored me. Everyone I encountered was from Maine and a total snob. They had this sucky attitude and seriously were not interested in making new friends. I came out of state because I was sick of the kids I've been going to school since kindergarten and wanted to expand. UMainers are the opposite. It was the unfriendliest environment I've ever been in and I was totally miserable there. I left after fall semester and really encourage out of staters to shadow a student for a few days to see if you fit in with the environment. I also transferred to a community college shortly after where I didn't know anybody and I instantly made many friends. Maine was just extremely cliquey and unwelcoming.

Not sure if anyone is interested in hearing about freshmen dorms, but here is a quick run down.

Somerset: VERY big party dorm. One of my friends was in this dorm and she said people partied EVERY night. Lots of puking, dirty bathrooms, dirty in general, yet very social/friendly. When I went in, doors were always open, people were skating through hallways, etc.

Oxford: Similar to Somerset. May be slightly less partying, but I'm not as knowledgeable on this one. Cool looking inside though.

Knox: Nice interior/exterior, not quite as much partying as Somerset again. Also not as knowledgeable on this dorm.

Cumberland: Very gross and dirty. Tended to be loud. Not known as a party dorm but still had its moments.

Androscoggin: Very gross, poor lighting, lots of partying, dirty.

Gannett: Cleanest dorm. VERY quiet. Basically dead on weekends and …every day. Chem free dorm, but was still a little drinking. Sucky RA's. Very snobby. Doors ALWAYS closed.

Honors dorms--> Penobscot and Balentine: Apparently very nice. I have never been in these, but they are supposed to be the nicest yet very quiet.

I seriously do not recommend UMaine. Classes were very boing, unchallenging, and the school is boring as hell. They always say there are something like200+ clubs but the only ones I've ever heard of are Campus Crusades for Christ (AKA the campus cult), spanish club, and some robot club? Extremely, extremely boring. There is a movie night on Wednesdays but you really do not meet anyone at a movie.

The food is also disgusting. Breakfast is cereal and bagels. They usually have some kind of egg, pancake, and hot cereal. But beware..the eggs are very gross, usually not fully cooked. Vegetarian options are pathetic. It's like senior citizen mush.

Please consider all your options before attending UMaine. I highly recommend trying to sit in on a class, talking to students, and just shadowing someone for a few days to get the feel of the school before committing to attend, to see if you like it and like the people. My first semster, I was only assigned 3 classes I actually had to go to. My other class was online and terrible. So basically I had class for only almost 2 hours, from 9 am to 9:50, and 10 am to 10:50 on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. I had the ENTIRE rest of the day to do nothing. Tuesdays and Thursdays, I had one class from 9 am to 10:50. Then what? NOTHING. Campus is dead and there was never anything to do. Please think your decision to apply or attend Maine very seriously.