University of Maine Top Questions

Those who attend classes are generally attentful and respectful of those around them. Students will walk around campus and pass each other with a smile as a quick greeting.

My classmates are a good mix of different backgrounds.

My classmates are hardworking, determined people.

My classmates were very friendly.

The students at the University of Maine are all very friendly and are definitely wiling to help you if you need it.

The university is highly focused on preparing students either for employment or grad school, depending on your major. However, students are fairly laid back and many, if not most, try to slide by on the minimum, even in the Honors College. The Honors College itself is a fairly unique institution, operating in the rapidly-vanishing tradition of the liberal education, focusing on the ethical and cultural rather than strictly academic. While it is an excellent idea, and provides the opportunity to read and engage with a number of classics that you would not have read otherwise, the Honors College lives and dies by its student body, many of which probably shouldn't have accepted their invitations and contribute very little to classroom discussion. Those Honors students who find themselves in a room populated by these individuals needs only to console themselves until the third-year tutorial, where topics ranging from aesthetic marine biology to James Joyce await the intellectually engaged. At the Union and in the dining halls you'll probably hear more about Call of Duty than musings on the latest research, but there are many classes that draw the intellectually adventurous - ranging from Human Sexuality to Beekeeping to Marxism. The open-minded will invariably find themselves with more courses of interest than schedule space.

Umaine students, from my experience, have always been open to all different backgrounds, political views, sexual preferences, etc. We have a strong LGBT group and a strong multi-cultural group. Granted it is Maine and there isn't much diversity in terms of race in the state in general, there have actually been quite a few asian exchange students through out the years. Most students are definitely from around the area and grew up around the area their whole life, but that's just how most state universities seem to be. Even so, there is quite a diverse group of people at Umaine and I certainly do not feel that anyone would feel out of place, especially coming from personal experience as an Asian-American at Umaine.

I was originally told that the UMO (UMaine Orono) campus was not racially diverse, and that everyone here came from Maine. I was also told that some out-of-state students have trouble fitting in because they're not from Maine. What I have found is that there are many students here from outside of the United States: especially Canada and the U.K. I was surprised to find so many international students here, and even more surprised when I found that a relatively large proportion of students are not from Maine. Most out-of-state students are from the East Coast, but I have met several students from California and other western states. I haven't encountered any radical groups on campus (religious or otherwise). UMaine stresses tolerance towards everyone. There are many different religious groups, a well-established LGBT group, and groups for different political philosophies. I think students who feel at home in big cities might not like it here. The area surrounding our school is somewhat suburban, but mostly rural. Apart from the setting of the school, I think any student would be able to find friends here. Most of the students here appear to be from middle-class families. Students here are also quite politically aware, and you'll find people from both sides of the political spectrum. Most students, regardless of their political parties, have an interest in keeping the school green. Most of the social groups at the school interact, although some tend to stick together more than others. Members of the football team mostly seem to hang out with each other, and the fraternities and sororities can be very cliquey. In addition, members of the Honors College tend to keep to themselves, and can be elitist and condescending to non-members. Everyone else, however, tends to be friendly and accepting, and there aren't any really unfriendly groups that I know of.

As far as campus is concerned, it is one of the most diverse environments I have ever witnessed. The LGBT presence is strong, and their opinions are heard and supported by many. Every racial group is represented here on campus, with a great deal of variation even among them. We have students here from hundreds of countries, of all different socio-economic stature. No two people seem alike here at the University of Maine, and I wouldn't have it any other way.

UMaine students differ in wealth and in stlye. No one seems to notice these differences though. We're all here for the experience and the degree. Nothing else matters, and it shouldn't! Umaine does offer many different types of groups (religious, LGBT, racial etc) for those student who want to get involved in those areas.

The student body of UMaine is diverse in all means. Apart from welcoming the simple surface diversity, UMaine is a place for various ideas, political, religious, and socio-economic views. Different groups are given freedom to express themselves and peacefully coexist at UMaine. The university celebrates geographical diversity since the students come from within the state, out of the state as well as from abroad. I would say that UMaine cherishes inclusiveness by providing the means and opportunities for the students of financial backgrounds, religious and political views as well as genders and sexual orientations. Providing scholarships and loans, UMaine makes the education available for the students with the lower income; therefore, no prevalent financial background is present at UMaine. During the events like Culturefest or International Dance Evening, the students from dissimilar cultural backgrounds are able to get together and share their customs and traditions with the community. Additionally, LGBT club welcomes students of all sexual orientations who share the view of equality to participate in the events organized by the club. Hence, different types of students have a chance to interact and become more open to the other points of view. Most students dress casually to class. However, clothing style might vary depending on the department of the school. For instance, for some occasions, the Business School may require the students to wear clothes that reflect the professional setting. Other examples of a special occasion that requires a uniform are labs and fieldtrips. I am sure that no student will feel out of the place at the UMaine. If you feel like there is no club or group that fits your interests, you are more than welcome to establish your own club and invite in your friends or people who share the same ideas!

