University of Maine
Orono, ME, USA

Reviews

University of Maine

Ashley from Conway, NH

a current student here
35 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
The professors offer a lot of information in classes. Many professors have fantastic teaching techniques and are definitely worth while.
Am enjoying being here
There are many free on campus activities and things to do every night of the week. There are also many concerts and plays that cost money but are worth it.
Tips for prospective students
Tour the campus before deciding. It is quite large compared to other schools in Maine. Don't get the biggest meal plan, you won't need it. Make new friends, don't just stick with the old ones. Don't take bio 100 unless you have to. Order your books in the online bookstore before the semester starts. Make sure you get a MaineCard during orientation, or be prepared to wait 3 hours for one.
Great for these types of students
Party animals, athletes, social butterflies, people that like being around a lot of people, chemical free people, non chemical free people, people who like studying in quiet, out of state and country people, older people, commuters, people who have children, people who like morning classes, night classes, and online classes. Also people who like cold, snowy winters and muddy springs. People who want to make a lot of friends, friendly people, people who like good and bad food, people who like free on campus activities.

Sydney from Naples, ME

a current student here
14 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
I am currently in the Honors College which has not only improved my academics, but my views of the world and life itself. The University of Maine offers a variety of courses that allow me to learn a ton of new things. In order to get the most out of all that UMaine has to offer, one must apply themselves and take all the opportunities that are given.
Am enjoying being here
I have gotten involved in much that UMaine has to offer. I have danced on the dance team which performs at football games and other campus events. I have also participated in theater productions on campus. There are also intramural sports, dance clubs, and other academic clubs and student organizations on campus. Residence halls are always organizing activities for students to do as well. Near campus there are several night clubs for dancing. On Wednesday nights there is always a free showing of a recent movie. There's always something to do on campus!
Bang for the buck
Paying a lot for a school is really just paying for a brand name version of any product. UMaine is a public university and is on the low end as far as price is concerned, but it is a perfectly suitable for any student especially those who are not entirely sure what they want to do. Don't choose a college based on it's name or price. In the long run what matters more is the fact that you got a college education and enjoyed the environment you were in while doing it.
Tips for prospective students
Take advantage of all the school has to offer. Don't sit in your dorm all day doing nothing or you will be miserable. Go to class, teachers typically always ask questions on the exam about what they said in class. Take good notes, but don't write everything down. If you're having trouble in a class don't be afraid to ask for help. UMaine has many free tutoring programs on campus that you should take advantage of.
Great for these types of students
Those that love community, UMaine really is it's own community within the town of Orono. If you go to UMaine you can't be afraid of snow or cold weather. It does get really cold in the winter sometimes walking to class!

