University of New England
Biddeford, ME, USA

Reviews

University of New England

Megan from Biddeford, ME

a current student here
21 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
The classes are usually about the size of high school classrooms, the teachers will know your name and will make sure you know of office hours. Don't be surprised if they give you their home phone number!
Am enjoying being here
There is an extracurricular activity for every major, athlete, or interest. If there is something that isn't offered that you want, the college is open to new ideas and programs. We are also 10-15 minutes away from shopping centers and a 5 minute walk from the beach.
Bang for the buck
It's true that this school is pricey, but there are scholarships available. The teachers are usually of high quality, the food is pretty good, the dorms are liveable, and it's an all-around good school.
Tips for prospective students
Watch out for housing, new dorms are being added but it is still pretty tight. Seniors must live off campus, and sometimes students still are put on waiting lists for housing. If you're a marine biology student, like me, don't count on being able to work at the Marine Science Center because a lot of kids want to work there and there is limited availability.
Great for these types of students
Science or health majors, those who want smaller class sizes, suburb dwellers,beach people, people who don't mind snow & wind-chill.

Evan from Woodstock, CT

a current student here
14 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
Like every new school year, I was a little nervous about what the classes would be like in college. At UNE, the class sizes are small, much like high school. The work is challenging, yet not daunting. I have great relationships with my professors, who all make themselves easily accessible in case I need to reach them. I am enrolled in the pre-physicians assistant program and I am proud to report I have made the Dean's list for the first semester.
Am enjoying being here
From day one, the welcome committee, made me feel like I belonged here. The students are very friendly and helpful. My roommate and I get along like we've been best friends for life. There is always something going on on the campus and now when I go home to visit, I can't wait to get back to school! There are lots of clubs and activities.
Bang for the buck
Although private colleges do cost more than state schools, the benefits are enormous. First of all, as I said, the classes are very small and personal. No huge lecture halls. The classes are taught by professors, not teaching assistants. I have a friend who attends a state school. She has to pay for her laundry services, I don't. And when we were comparing notes regarding the whole application and enrollment process, UNE was very communicative every step of the way. The state school doesn't seem to take the personal interest in each student that UNE does. In addition, as a reward for not bringing a car on campus, I received a brand new bike. UNE is helping the environment with this incentive. I love biking around campus and exploring the area.
Tips for prospective students
If you want to go to a school that is focused on the success of each and every student, UNE is a great place to be. You have to find a school that fits you. If you love the outdoors, the campus is beautiful. It is on the bank of the Saco River where it meets the Atlantic. I fish about 100 yds from my dorm! I would recommend that anyone whose academic interests meet what the school has to offer, come to the school and meet with the helpful and friendly staff and enjoy the sights of the campus.
Great for these types of students
This school is for students who have an interest in medical fields or marine biology. If you work hard as a student, your hard work will pay off here, and you will not be just another number in the crowd.

Geneva from Palos Heights, IL

a current student here
10 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
The courses are designed to challenge you to every extent. Teachers use up the time they have to teach you new and exciting things, sometimes they do go over. The classes here do help you thrive in the real world, especially with getting job in your field or going to graduate school.
Am enjoying being here
I really love it here, everyone is so nice and friendly, plus there is something to do every weekend in the campus center. There are many things on sale at the local box office, with major student discounts. There is plenty of school spirit on campus, and security. No, not security as in police, I mean as in you feel safe. It is an expanding campus, but its character is held by its staff and faculty.
Bang for the buck
You definitely get your money's worth. It makes you study hard and work hard. Every one's money goes for something better within the college, and the classes for you. We have the LAC, which if you need tutoring you can go there. They have almost all subjects there. There is the fitness center, Starbucks coffee, multicultural lounge, festivities, the poo, an athletics center, the marine science center, the medical building, and free printing.
Tips for prospective students
Make sure you study no matter what, if you like to party that's fine, just keep your grades up.
Great for these types of students
Hardworking, Athletic, and Challenge based students.

