Definitely hit up the gym. It is free for students and for only $50 you can get a group fitness pass. The classes are great and a good workout. The bookstore gives out free coupon books at the beginning of each semester so make sure you get one because the coupons for pizza delivery are great.

It's a university so it is a great place to get a degree.

The school is cheaper than a private college, yet the credits transfer. Compared to state schools tuition is only about 3,000 dollars more, but many of the credits from state universities and most of the credits from community colleges aren't accepted at other schools. It's one of your cheapest investments for actually credible credits.

I may complain about what kind of money I have to spend all the time, but when I remember to make the most of my college experience, I realize it's not that bad at all. If you spend your time locked up in your room, complaining to your friends that life sucks, then yea, it's going to suck. But once you get out, take a fun class that has nothing to do with your major, meet some awesome people, go to events that you didn't think you'd like, do an undergrad research, become an intern, attend some cool lectures by visiting speakers, or go to a play, and you'll find out that there's so much more to college than just getting a piece of paper that says you survived.

It's college. None of them are cheap! But UMD has won awards nation-wide for their academic programs. You'll get more bang for your buck than you could have expected. Awesome classes and professors make it well worth the money. And there are always scholarships available!