University of Maryland-Baltimore County Top Questions

What should every freshman at University of Maryland-Baltimore County know before they start?

Shadab

College is definitely more tough than high school, make sure you don't carry the same study habits as high school when you come in. Also, try to plan your future early, or else you will have to switch majors deep into your college years and work very hard the last few years to make sure you graduate on time. Friends are great, but make sure you balance time between them and studying. Be involved in campus activities and clubs, you will meet many different kinds of friendly and helpful people. Enjoy your time in college, it's only 4 years so make the most of it!

chinasa

At this point in my life, of course there are things that I wish I had paid more attention to or taken a little bit more seriously. I've made a lot of mistakes throughout my college career, but I would have to say that the one that I wish I could go back in time to tell my high school self would be the importance of building a relationship with my high school counselor. There is nothing like not having to stress about the financial aspect of college and a strong relationship with my counselor would have given me that advantage. I envy those college students who can fully take advantage of the college experience because they are financially taken care of because they were smart and aware enough to obtain scholarships with the help of their counselors. I was blissfully ignorant in my belief that it would all work out for the better, now two years later I am working three jobs praying that one day I will get there. As a college student I realize that the only way I will reach my goals is through a college education, so I am willing to work.

Kristine

Kristine, no matter what college you decide to go to you have the ability to adjust accordingly. Friends will come and go, stay strong because those who will stay at your side through it all are the friends who make life worthwhile. Now that you're a senior, continure to work hard and gain better study habits! The stronger your study habits then the easier it will be for you to adjust to the workload. Don't feel too rushed about choosing a major, take random classes you'll be surprised at how much they will interest you. Choose something you love to do and happiness and prosperity will follow later in life, even if it's a few years after you graduate.

Mariah

I have learned not just information at this university, but also how to solve problems effectively and efficiently. I have learned that not all situations are ideal but there in our lives to make us better people. Attending this university has been valuable because it was exposed me to different people, religions, race and ethnicities in a way that makes these differences acceptable and fun to experience.

Mitchel

In the summer I had some problems with my housing deposit, and I had to send it again. Because of this my housing information was late, and I was put into a temporary dormatory for the semester. As soon as I found out I was very dissappointed. When I got to University of Maryland, Baltimore County, I had five roommates. Over time me and my roommates got very close, and we became like a family. We were a very diverse room, because everyone had a different ethnic background and customs. We were there for each other for everything. By the end of the semester I didn't want to leave. I learned a lot from this college experience. I learned how to deal with different people and work together, and I learned how to work with distractions around me. I also learned how to be dependent and stand up for myself when I need to. I think this is very important, especially in the business world, because it is very competitive, and I can get ahead with these skills.

William

Throughout my college experience, I have learned more through people than I have through my textbooks. I have been taught by many different types of teachers from all kinds of backgrounds, and through these backgrounds I have learned to look at the world with an awareness I would not have had if I hadn't attended college. There are many college students today that waste time and money going to college, simply because they don't care about the opportunity they have. They do just enough to get by, and graduate with nothing but a certificate. I have been to countries where education is more valuable than gold, and anyone who can recieve an education can recieve a completely different life. It is not the knowledge that one learns throughout their education that is important, but rather what one chooses to do with it that counts. After college, I wish to travel to countries like Kenya, India and Pakistan as an ESL teacher so that I might be able to give the children there a chance for a better life. I intend to use what skills I have learned in school to make a difference in the world around me.

Mbwenze

Leaving in the dorms have made me to be very responsible and time conscious. I've learned to appreciate what I have as a college student because some students will want to go to the extend of stealing from others. The act of giving and helping others has become a part of my life as a colllege student and I'm very determined and believe that I will make the best outside of college. Meeting with other students from diversed backgrounds has made me to understand how people live and interact on the other side of the world. I use to be a shy person but now, the shyness has faded away due to the fact that I interact a lot with other students. Academically, I've improved a lot compared to when I was in high school. I'm more serious and focused , the teachers are very encouraging and helpful. I put in all the efforts in my studies because college is no joke. Because of the competiveness among students, I tend to work so hard in order to achieve my set goals and to stay on top.

Nicole

College has given me the best present, in my opinion, that anyone could ever receive. My college experience has brougt me to life. In high school I didn't really do the whole school thing, I was basically a "C" student. I only went sometimes because I would get to see my friends. I always knew I was going to go to college but just didn't understand the importance. When I moved on to Valencia Community College it was like a whole new person came out. I finally got it, and I wanted to do better for myself. During my two years at Valencia I only received one "C". College has taught me the importance of organization, and not just in my school life. I am now attending the University of Central Florida, where I will be majoring in Criminal Justice. Going to class everyday is actually fun now. With this new attitude collge has gave me, I have a better relationship with both of my parents. It is now enjoyable to sit and talk with them about my future and how I'm going to get there. College has shapped me into the better person I am today.

Stephanie

I have learned more about myself in 15 weeks than my whole entire 18 years of living. I never knew how dependent I was on my parents and I never knew how strong I could be. I never knew that I could stand to peer pressure so easily, not forsaking the morals my parents taught me. I never knew the REAL me. Yes, there has been academic growth, but there has also been personal and spiritual growth. I have met people, who in high school, I would never have been friends with and I have learned to be diverse. I have not done well on some tests, helping me form better study habits and techniques. I have learned so much that I would not have learned if I had stayed home. Living on campus, I have gained every young adults dream, independence.