Katherine from New Bedford, MA

a current student here
7 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
A great university with a very close knit community. UNE is a great place for undergraduate research, or to pursue the marine sciences. In addition we boast a beautiful campus and the number one return on investment in Maine.
Tips for prospective students
Join as many clubs as possible.
Become friends with your professors, more than often the professors are understanding people about any personal issue that may affect your school work but they won't help if they don't know who you are.
Use the Student Academic Success Center as much as possible, they are knowledgeable on most classes you will be taking and can be so helpful, even if you just need to work on study skills.
Sports games are a great place to meet new friends!
Come to campus events, and provide feedback on what you liked/didn't like/ would want for other events. Believe it or not we listen to you.
Definitely talk to someone in your intended major and scope out the campus.
Academic Rigor
Classes are definitely rigorous here, but classes are generally less than 30 students unless they are the major science classes which cap at about 60. Professors are great about trying to help if you are struggling too!
Dorm Life
Upperclassman dorms are great, and freshmen dorms are slightly older. We have been renovating the freshman dorms, so the quality of living in them has gone up significantly over my time here.
Definitely leave your door open, it's pretty easy to make friends on your floor if you do.
Food and Dining
There are multiple places to eat on campus, including Decary, the main dining hall which is buffet style with multiple meal choices.
Personally I don't think the food is bad at all, but some students aren't a fan.
What to do for fun
Attend events! Whether it be a game for one of our teams, an event put on by the Activities Programming Board, or one from the Resident Student Life Association, or any of the other clubs and groups including Outdoor Recreation. We also have an on campus beach for the warmer months. Campus has two gym facilities if that's your thing and the one at the campus center has a pool.
Bang for the buck
UNE is currently rated number one for return on investment, as a private college where you're getting a great education, the price is fair. The school offers great financial packages, but room and board prices are a little high.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
We dedicate the month of April as Gaypril, during Gaypril there is a drag ball and a drag show, usually with a past contestant from Ru Paul's Drag Race. This isn't unusual as much as unique.
Right before finals each semester we also have events intended to help you relax run by the Activities Programming Board or the Resident student life association
Great for these types of students
Those looking for research opportunities, or interested in the marine sciences or medicine. Also those with a strong work ethic
Clubs and Activities
There is a club for EVERYTHING. Knitting to Rugby to the Alliance our LGBTQ+ club. And if we don't have it you can create a club for it. All you need is a few friends and an advisor.
The Women's Rugby Captain and President started Rugby as a club her sophomore year, after just a few years we are now going to be varsity in 2015-16

Check out Clubs and Orgs here: http://www.une.edu/studentlife/biddeford/involvement-activities/clubs-and-organizations
Greek Life
None.
Campus Safety
Security is always patrolling around, they have been known to stop in front of students who look distressed to make sure they are okay. We also have blue lights across campus. Personally I feel very safe.

Emily from Rockland, ME

a current student here
6 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
The school has a program called the LAC which is the learning assistance center and it is of great help. The professors are always willing to make a meeting but for that extra boost to your grade the LAC is there for tutoring, paper editing and any type of academic help you can ask for.
Am enjoying being here
The campus is amazing! The view is beautiful. The campus sits on a variaty of beaches which are available for student use, and is directly on the Saco River. The campus center has a lot of programs to keep you entertained on the weekends. The campus is involved in the sport programs and there are great classes like Zumba and kick boxing available at no cost.
Bang for the buck
Although the cost is more than many of us can afford, the campus life, the classes, the professors, and the help are all worth the cash.
Tips for prospective students
Keep informed, ask a lot of questions. Even if you think there isn't enough money to attend keep in contact with the financial office here at UNE. There are always options. The campus and school is very specific, by this I mean you either love it or you hate it. The campus is beautiful and the students are very trusting and welcoming.
Great for these types of students
This school is definitely for those students that want to get involved with over 100 different clubs and many opportunities to start new ones that interest you. The school is very open to the students and willing to take ideas and turn them into a reality. The school is very willing to help with classes but, like any college it is on the student to push to succeed, there are no free rides here.

