FAQ

General FAQs

What is the check-in & welcome session?
For complete information on check-in, the welcome session, and Orientation Day, click here.
Is transportation provided to and from the airport?
Students make their own arrangements for transportation to and from the airport of choice. Airport shuttle services may be obtained from the following Web sites:
Is attendance mandatory for all the program activities?
The following activities are mandatory: Orientation Session and Admissions Presentation. In all other cases, you are expected to attend. Your course package—residential or commuter—underwrites the costs of all scheduled program-related activities. This fee is charged whether you decide to attend these activities or not. We do not pro-rate. Upon the completion of the program, we ask students to complete a survey. Over the past several years, these surveys demonstrate that those students who fully participated in the scheduled events were the ones with the highest satisfaction rating.
What should all participants have with them on a daily basis?
You must carry your University of Maryland ID card and a photo ID at all times. For more information, click here.
What happens if I become ill?
For complete information, click here.
Do I need Health Insurance?
For complete information, click here.
What rules and regulations apply during this program?
For complete information, click here.
How do I change my course choice before the program begins?
For complete information, click here.
How do I purchase my textbooks?
For complete information, click here.
How do I activate my directory ID/password and UM e-mail account?
How do I access my grade?
For complete information, click here.
Should I bring a laptop computer?
Can parents have access to their student’s information; including billing and payment, course registration, grades, etc.?
Under the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) only the student attending the postsecondary institution - at any age – has rights. Unlike high school, parents do not have rights under FERPA to inspect and review student records at the postsecondary institution. We are forbidden by federal law to release information to the parent without written permission from the student. Once your student is admitted to the program we require written permission from them to provide you with any information. To grant permission the student can simply email ysp@umd.edu stating that you can have access to their information. We suggest that they copy your email address when sending the request.

Residential FAQs

What is the LaPlata Service Desk?
The Service Desk for all participants is in the Lobby of La Plata Hall (301-314-5275). It is staffed 24 hours, seven days a week, during the program to perform a variety of functions. The main purpose is to ensure your comfort but it is also a 24-hour emergency contact center and information hub. This is the place to:
  • Pick up any messages and mail
  • Report maintenance/other problems with your room
  • Report lost keys or get a spare key if you are locked out
What about mail?
You should have your mail addressed to:
Your name
Attn: Summer Guest
Young Scholars Program
LaPlata Hall Service Desk
University of Maryland
College Park, MD, 20742
You will need to go to your specific Service Desk to check on and pick up your mail on a daily basis. You will not receive a notification in your room. You must check the message board or ask a staff member at the desk about mail.
What about keys?
For complete information, click here.
How are roommate assignments made?
For complete information, click here.
Do I need to bring linens?
For complete information, click here.
  • International students do not need to bring linen. This is covered in your program cost and will be provided to you after you check-in.
In addition to sheets and towels, what items should I consider bringing?
For complete information, click here.
What won't I have?
For complete information, click here.
What items may I not bring?
For complete information, click here.
Is a telephone provided?
No. There is a voice and data jack in each room for each residential student. You must either bring a phone from home (which can freely be used to make on-campus and local telephone calls) or a cell phone. To make long distance calls from a non-cell phone, you must have a telephone calling card. Incoming off-campus calls can be received without the use of a calling card.
Will my room be cleaned daily?
Rooms—bedrooms, common areas, and bathrooms—are cleaned before students' arrival and after their departure only. You can request basic cleaning supplies, or report any cleanliness issues upon move at the Service Desk or your mentors. Before checking out, you are expected to remove all trash to the outside receptacles.
Can I do laundry?
Residential students use the coin-operated laundry facilities located in or near their residential hall. You will need to bring your own detergent as well as quarters for the washers and dryers.
What if I have a problem with a roommate or suitemate?
You need to muster the courage to first discuss the problem with your roommate or suitemate. If you can't resolve the issue(s), you should speak to your mentor, who will help. If you do not bring any issues to the attention of our staff, we cannot help make your stay an enjoyable experience.
May I be away from the dormitory overnight?
For complete information, click here.
Are there accommodations for students with disabilities?
For complete information, click here.
How much spending money should I bring?
For complete information, click here.
Is there a curfew for residential students?
For complete information, click here.