Today's Tip: Getting Connected at UMD

Campus life at the University of Maryland is vibrant, engaging, and offers Terps co-curricular experiences that foster personal and professional growth. Getting to know other students and finding a community on campus is one of the most important factors to a successful and enjoyable experience for new students, but it does take some initiative on your part. There are so many ways to get involved! You will discover more when you start taking classes and get to know the campus, but here are some ideas to give you an overview and a chance to start checking out what might interest you.

ISSS offers several ways to engage with new and current students!

English Conversation Partners Program

ECP brings together our UMD community from all over the world to engage in interesting discussions with each other. For ten weeks during the semester, participants (students, spouses, faculty, staff) meet in groups with a fluent English speaking facilitator.

To learn more about the ECP program, please view this informational video.

International Coffee Hour

Join us on Thursdays throughout the semester for an opportunity where UMD’s international students and scholars can meet and engage with staff and other students at the university. Our first spring coffee hour will be on Thursday, February 6th at 2:30pm.

The International Student Advisory Board

ISAB is a group of international student representatives selected to serve as a sounding board for ISSS and other campus units. Members are expected to foster and maintain strong relationships with international student organizations and UMD international students to understand their lived experience and challenges. In turn, members possess the ability to collect and share information as necessary. This board is solutions-oriented and seeks to empower students to develop solutions to the identified challenges of international students on our campus. New students are encouraged to apply!



Student Organizations

At UMD, we have over 300 student organizations and we are sure there is one for you. Browse additional student clubs and contact groups at TerpLink. There are too many to list but you might find groups formed by students from your home country, or look for student organizations that are aligned with your hobbies or professional goals. Links include emails of student organization presidents, feel free to reach out now to get involved early!

Second Look Fair

Mark February 8th on your calendar! That is the day UMD hosts the Second Look Fair, a day where students can explore the many clubs and organizations available. We recommend this event to every new Terp, it’s a great way to meet new people and see the multitude of ways to get involved.  

Campus Traditions

UMD has many traditions, visit the 20 “Must Do” actions items to complete before you graduate.  For every 5 items that you complete, you’ll receive a commemorative pin.  If you complete all 20, you’ll receive a Traditions keep medallion to wear at graduation. To get started on completing the UMD Bucket List, you will need to create a Portfolium account. Be sure to click Google and use your UMD email address to create an account.

Career Services

Are you interested in getting an on-campus job? An internship? Preparing yourself for your future job search process should start as early as your first semester. At UMD, we have Career Services professionals that are here to help you in developing a plan. These departments are equipped to facilitate the career exploration and job search process for undergraduate and graduate students. 

• University Career Center (all majors) 
• Engineering Career Services (Engineering)
• Business Office of Career Services (Business)
• Ph.D. students should review the Graduate School's Professional and Career Development Services site.

Leadership and Community Service Learning

Do you care about a certain issue and want to get involved or just want to give back to the community? Do you want to develop your leadership skills and get to know other students? LCSL programs create great opportunities for teamwork and friendship building. Find your fit here.

Good Neighbor Day

Every November the University of Maryland engages in Good Neighbor Day.  It’s a day UMD gives back to the community.  ISSS will share more information about this day as it approaches.

Graduate Student Life

The Graduate Student Life staff strive to build community among GradTerps, provide effective communications about available resources, and advocate for GradTerps throughout UMD. 



Check out the Terp Traditions book as a way to learn about and record all your favorite Maryland memories.

Office of Multicultural Involvement & Community Advocacy (MICA)

Interested in issues of race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, religion and their intersections? Learn about MICA's programs and services for students at UMD and see what diversity-related events are occurring on campus.

Recreation and Wellness

Stay fit and healthy through one of our many Campus Recreation & Wellness programs. Whether you want to join a sports team, work out, swim, or climb a rock wall, RecWell has something for you.

Cheer On Terp Athletics 

One of the many benefits of going to a Big Ten school is that you get to see outstanding sports teams right on your campus. Most athletic tickets are free, as the cost is covered in your activity fees. Whether you just want to see a game or become a wholehearted Maryland Terps fan, get all your questions answered from this UMD athletics information FAQ.

Engage Your Artistic Side

The Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center offers a wealth of opportunities to express yourself and see an array of performances! Many performances are free with your student ID.

Your Spiritual Needs

In the open, inclusive environment of many cultures and faiths, the Chaplaincies work collectively to serve the spiritual needs of the University of Maryland. The Chaplains, supported by and representing their faith communities, serve their faith traditions while demonstrating a unity that contributes to the rich diversity and quality of life at the University.

Have you completed your ISSS enrollment intent form?

On December 11, ISSS launched the “Intent Form” All students who have I-20/DS-2019 with a Spring arrival date are required to complete this form. The form was added to ISSS iTerp checklist. If you haven’t completed this form, please login to iTerp.



The due date is December 20th!

Winter Holiday Closure

ISSS will be closed for the winter break from Tuesday, Dec 24 - Wednesday, Jan 1. We will reopen with normal hours and services on Thursday, January 2, 2025.

If you have an emergency during this time please follow standard University emergency procedures by contacting the University Police Department at 301-405-3555 or visiting the ISSS Safety and Emergency Resource page.

Ask your questions via our Live Chat, available on our website Monday-Friday from 9-11 a.m. ET.

Schedule a Virtual Appointment with an ISSS advisor. Appointments can be scheduled under newly admitted students Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. and 1:30-3:30 p.m. ET.

By email: isss-admissions@umd.edu

Missed a Tip of the Week?

You can find previous Tips of the Week on our website!

We hope that you find these emails informative and helpful. You are receiving

them because you have been accepted to the University of Maryland for the Spring 2025 semester. If you do not intend to enroll at UMD, please inform ISSS via your iTerp checklist, your department, and either the Graduate School (graduate students) or the undergraduate admissions office (undergraduate students-please fill out this form) that you decline your admission.