Anna from Arlington, VA

a current student here
6 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
Classes are usually small, even entry level courses. The small size allows for personalized attention from teachers and makes it easier to approach your professors for help. The required institutional courses allow for a more rounded education and gives you a chance to experience great classes that you never would have tried. Also there are lots of chances to do research as an undergraduate student, giving you real life experience.
Am enjoying being here
The location of the campus is very enjoyable, you can't beat being on the beach. All lot of the time there are activities put on by clubs or sports games to attend. The housing situation is decent, at least once you get out of the freshman dorms. The biggest problem is the dining hall, there are not a lot of options and the food is usually not the best.
Bang for the buck
The school is relatively expensive but a lot of people are offered scholarships, mostly for high school academics that are set up for four years. Being able to do research as an undergrad is really the biggest benefit to coming to this school. Sometimes some of the administrative decisions are not the best but the education is really what it's all about.
Tips for prospective students
Make sure you visit and if possible visit with your department chair. Spending time with someone in your prospective department really gives you a chance to see what's going on and what is expected of you as a student. Also if you are interested in doing research meet with a professor who is working on something you may want to help with.
Great for these types of students
Marine Biology majors, Medical students, students interested in a small tight-knit community

Amy from Biddeford, ME

a past student here
5 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Did learn a lot
I had many great teachers in three years that I spent here upon transferring. Some of the classes I got to take like gross anatomy are not often offered to undergraduate students, but they are here due to the medical school. I also had the opportunity to take classes outside my major like the art requirement that allowed me to explore my interests more in depth.
Did enjoy being here
The setting is gorgeous! My favorite time of day was breakfast in the upper cafe mostly because not many people were up yet and it over looks the water. In the winter time with the snow and some ice coating the water its like a Norman Rockwell painting,
Bang for the buck
Definitely worth the education and contacts that I made. I was able to travel to another country to study corals in their natural habitat, go to international research conferences to present research, and act at the local theater with UNE's theater group. However UNE can be stingy on financial aid.
Tips for prospective students
Ask for more money in your aid packet they will usually try to find it especially if your a strong student.
Great for these types of students
Artsy, surfers, aquatic, animal lovers, healthcare focus

Kayla from Clifton Park, NY

a current student here
4 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
The University of New England is definitely a great college. The connections I have made in my one year are incredible. Everyone here is very helpful, and they offer many resources for you in order to make sure you succeed.
Tips for prospective students
Take advantage of all the resources offered to you, they really help!
Academic Rigor
Classes are small, and focused. Professors challenge you as a student here at the University of New England. They push you to do your best.
Dorm Life
Dorms are comfortable and welcoming. Everyone is really friendly, and it is easy to make friends. The quality of the dorms are fantastic.
Food and Dining
Sodexo does a fantastic job supply food for the University of New England. We have multiple choices for meals every day, and they even offer multiple places on campus to eat.
What to do for fun
Attend the events! Whether it be a sporting event, or an event put on by the Activities Programming Board, Resident Student Life Association, or any of the other clubs and groups including Outdoor Recreation, get out there and be active! There is always something to do to keep yourself busy.
Bang for the buck
Tuition just increased, but I think as a private college where you're getting a great education, the price is fair. The school offers great financial packages, but room and board prices are a little high.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
The University of New England is located right on the Saco River which opens down the street into the Atlantic Ocean. The beaches, points, and docks are all great places that are unique to our school.
Great for these types of students
Students interested in the health and science fields, especially in Osteopathic Medicine should definitely keep the University of New England in the back of their minds. As a Neuroscience major, I also find that the Psychology Department is one of the best around, as well as Marine Biology.
Clubs and Activities
There are clubs ranging from knitting to rugby. Anything you can think of, you can find here at the University of New England.
Greek Life
No Greek Life that I'm aware of.
Campus Safety
Blue lights and security are around at all times of the day. This is definitely the safest campus I visited on my college tours, and I have never once felt threatened at my time here.

