WELCOME TO THE UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND, COLLEGE PARK!
We are excited that you’ve chosen University of Maryland, College Park (UMD) and look forward to working with you as you prepare to join the Terp Community! Our New Student Orientation (NSO) program aims to provide you information about campus resources and services that will assist you in a successful academic and social transition to the University.
What happens at New Student Orientation (NSO)?
No matter what type of New Student Orientation program you attend, you will have the opportunity to meet with faculty and staff, connect with your peers and upperclassmen, become familiar with campus resources, and register for classes for your first semester. Each program has time dedicated to academic advising, in which you will have the opportunity to discuss prior learning credits, transfer credits, degree requirements, and more.
Click on the different types of New Student Orientation programs below to learn more.
Two-Day Overnight NSO
If students register for the two-day overnight NSO, they will spend the night in a traditional residence hall with a roommate, eat meals in a dining hall or the Stamp Student Union, visit the Eppley Recreation Center, explore essential campus spaces, and engage in fun community building activities.
** Overnight accommodations are not provided for family members or supporters. Only the student will stay overnight in the residence hall. College Park has many local hotels that welcome family members and supporters during NSO. The Office of Student Orientation and Transition does not affiliate with any specific hotels in the area. **
Two-day overnight NSO programs are only offered in the summer for incoming first-year students.
One-Day NSO
If students register for our one-day NSO, they will be guided by an Orientation Advisor to their academic advising session and have the opportunity to learn more about UMD from current students.
Online NSO
If students register for the online NSO, they can expect to meet and connect with an Orientation Advisor in the morning before their academic advising sessions. During this time, the OA will give the Terp Life presentation, which connects students to campus resources that will assist in a successful transition to UMD. Academic Advising colleges will welcome students with a Meet Your College presentation before they register for classes.
Online programs are typically reserved for our international or out of state students.
Now that you have learned about the different types of NSO programs, you can continue on to our First Year Registration & Schedules page. After registering for New Student Orientation, you should then begin to work on your First Year To-Do List, which needs to be completed at least one week prior to your NSO program.
If you have more questions about what happens during NSO, logistics or requirements, please contact us at 301-314-8217 or askorientation@umd.edu.