Mark your calendar!

Research has shown that students who get involved at their university and feel a commitment to it are more likely to graduate. We know that this is true at the University of Maryland as well. The largest involvement event of the year is the First Look Fair. The First Look Fair is a large event that takes place on the McKeldin Mall each Fall. This year it is September 15-16 from 10am-2pm on each day. Approximately 500 clubs and organizations and local vendors show up to give away free items and to recruit you to their organizations. Offices will showcase their services and sometimes you can even find job opportunities (like being an Orientation Advisor, www.bethemost.com). 

Make sure you mark your calendar to show up to the event for a couple hours and look around. At the least, you will see what Maryland has to offer and get a few free pens. 

Go Terps!

Now hiring: New Transfer Student Orientation Staff Members

Did you have a good time at your orientation?
Did you have a BAD time at your orientation?
Do you want to make a difference at your university?
Do you want to meet the best friends you will have at this university?

Then BE THE MOST. And be an Orientation Staff Member. We want transfer students like you!!!!

Visit www.BeTheMost.com to learn more about being an Orientation Staff Member and apply.

Applications are due October 4th for Summer 2011!!

This is guaranteed to be one of the most transformational summers of your life.

BroTransfers

This is a guest post from a transfer student who is working as an Orientation Advisor this summer.

Hi! My name is Scott Raileanu and I am a Jewish Studies major in the Arts and Humanities College here at UMD.  I actually transferred here and love it so much that I signed up to be an Orientation advisor so that I can help freshman and transfers adjust to life at University of Maryland. But being a transfer student is a bit different from a freshman and there was one topic that was a little tricky when I got here…

So as a transfer student coming to Maryland as a third year sophomore, pretty much too old for Frats but still looking for a solid social scene to enjoy my two or three years here, I wanted to talk about what ways are the best for male transfer students to find a group of guys to chill with. Because lets face it, you can go up to a girl and ask her number or for a drink or grab a bite but when it comes to creating a guy friendship it can sometimes be a bit tricky.

When I transferred this past fall, my first concern was housing.  Maryland is notorious for having difficult and sometimes very expensive housing options.  And as transfer you’re coming into the market late when all the pickings are slim.  So I chose to live in the TEP frat house on college and Dickinson.  It was a cheap place ($610) and I thought it would instantly give me some guys to chill with.  There were some good guys but just didn’t turn out to be my type of social scene.  So I was faced with a dilemma.  I had my classes, books, job, and bus schedule figured out, but when it came down to going out to eat or grabbing a drink or just having some guys to go play a game of pick-up basketball I was in a bit of trouble.

So during my semester and a half here I have figured out a few places where guys can meet guys and not seem overly weird -- just make some guy friends.  So don’t underestimate the reason why you’re here in the first place: Class.  In each class there are going to be guys that have to suffer and study just like you.  Grab a seat and strike up a quick conversation before class about the homework readings or the paper or exam you just had.  It gives you a quick way to just talk about something and use your class as a way to get to know somebody.  See if you can create a study group, swap phone number and after studying ask if anyone wants to catch late night at the diner with you.

Next, go to an Intramurals or a club sports team’s informational meeting.  Don’t be shy, you know you used to be all conference JV point guard.  Show up to the meeting, stand up when they call out the free agents (aka people who don’t know anyone to form a team with) and join a team that you can meet weekly with and play some cool sports.  It’s a win-win; you meet friends and get to have some healthy competitive sports activity.

If sports aren’t your style, maybe try a club you have a hobby in.  There plenty of guys in acapella groups, religious groups, environmental groups, terps for change, and many more.  Any of these clubs is eager for more members and who knows maybe get a board position in a semester or two and now you’re really cooking.  All of these options are available to students and the biggest obstacle that usually gets in a guys way is himself.  Don’t worry about trying something new, Hell! You’re the one that wanted to transfer in the first place!

So make the most of it, go out for a team or a hobby that you are comfortable doing and can contribute.  Shake some hands, ask for some pointers, and just be you.  All of these will help you make a friend and create a social group.

Any thoughts on other places to meet some guys? Share you ideas

Orientation!!!

Transfer students often wonder why they have to attend an Orientation Program at UMD. You've already been to another university or college, right? You know how to take classes, how to park your car, how to study and join a club, right?

Well, not so fast. You may know how to do all those things and more at your previous institution, but things at UMD are a bit different.

Our Orientation Program sets you up for success for your first few weeks of school so that you can continue to utilize the other resources on campus for the rest of your tenure on campus. The Orientation Program has its foundation in literature on the transfer student experience. This literature comes from national studies conducted by the leading researchers on these subjects as well as literature from a campus working group that surveyed the transfer population in 2005. Based on this information, we have formulated a program that we think provides just the right amount of information for our new transfer students.

We go over how to get involved on campus including using our STARS website (www.stars.umd.edu) and utilizing the many resources in the Adele H. Stamp Student Union- Center for Campus Life. We talk about off-campus housing options and services, safety on campus, how to register for classes, we provide you with a quick tour of some important hot spots and more importantly, help you connect with students within your major and college.

We believe that you orientation experience will be a great one and we are excited that you are coming to join the Maryland Family!!

What questions do you have about UMD Orientation?