Sophie from Hamilton, MT

a current student here
3 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
You WILL fall in love with the location. The University is harder to stay in than it is to get in, so be prepared to be challenged! UNE is full of many different types of people, but most of us strive to help others.
Tips for prospective students
Don't be afraid to ask for help. College can be intimidating at times, and you don't have to be alone. Try EVERYTHING. The University offers many opportunities to have fun, participate in new activities, and meet people. I recommend that you give everything at least one try. It is unrealistic for you to like everything you participate in. However, if you try everything you will find those few things that are important to you. Most people who are unhappy just haven't tried hard enough.
Academic Rigor
I will actually give UNE a 4.5. I'm sure it depends on the major you are in, but UNE isn't easy. The classes are challenging, but there is still time for a life outside of schoolwork. The sciences at UNE are outstanding. The learning is extremely rewarding and applicable. Our professors are amazing. The majority of them put in countless hours preparing for their classes and they show much interest us. They learn our names and stories. The education received at UNE is not something people regret. UNE prepares it students for the workforce and the life ahead of them.
Dorm Life
The first year residence halls are not anything special. Like many other schools, it is usually a little cramped. However, the experience of first year living is something people never forget. People make a lot of friends and many more acquaintances by living in the dorms. UNE students are fairly serious about academics, so there is not a whole lot of partying that takes place in the dorms. However, students of all kinds can find the type of fun that they are looking for. One thing that is fabulous about UNE dorm life if the upperclassmen living. Once students are sophomores, they get an automatic upgrade into a suite. Its like a small apartment that you share with usually only three other people. The suites are beautiful and clean. In addition, our seniors usually move down the road to beach house winter rentals. Local community members rent to UNE students for fairly cheap. Its a deal that you will probably never get again.
Food and Dining
The food at UNE varies. We have five different places to eat on campus, one of which is a main dining hall. The other four small eateries are usually pretty good. They offer a pretty wide variety of options. The dining hall can sometimes be disappointing, especially if you are eating there three times a day. The dessert is always good though! I recommend switching it up as much as possible. If you eat at the same place every day, multiple times a day, you are bound to get sick of it. Remember that you are not restricted to the school's food. Order delivery for a change. There are many different restaurants that deliver to UNE, like thai, sushi, and pizza. Also, get off campus! Take the bus or rent the Zipcar to try out some of Southern Maine's local cuisine. It is one of the best parts of UNE's location.
What to do for fun
Get involved with one of UNE's 70+ clubs and organizations. Its just something that everyone should do at college. Go on an outdoor recreation trip. There are many activities from sea kayaking to dog sledding to ice climbing that you can participate in at UNE. Its all free so why not take advantage of it? Go to some of the club sponsored activities on campus. I recommend RSLA's Sex Show and APB's Bingo (they give out TVs and iPads etc)! Go to the beach. UNE has a beach on campus, and during the Fall Semester there are quite a few beach friendly days. Again, TRY EVERYTHING.
Greek Life
There is no Greek Life at UNE.
Campus Safety
UNE is an extremely safe campus. We are six or so miles down the road from town, so we don't get a lot of through traffic. Campus Security is patrolling 24/7 and we have on campus emergency call systems in place. Campus is so safe, that some students joke security needs more to do so they won't give out parking tickets.

Brittany

a current student here
3 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
Whether it be inside the classroom or out, there is always someway to learn. Even extra curricular activities help you learn, like the Ocean Club, and MARC.
Am enjoying being here
I love being here! The campus is just the right size, not too small, but not too big. Its a beautiful campus too. There is the beach right on campus that you could take a walk on if you are having a bad day or just want to enjoy the scenery. There is also local Biddeford pool, and Downtown Biddeford where they are places to shop. Portlands also only about 30 minutes away.
Bang for the buck
Although the school is a bit pricey, it is worth it, the teachers are great and are always willing to help, whether it be with homework or with something non school related.
Tips for prospective students
Make sure you get as much help as you can with finding financial aid. The school is willing to help with quite a bit too, so make sure you apply for scholarships from the school.
Great for these types of students
Everyone. This campus has a ton of different people, to the very studious type to people who tend to want to have more of a good time. Science majors mostly attend this school, but we do have a few art and English majors as well.