Resources for New Students
Welcome to UMBC!
We’ve listed below a few important first steps to help make your transition to UMBC as easy as possible. We also encourage you to read about important Post-Orientation Steps and learn more about Graduate Life at UMBC.
If you need assistance, contact the Graduate School at 410-455-2537 or umbcgrad@umbc.edu or visit our offices in the Administration Building, second floor.
Check-in with your department and advisor
Check in with Financial Aid Office (domestic students only)
Obtain a campus myUMBC computer/e-mail account
Obtain a temporary shuttle bus pass
Register for classes
Attend the appropriate Fall or Spring orientation events
Check in with the Office of International Education Services (international students only)
Obtain a Social Security number (international students only)
Participate in our new student survey
Locate housing
Learn about permanent housing options in the Graduate Life section of this website. There are also a very limited number of rooms available on campus from August 6-20 for students moving from outside the area, to give you time to secure permanent housing. For information about this temporary housing, contact Frank Axell (410-455-2591) in the Office of Residential Life, before arriving in Baltimore!
Check in with your department and advisor
Let your department know you are here. Get information about the departmental/program new-student orientation. Schedule a meeting with your advisor to discuss classes for which you should register. If you do not have an assigned advisor, contact the graduate program director in your department for instructions. If you are a Graduate Assistant, complete and sign the tuition remission forms in your departmental office.
Check in with Financial Aid Office (domestic students only)
If you are receiving financial aid, contact the Financial Aid Office (Library, pond side) or check out their website. Be sure to identify yourself as a graduate student! Submit all your financial aid forms on time.
Obtain a campus myUMBC computer/e-mail account
You may obtain your campus computer/e-mail account by going to the Office of Information Technology Web site (under creating a myUMBC account). If you experience problems, call the OIT Helpdesk (410-455-3838). Even if you prefer using another e-mail account, you must obtain the UMBC account and follow instructions on the OIT site for forwarding UMBC e-mail messages to another electronic address.
Obtain a temporary shuttle bus pass
If you have not yet registered for class or have proof that you are a UMBC student, you will need to obtain a temporary pass to ride the campus shuttles.
Register for classes
After consulting with your advisor and getting your e-mail account, you can now register for classes online through myUMBC by following directions on the Registrar's Web site. The Schedule of Classes is available online. You must register by the 10th day of classes.
Attend the appropriate Fall or Spring orientation events
The scheduled Orientation for new students is available on this web site.
Check in with the Office of International Education Services (international students only)
Counseling on immigration-related matters is conducted through this office. International students should report to John Lorch, IES , Administration Building, room 224, as soon as possible after arriving on campus. Bring your passport, I-20, and I-94.
Obtain a Social Security number (international students only)
If you are a Graduate Assistant, you are required to have a Social Security number (SSN). If you are not working, a SSN is not required while you are a student, and you may continue to use your UMBC student ID number. Information about obtaining an SSN will be available during new student orientation. Information and directions to the Social Security Administration offices in Columbia, MD, are available from the International Education Services Office, on the 2nd floor of the Administration Building.