Stephanie

a current student here
8 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
UMaine is a very welcoming community that embraces diversity. It has a beautiful campus that is full of many activities to take part in. And UMaine is innovative, it is working hard toward many sources green technology and other research.
Tips for prospective students
College is life is much different, whether you've already been told this or not you can't expect to not work/study and get good grades. Put effort into what you are doing, you're working toward a major that you choose. The University of Maine has multiple options for majors, minors and even graduate level degrees. So what ever you are interested in UMaine can help you fin the right major for you.
Academic Rigor
The Classes at the University of Maine are very informative and challenge you as a student to think and work. The teachers are friendly and have impressive degrees, you are learning from so of the best here at UMaine. It is impossible to walk out of any of your classes without learning something. Based on your major the amount of classes you are required to take a semester can fluctuate but, if you make sure you take what is required of you and work hard the class won't be as bad. Make sure you keep up on your work though, the teachers are excellent and expect excellence out of you.
Dorm Life
First Years are required to live on campus, after that it is up to the student on whether or not they would like to continue living on campus. The dorms are great, in most cases it is two people to a dorm room. There are many dorm halls to pick from for both First year and upperclassmen. They even have themes to some of the dorms (i.e. substance free, outdoor adventure, honors, innovation, ect.) The dorm life is just wonderful, it is a great sense of community and just wonderful to live in.
Food and Dining
The University of Maine has the most dining options out of any of the colleges I looked at. There are three all you can eat dining halls on campus, and there are multiple markets, coffee shops, ect. We even have a restaurant on campus called the Bears Den. The food is really good and you have plenty of food options no matter where you go to eat on campus. The dining program here is also very suitable to any food allergy, vegetarian/vegan diets that any person may require.
What to do for fun
The campus is full of beauty in the landscape and building but it also filled with plenty of fun activities to take part in. The Union, which is the student center, hold dances, and different events of that such throughout the year, then there is also many concerts by the Bangor Symphony Orchestra, other artists, comedians, and more that perform in the Collins Center for the Arts, and every wednesday night there is a free movie playing. This is just a tiny bit of the thing to do on campus. There is much more to do around the UMaine campus and in the center of Orono, the perfect college town, or down the street in Bangor at the mall or anywhere else. UMaine is in the perfect location for no matter what you are looking for. It is that great campus, the perfect college town, the rural , and the suburban all in one!
Bang for the buck
The University of Maine is a state university so it is less expensive than going to a private school. As much as getting your bang for the buck, you get out what you put in. You can have the best college experience here or you could have the worst. UMaine has everything you need gives it all to you, just right at your finger tips. But it is up to you to make the experience and get what you want out of it.
Great for these types of students
UMaine is great for anyone! The school has lots to offer. Don't be looking to not put effort into your school work though, you have to keep up on that to get good grades. At UMaine you can make the most of your college experience.
Clubs and Activities
There are many music ensembles that are open to anyone on campus, theater productions, there are many sports teams, honors programs, miscellaneous clubs and organizations that you can be apart of. Literally there is something for everyone.
Greek Life
There is over 900 student in greek life on campus, 8 men’s fraternities or 7 women’s sororities. Greek life has been at UMaine since 1874 and is a big part of the school and to those who want to be involved in it. For many students it enhances there time here at UMaine and it is a great community. They support academic support/excellence, and show leadership in the community. Greek life can either be apart of your experience here at UMaine, or it does't have to be at all, it is up to the student. But greek life for many students here is a great experience.
Campus Safety
There are blue lights set up around the campus for a student to use if in need of the police . All you have to do is push the button and the campus police will come for you. RA's give the student the campus police number so if they need to call. The campus is really safe overall.

Nicholas from Gray, ME

a current student here
5 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Whether you are a stereotypical jock, party animal, nerd, or somewhere in between, you will fit right in with the University of Maine. The campus is pretty large, but not too overwhelming for first-year students.Overall, I love it here, even if it is a little far from home.
Tips for prospective students
While this school can be very fun, it is what you make of it. If you sit in your room all day you will not make many friends, or do very well in class. Get out there, get involved, and make friends with mutual classmates.
Academic Rigor
Again, this is what you make of it. I am currently a Biology student enrolled in the Honors Program. I have time to myself, but the classes are pretty rigorous. Studying and doing work is essential in each of my classes. However, for some students the classes are not nearly as difficult. It all depends on your schedule and intended major.
Dorm Life
Dorm life at Umaine is awesome. The RA's for the most part are cool people, and there are tons of first year students just like you trying to make friends. Literally stepping outside of your room will allow you to make three or four friends. The dorm size is decent, comfortably fits two, and there are no real ridiculous guidelines to follow (just don't have illegal operations going on in there).
Food and Dining
The food at Umaine dining halls are decent. It depends on your taste as well as the day of the week (certain days have different items), but there are marketplaces located on campus for those of you who just want a bowl of ramen or a hot pocket. Also, there are many pizza places located just off campus and they all deliver right to your dorm.
What to do for fun
Umaine is a class A athletic school, so if you're a sports fan there is a game pretty much every week here. Hockey is hands down the best, as the stadium fills up and gets loud, even if they're losing 5-0. Aside from that, there are tons of students willing to play video games, backyard sports, or anything else, you just gotta get out there and meet people!
Bang for the buck
Not entirely sure what this means, so I'm going to assume it means getting your money worth. Being a full time student at the moment, I couldn't really speak for myself. However, I know quite a few graduates who have made the most of their degree and currently have full time jobs.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
Buff Chic Wednesday (Unlimited buffalo chicken wraps at York dining hall). Rumble on the Hill (various competitions between dorms). Healthy High 5k (Run/walk on April 20th at 4:20 PM).
Great for these types of students
Anybody who enjoys being around other people, studying in groups, and having a fun/healthy learning environment.
Clubs and Activities
Tons of club/intramural sports, frats, sororities, computer/gaming clubs, as well as many pickup activities with people around campus.
Greek Life
Can't really speak for this as I'm not in a frat, but there are plenty of fraternities who are always willing to accept new pledges.
Campus Safety
Campus has it's own police department, with 24/7 patrol around campus. There are emergency stations on every corner and hardly anything happens on campus because of it.

