Challenging but Fun

Introduction
If you're not ready to jump head first into a school full of Marylanders, then try for a more diversified school. Otherwise, this school has got everything. From student groups to great sports, there is always so much to do. It is close to both Washington D.C. (accessable on the metro) and Baltimore (you're going to need a car for convenience!). The classes are extremely stimulating and the faculty is open and willing to form relationships with students. Some of the programs need a little more funding, but others are bursting at the seams with beautiful buildings, accomodations, and endless opportunities.

Campus Life and Social Life
The partying is great, but the police have put a stop to a lot of the frat and house parties. Usually the bars are extremely packed and it can get old being that there are only 5 or so bars. The sports are amazing - we won 3 NCAA championships in one year. Obviously our athletic programs are some of the best in the country. There are also other outlets for people who like playing sports like club (which is played against other schools) or intramurals (which is played against your peers at UMD). The weekends are definitely fun in the evenings, but the days are slow. Still, with DC close by, there is always something to do. There are events on campus, but I'm not involved enough to vouch for them. Advertisement
Academics
The business school and Performing arts have some of the best facilities on campus. As an art history major, I can say that the Art History department is a GREAT option. As an Art major as well, I can say that this department is not as good. My friends who are business majors seem happy too. Overall, you are going to have good and bad teachers, easy and hard classes, but overall, i've had some pretty good teachers. The workload is def. moderate to a lot. If you want to keep up in all your classes (I'm an A student) you have to be willing to put in the time, but not too much that you can't relax. There's a lot of chilling in College Park!

Student Body
The typical student is from Maryland since 70 percent of the student body as to come from there. Then, there are a lot of New Yorkers - primarily from Long Island - which isn't as bad as it sounds. Most of the campus is full of partiers, but smart party ppl. - the ones who get smashed and study hard for the test the next day. I appreciate the balance.

In Closing...
It's a great choice if you're willing to look for your niche in a big school. If you are going to live on the south side of campus, check out the dorms first because some can be insanely small. The dining hall food is pretty good - lots of options and there are other food options right on the outskirts of campus. Speaking of outskirts, the campus is pretty big - be willing to walk - and a car will definitely open up the world for you - you can get away from campus when it seems too small to handle.