Residential Students

Residential Hall Description

Residential students are housed in air-conditioned campus dormitories. Occupancy ranges from 1 to 4 persons of the same gender. Residents have access to study lounges and laundry facilities. Some rooms are accessible for persons with disabilities.

All students have a twin bed, desk, chair, chest of drawers, and closet space.
There are no televisions, telephones, lamps, end tables, decorations, or alarm clocks.
Each room is complete with an activated data jack for each residential participant.
Rooms—bedrooms, common areas, and bathrooms—are cleaned before students’ arrival and after their departure only. It is the students’ responsibility to maintain a clean living environment.

Great opportunity to meet other freshmen. FF student

Roommates

Roommate and room assignments are made on a random basis, although we try to assign roommates according to course enrollment. Students should expect to live with a student of the same gender in a double bedroom; however, there are cases in which a student is assigned a room with no roommate. Assignments will not be provided until program check-in day. Room assignments are not announced prior to arrival.

Specific roommate requests must be made in writing. Only mutual requests by students will be considered. Every effort will be made to accommodate such requests but this is not guaranteed.

We have been pleased that in spite of the large campus and community at College Park, our son did have a positive personal experience. College Park seems to have a great community atmosphere. FF parent

Items to Bring

Linen: One flat and one fitted sheet (twin-size bed), two towels, one pillow, one pillowcase, one blanket, and one bedspread.
Miscellaneous: Soap, toiletries; clothes hangers; alarm clock; hair dryer; towels; umbrella; dictionary; stapler and other supplies; laundry bag; detergent; desk/reading lamp; and quarters for the washers and dryers.
You may wish to rent a mini-refrigerator. For rental information,click here.

Prohibited Items include toaster ovens, toasters, microwaves, candles, crock pot, popcorn maker, grills of any kind or any other items with which one cooks are considered fire hazards. The mentors monitor each room and you will be asked to remove any item that is considered to be a fire hazard.

This was a good experience for my daughter which is all that matters. She got a good dose of college life which helps with this transition phase. FF parent

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.

My daughter was very happy with her experience with Freshmen First! She even gave up a family vacation to Colorado in order to attend! FF parent

Keys

At check-in, you’ll be issued a student ID that will have a barcode cross-referenced to your residential hall. Access to the residence hall and elevator use is regulated by electronic card entry. You’ll receive a regular metal key for access to your dormitory room. Should you lose key, your lock will be changed and your account will be billed $85.00. Keys must be returned at check-out. Failure to return keys will result in your account being billed $85.00.

It was fun! FF student

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.

The program afforded me the opportunity to make friends, acquire college credits, and familiarize myself with the campus. I had a great time. FF student

Dining Services

Residential students enjoy meals in a designated dining hall or at various on-campus eateries. Lunch is not provided on Saturday, August 3 or Saturday, August 10. Students must buy their own meals in Washington, DC. Residential students receive two electronically encoded meal cards.

Terrapin Express Card: For lunch, Monday–Friday, various on-campus eateries.
Dining Hall Card: For breakfasts and dinners.

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.

It was a great experience. My daughter is glad she came as she got a start on her credits, made friends, got familiar with the campus, and now knows what is expected of a successful college student. FF parent

Computers

A computer is not required of students, but use of a computer is necessary for success in most courses. There are many computer labs located all across the campus. Most residential students, however, prefer the convenience of having their own computer in the comfort of their room. All resident hall rooms are setup for network access. Each residential student has a separate Ethernet data port in their room. Broadband internet access is provided through the University’s campus network. Standards and computing needs will vary from individual to individual. For complete information on what you need to bring to successfully connect your computer, see below. If you have questions, contact the Student Help Desk: 301-405-1400.

Connecting Your Residence Hall Computer: click here
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 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.

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.

Mail

If someone is sending you a letter or package, use the following address:

Your name - Attn: Summer Guest
Freshmen First Program
Hall Service Desk
University of Maryland
College Park, MD, 20742