Hayley from New York

a current student here
3 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
I have found solace at the University of Maine. Whether it be in class, in the student union, or even up in my favorite tree, I always feel like I'm part of something. Like they say, you're in a great place.
Tips for prospective students
Get involved right away, with as much as you can. Smile. Meet people. You'll enjoy college so much more if you're a part of something on campus. Also, study and do your homework. Grades are a big deal, and don't you forget it. Go to hockey games.
Academic Rigor
While challenging and time consuming, I'm keeping in mind that other universities might be much harder (like an Ivy League school.)
Dorm Life
I rate the dorm life so high because of my experience with it. You're close to your friends, you're close to your classes, and the RA's were excellent.
Food and Dining
You have to pick and choose what's healthy and what's not, but there's always something good to eat. I especially love Hilltops stir-fry.
What to do for fun
Clubs, hockey games, movies every Wednesday night, exploring with friends, hiking nearby... There's also volunteering opportunities and plenty of outdoor activities to keep anyone busy. Do your homework, though.
Bang for the buck
Apply for scholarships, especially if you live out of state. It's a great school and it's not too expensive, but it adds up. You'll get your moneys worth.
Great for these types of students
There's a place for everyone, whatever you were in high school. Except mean people. There's no place for them.
Clubs and Activities
I cannot repeat it enough times: get involved on campus. Join clubs. Go to meetings. Apply for the honor societies. Do these things because if you are, you'll have more friends. It's very gratifying to walk around campus and have 1 out of ever 3 people you see say hello to you. Also, joining the Alternative Spring Break program is one of the best decisions I've made since coming to the school.
Greek Life
I have a lot of friends who are a part of Greek life, and they love it. If I weren't so busy already I'd consider joining a sorority. They do good things, and the people who are a part of them tend to be pretty awesome.
Campus Safety
I've never been afraid walking across campus by myself at night. I think the only things you need to be afraid of are angry hockey fans and moose on the loose.

Kelsey from Orono, ME

a current student here
2 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Don't be afraid to speak your mind or fight for what you want. Nice people, very pretty. Prepare to be underwhelmed and overstressed.
Tips for prospective students
Get a tutor ASAP.
Academic Rigor
BIO 100 was awful, the other gen eds were challenging but as long as you stay on top of things you'll be fine.
Dorm Life
Depends on what dorm you're in, I was in a single in York and it was great.
Food and Dining
The menu got kind of repetitive, but it was good food.
What to do for fun
Order OHOP, go to hockey games, there are plenty of events happening on campus, get involved!
Bang for the buck
If I was an in state student I'd rate them higher.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
Maine day.
Campus Safety
VERY safe campus. I've walked across campus at ALL hours and have never felt unsafe.

Orono, ME

a current student here
2 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
As long as you actually go to your classes and pay attention you will learn a lot. the teachers really know there stuff and are usually very willing to help.
Am enjoying being here
I love the kids here, everyone is nice and easy to get along with. this is just part of the college experience however, the way the administration of the school is run plays a big role too. The administration here is sometimes reasonable, other times not. they also do go off of here-say when in trouble
Bang for the buck
The school is a great price for in-state students, not the best for out of state students. check your major though, some majors are eligible for northeast regional discount. basically if your state(if it participates) does not offer a major that the school has then you get pricing in between instate/out of state
Tips for prospective students
-Watch out for campus police, they love to mess with kids
-get on your RA's good side from the start. it helps a lot
-go to class
-take notes
Great for these types of students
As long as you are somewhat rugged and don't mind being far away from anything close to a big city.