Students at UMaine are generally very social and laid back. It is not uncommon to see students lounging around in sweats or wearing T-shirts and shorts (summer obviously) to class. There is a sizable multi-cultural demographic on campus and a very devoted LGBT group of students. Everyone gets a long great. Also, 10 percent of UMaine students (Including me) are affiliated with GREEK life (fraternities and sororities). Students at UMaine tend to be from Middle Class backgrounds and politically left-leaning. There are exceptions of course, as UMaine has students of all different types of background.

You will honestly find all types of students here at UMaine. There are religious organizations, and tons of LGBTQ groups too. And many in between. Some students obviously come from very privileged backgrounds and dress to the 9's for class. While you'll see hundreds in sweats every day and nothing else! You will also find many students who are from working class backgrounds and still work 2+ jobs to get through school. There is truly a mix of everything here! No one will feel left out if you look hard enough and get involved with what interests you.

There are so many different students here that you're guaranteed to make friends who have similar interests. We have so many different groups, whether its religious, LGBT and even ethnic groups. So many people wear different things to class, ranging from shorts, skirts, jeans, sweat pants, gym shorts, leggings. Ive seen everything here. More than once Ive seen different looking students talk and get to know each other. Most of the students are from Maine but there is also a number of students who come from all over the world.

There are so many different students here that you're guaranteed to make friends who have similar interests. We have so many different groups, whether its religious, LGBT and even ethnic groups. So many people wear different things to class, ranging from shorts, skirts, jeans, sweat pants, gym shorts, leggings. Ive seen everything here. More than once Ive seen different looking students talk and get to know each other. Most of the students are from Maine but there is also a number of students who come from all over the world.

I feel the majority students all look out for one another. Strangers will help you clean off your car in a blizzard and are constantly holding open or opening up a door for you no matter how close or far away from them you are. Everyone here says please, thank you, I'm sorry, and your welcome and everyone is always happy.

The students at UMaine are a very friendly bunch. After three years on campus, I feel like I know more people than I ever will the rest of my life. There seem to be no racial or LGBT problems, but I do not feel like I have enough information to give a proper answer for that. Students are students here: we all don't have a ton of money to spend. We dress warm in the winter and free in the summer. Money is not a hot topic at our school because everyone seems to know they are on a limited college budget.

The students that go to UMaine vary in wealth and in stlye, but there is no real judgment about how people dress or what they have. We are all in it togeather. Many different students interact, there isn't really a social hierachy at all. Money is not a common topic. We are all just trying to enjoy the experience and get our degrees. It doesn't matter where you come from or what you have, what matters is who you are and what you like to do. Many people play intramurels or join clubs - this draws in diverse crowds of people with similar interests.

"The school reflects the state" is a comment I remember reading in a college book about the University of Maine, regarding the racial diversity on campus; namely mostly white New Englanders. And while this is true, on a sunny day visit the mall (main part of campus) and tell me what you see. Rest assured the majority of students will be white, but all the colors of the rainbow are represented; and yes the LGBT community on campus is very strong as well. "Coming out" week happens every year in October, and UMaine flies a rainbow flag for seven days! UMaine students also believe in a variety of clothing. There are the true MAINAHS wearing Carharts and flannel neon hunting gear, but Uggs and Fuggs are also just as common in the winter. Jeans are the staple until a day of 40 degrees comes in the middle of winter and everyone is in shorts (not kidding). And of course there are those who always believe to "dress to impress" and others who wear spongebob pajamas to class. To each their own!

I feel like UMaine is very open campus. We welcome everyone from all backgrounds, religions, sexual orientations, SES backgrounds, and any type of group. We do not tolerate hate, discrimination, or terrorizing of another person and we do not tolerate hazing. I feel like UMaine is one of the most welcoming places I've ever lived.