A First-Year Student's impression of UMBC after 2 months

Brian Stevens reveals what it’s been like at UMBC as a first-year student:

So what has it been like to be a first year student at UMBC so far?

Stressful! Academic side has been intense. Student life and social aspect has been very enjoyable! Going to sports games, Open Mic Night, etc.

What has surprised you the most?

I expected the school work would be hard. I didn’t expect the diversity here. I went to a High School with no diversity. I like the diversity here from culture to every aspect of diversity.

What have you learned about yourself?

I am not as cultured as I thought I was – I went to a “hooka” night and didn’t know what hummus was – for example.

What has been great?

More free time and you are on your own. There is much more freedom. You get to be an adult.

What has been not so great?

1)Surprised by the party-side of things – more social life on campus than I thought based on orientation etc. 2) School spirit could be a lot higher! For example Football can be a focus for school spirit and we don’t have one.

How are things with your roommate?

My roommate is great. We are friends and we can talk about things late at night. We don’t always agree but we can use that to build each other up – he’s a junior and he knows the college experience and he can give me advice. It is a way to test what you know – it can either tweak what I think or make me change my mind. For example we had an interesting conversation about service – for doing service is it selfish or self-less. My roommate had a good point in our discussion that you need to be a bit selfish in order to keep a good work life balance so you can do a good job on the service you do.

Do you like your community in Erickson?

A lot! Love my floor, my RA and all the people on it! I’m on the Shriver floor. I could go to ANYONE on my floor if I had a problem. If I didn’t have the floor – I wouldn’t feel comfortable at UMBC.

Have you been able to eat healthy despite your diabetes?

No I am not eating healthy! (Interviewer here says “Uh, oh)…..Waffles, French fries, every type of potato product possible at True Grits. Got a whole full plate of food and my friend had to point out that everything on the plate was a potato product of some kind.

What have you learned the most about yourself in the last 8 weeks or so?

I procrastinate way too much if given the option! (Interviewer here asks – what are you going to do about that come finals??!) I realized it early – so I am aware and am doing everything I can to avoid it!

What helpful hints would you give to prospective students thinking about coming here?

UMBC is awesome if you are looking for a good academic environment with a great social environment. For a new student I would recommend living on campus. Living on campus gets you in on the environment gets you comfortable and lets you in on the social scene.

What are you most looking forward to about being home for the holidays?

I miss my family and want to see them. I miss my Dad’s cooking – it is the best. He makes shrimp scampi and steak and asparagus. For Thanksgiving I have it with all my family and everyone likes to cook. My uncle and aunt are the big cooks in the family. So, food is a big plus for traveling home for the holidays!