David

I have learned to not judge a book by its cover. And to be patient with scenarios that seem to be bad. Arrivingat UMBC, it seemed like a very boring campus and I felt like I was going to have a horrible time here but after a few weeks I made plenty of friends and have actually really enjoyed this past year and a half at UMBC.

Tolulope

My time at UMBC has provided lots of opportunities that I'm grateful for. As a double major in Financial Economics & Business Technology,I gained educational knowledge that will enable me to succeed in the Business, Economics, Finance, & Technology industries. Aside from educationUMBC provides opportunities like career development/matching, networking, community service, & research opportunities. I've proudly taken advantage of these opportunities. My entire work experience started with my career advisor matching my interests with opportunities. He followed up with resources & mock interviews to get the internship/job & pursue growth opportunities. I have gotten everything from my college experience - career, community service, & volunteer opportunities. I proudly represented UMBC in sports, academics & career-wise. My first semester at UMBC was challenging and I didn't think I would spend more than one year. This is my 4th year and I am returning to pursue my graduate degree as well. UMBC presents many opportunities, resources, and people, all one needs to do is use the resources. It has been valuable to attend UMBC even though it was a financial struggle. I have had the best combination of experience, networked with prominent people in our society and made lifetime friends and colleagues.

Dana

From going to college, I have learned what direction I want to take my life. I want to help protect our environment.

maria

I have learned how to manage working full time while studying full time. this will benefit me in the future when i will have a full time job and a family to take care of. I am glad i am attending college because i know it will benefit me in the future.

Camille

My college experience has completely changed my life. After high school, the world seemed small and more focused around what was happening right at that time. But when I started college, my whole world expanded. I realized that I could help people. I saw others around me, having fun and enjoying themselves, and still planning ahead. My whole existance went from being a tiny, insignificant center around high school gossip, to a place where people were changing themselves for the better, and pushing themselves to become great. I became a better person. I also became a more confident person; out of everything I have learned from my professors, advisors, and peers, the most valuable lesson I have learned is who I am. I have officially discovered myself, and what I need to do in life. I learned to value my morals and decisions, and embrace them, in order to have a better future. My college experience has opened the doors to a life I could barely see before. A life where options are endless, happiness is embraced, and the future is brighter. I see myself in the future; I see myself happy. That is what college has given me.

Adedayo

My college experience has been so valuable to me because It left me with lifelong friends and so many memories and experiences that should be useful to me in the real world. I learned so many new things, and met so many new people during my time; I have nothing but the fondest memories from studying twenty-fours for a final exam to being suprised about exams that I didn't even know about. Why these moment seem fond to me now is the fact that its prepared me, my whole college experience forced me to mould my mind, to make it more open, to think way outside the box. Looking back at my experience I would say there was some downs, but there were definetely more ups and I can stand here today and proclaim that I'd love every bit of it and wouldn't change it for the world.

Xenya

By attending college I have gotten so much experience I never would have gained had I not gone. I moved away from Boise, Idaho all the way to Baltimore, Maryland to attend school. It's taught me that if I really set my mind to anything, I can do it. I'm also still learning all the time about being on my own; figuring how I will pay for food, rent, and other necessities. I've become a lot more self confident and mature while in college. I've had to tell my self over and over that "I can do this" and I've become a lot stronger as a person. I know that as an Emergency Health Services major, I've learned how badly I want to go into the health field and to serve others. When I die I want to be remembered for the service that I gave to the people that I will have helped.

Dennis

My most valuable college experience is the freedom to decide what to do and when to do it. This gave a the ability to open up my social life which before had not existed.

Nicolas

I just recently started my college experience. Im still in my first semester of freshman year. So far i have made friendships, I have learned better time management, i have gained knowledge in the areas of philosophy, archaeology, and American history. That is my main reason to attend this University.

Angela

I've learned so much in college. After succeeding in projects as well as failing in others, I believe my college life has really shaped the way I am today. It's not only preparing me for the future, it's also showing me a lot of surprising things I've never known about myself. I came into college as an 18 year-old sure that I was going to be a graphic designer. It was my destiny, after all. But, after going to school as well as taking time off to reflect, my major changed to chemical engineering. After my first environmental science class, I realized that I wanted to help make the world sustainable through design. I never would have considered engineering as an option before I had gone to college, but I've found that I am smart enough to take the science and math courses as well as excited to take on challenges. College isn't just about learning about a subject. It's about discovering yourself and experiencing new things. I've learned that it's a place that will make up for those thousands of dollars and all-nighters tenfold as life goes on.

Alan

I have learned a lot from the teachings of my professors through the classes I have attended in the last two years and they have been valuable because i have been able to utilize them through different ways. Although not all of them can be utilized at once there will still be other time when i need to use them. Joining the Table tennis club of this school is fun because I get to try and see what level I am currently at. This year I have joined the cyber defense of which i am very interested in trying to learn and utilize to help people around me.