Seth from Old Town, ME

researching this school
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
It's a great sized campus.
Most everyone is very nice and social.
UMO would be a great experience for the college life.
Tips for prospective students
Study hard and not last minute. Seek help if you need it. The library is the savior.
Academic Rigor
The are more difficult then most other schools in Maine
Dorm Life
Dorm life seems as though it is very social and fun. Not a lot of studying goes on there though.
Food and Dining
Great options for food and dinning even have several convenient stores on campus as well.
What to do for fun
All kinds of sports games throughout the year to attend. Plays, dance recitals, comedy acts, movie screenings and more. There is quite a bit to do for fun.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
The mall is a great place where people always gather in between and after classes. it's a just. There's always something going on there from people singing and playing guitar to walking the tightrope.
Clubs and Activities
There is all kinda of clubs and activities to join and attend
Campus Safety
They have their own personal campus police and police department. I'd feel pretty safe.

Caitlyn from Wilmington, DE

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
The University Of Maine has provided me with the opportunity to earn the degree that I wanted to earn while I have been able to enjoy some outdoor activities that I may not have otherwise been able to. By coming here from out of state I have been introduced to a new lifestyle for the better.
Tips for prospective students
Get Your Work done first and always go to office hours if you need it. The professors are really there for you.
Academic Rigor
As a Civil Engineering Major I am in some of the hard science and math classes but there is tutor programs provided by the University as well as more than willing professors and TA's
Dorm Life
I currently live in the Honors Complex in Penobscot. The RA's really are helpful in maintaining peace between everyone by having good policies as well as respect for you as a college student.
Food and Dining
Buff Chick Wednesdays at York is a must.
What to do for fun
Rock Climbing, Canoeing, Skiing, Hiking, Surfing, Running
Bang for the buck
Out of State is hard but with all of the facilities for students to use it makes it feel a little better.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
Nude Earth Day Bike Parade, Maine Day
Great for these types of students
Anyone Really is a big state university
Greek Life
Tons

Rhanmis from Lawrence, MA

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
University of Maine has become a real home for me. They are welcoming understanding and very spirited. I never thought college was going to be good for me but here i found a school i want to be apart of and want to graduate from.
Tips for prospective students
College passes by so quick make every moment of it. University of maine has many opportunities but they won't come knocking on your door, go out and join things, never live with regret.
Academic Rigor
The first semester for me was tough was just adapting to the school and was dealing with many things. The next semester i got level head planted my feet on the ground and got serious. College isn't so tough you just have to be responsible and actually go to class. The classes are great I'm in engineering some classes are tougher than the other but you will never stop learning.
Dorm Life
The first week of school are the best everyones getting to know each other and are very friendly. I got to know almost everyone in my dorm and plenty of other people. Its always great having friendly people to be around and people who are more than welcoming. They respect their surroundings and each other and thats always valued.
Food and Dining
They food is good but after a while you get tired of the same things. Although wednesdays are Buff chicken at York dining hall and that never gets tiring. the local food however gets a 5 star rating, although it isn't cheap OHOP is the best pizza ever.
What to do for fun
I play rugby, its a club sport thats very physically demanding but the people are great and we really are a team. I also became a gym nut i love exercising and living so close to the gym made no excuses. It is my escape and going to the pool with friends is always so fun. The pool has a whirl pool with a volleyball net and a sauna and a 20 people jacuzzi.
Bang for the buck
The school was tough on my wallet and my parents and it was very tough for me because i am an out of state student. However, after my first year i knew although my parents really didn't understand but this was the school i wanted to be at and i knew that it was worth the money
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
Maineday! Maine day is a day to always look forward to it. There are plenty of activities to do like oozball, which you just have to experience it yourself to find out.