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.

The English Conversation Partners Program 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.

Join us on Thursdays throughout the Spring semester for an opportunity where UMD’s international students and scholars can meet and engage with staff and other students at the university. Everyone is invited, look for more information when you arrive!

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 (Archery club, Amature Radio Association, etc.)  Links include emails of student organization presidents, feel free to reach out now to get involved early!

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.

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.

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

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 here.

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. One "insider secret" is that RecWell also offers awesome (and inexpensive) Adventure Tips to various destinations!. Sign up early, they fill up quickly!

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. Whether you just want to see a game or become a wholehearted Maryland Terps fan, get all your UMD athletics information here.

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.

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 and in the community.

Various organizations on campus also organize trips that help you explore the local area. Look out for announcements! Events are published in our ISSS Newsletter that you will receive weekly as well as our Facebook and Twitter pages. Make sure to like and follow us to stay informed.

Students should review this page for complete information on UMD COVID-19 Vaccination requirements. The 4Maryland website can help you with your covid-related questions. For vaccine specific questions and to upload your proof of vaccination, please check the UMD Health Center’s website here.

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