Commuter Students

Participation in Seminars & Activities

As a commuter student, you are encouraged to attend and participate to the fullest. Depending on your course schedule, you’ll stay on campus and study, work on group projects, attend afternoon seminars/activities or you’ll go home. To take advantage of all the opportunities that the program offers, you’ll need to make an effort to return to campus to enjoy evening and weekend activities. Upon completion of the program, we ask students to complete a survey. Over the years, these surveys demonstrate that those students who fully participated in the scheduled events were the ones with the highest satisfaction rating.

Campus ID

Fall admitted Maryland students are issued a photo campus ID card at their orientation session that is scheduled the Orientation Office. If you have not had your orientation session prior to arriving for Freshmen First, you’ll pick-up photo ID card during the first couple of days during Freshmen First. Spring admitted Maryland students, especially those who are participating in Freshmen Connection, have been directed to visit 1st Floor Mitchell Building to pick-up your photo ID card.

Your campus ID card provides access to programs and services administered at the University such as; the University Libraries, Campus Recreation Services, Shuttle UM Services and information services, and more. The campus ID card should be carried at all times on campus.

Tons of fun. The professor was great, students great! FF student

Dining Information

The commuter student package includes lunch, Monday–Friday, available at various on-campus eateries.

During the fall and spring semesters, the University of Maryland’s Dining Services offers an extensive selection to accommodate the dietary needs of over 35,000 students and staff. During Summer Term, Dining Services operates under constrained resources and offers a limited range of options and dietary accommodations. Students who require dietary accommodations must submit a request by the program confirmation deadlines.

For information on the program’s meal plan and dietary accommodations, click here.
To submit the Dietary Accommodation Request Form, click here.

Lost Meal Card—Replacement Steps:

Students must have their meal card while purchasing meals. The card is swiped at each meal and the balance is displayed. If a card is lost, follow these steps:

Make sure that the card is truly lost before requesting a replacement card.
Contact program staff or your mentor.
A replacement card is $25; it may take up to two business days to get a replacement.

Our son came from a much restrictive environment. Freshmen First was a great way to "check it out" before the hordes of freshmen arrive and college becomes overwhelming. FF parent

Parking Permit

The program package fee does not include a parking permit. To park on campus, students must have a valid permit. Campus parking regulations are strictly enforced at all times, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The University’s Department of Transportation Services (DOTS) uses a License Plate Recognition system, such that the car’s license plate serves as the parking permit. Enforcement officers scan license plates and, if the plate is not listed in the database for that parking lot, a ticket will be issued.

To purchase a permit, visit DOTS Web site. Click here

Shuttle UM Services

The University’s Department of Transportation Services operates Shuttle UM, which provides transit service on and around the campus and to and from the local Metro stations. To use this service, you’ll need your University ID card. To view the Summer schedule, click here.

Campus Recreation Center

Freshman First students have access to Campus Recreation Services facilities.

Students under 18 years of age are not permitted in weight rooms, fitness rooms, saunas, or aerobics/fitness classes. Students may use the pools, track, and various courts.

Computers

The University provides computer labs that are located throughout the campus for student use. You may, however, prefer to bring your own. For Wireless Network Information: click here

Services at the Adele Stamp Student Union

The Adele Stamp Student Union provides full banking services and ATMs. In addition, books, office supplies, stationary, and UM memorabilia can be found at the University Book Center. Other services include laptop rentals, copying, shipping and postal, and ticket office. Students can purchase food from vendors who accept the Terrapin Express Card, visit the Art Gallery, hang-out at the Terp Zone, and enjoy beverages and snacks.

Campus Security

Campus security is provided through the Department of Public Safety. University of Maryland has its own uniformed police officers in cars, motorcycles, bicycles, and on foot, who patrol the campus around-the-clock. In addition, security cameras are located throughout the campus. The campus also has Blue Light PERT Phones provide a direct line to the University Police. They are located throughout campus; both inside and outside many academic buildings and residence halls.

Miscellaneous

Spending money: The course package fee covers most course expenses as well as most meals. About $50-75 per week should cover incidental expenses (e.g., gifts, snacks, Saturday lunches, toiletries). Books and other supplies are not included in the package price unless specified.