Frequently Asked Questions
Are first-year students required to live on campus?
Yes. For more information about campus living, click here.
How do I get the best possible room assignment?
Students who apply for housing and confirm admission before May 1 have priority for housing assignments – including roommate requests, LLC preference, and do not run the risk of being assigned to a temporary triple!
How many students stay on campus on the weekends?
UMaine isn’t a suitcase campus. Most students stay in Orono on the weekends because there are many entertainment options on campus and off.
How safe is campus?
Very. Members of the University of Maine Police Department patrol campus 24 hours a day with at least two officers at any given time. UMaine offers a program called walking companions where two students will walk you to your dorm at night. All residence halls are locked 24 hours a day.
How many classes are taught by teacher’s assistants?
Not many. Professors teach most UMaine classes, with the exception of English 101 and Calculus I. TAs lead labs and run study sessions.
What is the average class size?
While some introductory classes enroll 100 or more students, the average class size for 100-level courses is 42 and half of the lectures and seminars have 23 or fewer students The labs for science classes typically enroll less than 20. UMaine’s 200-level courses usually top out around 30; 300-level courses range from 15 to 35; 400-level courses typically have six to 12 students. Our average student-faculty ratio is 15:1.
What is the party scene like?
We’re not going to touch this one, but let’s just say there’s so much to do here — every night — that we’ve won national awards for our non-party scene.
How easy is it to talk to a professor?
Very. UMaine professors are known for working closely with undergraduates. In addition, they have office hours and often are willing to meet with students outside those office hours.
What is Greek life like on campus?
Active. Greeks make up as much as 12 percent of the student body — one of the highest percentages in New England. We have 18 fraternities, seven sororities and two Greek service organizations. Our Greek system is mostly community-service based, so you can toss those “Animal House” stereotypes out the window.
Can first-year students have cars?
Yes. Student parking permits cost $50 per year. It is way easier to get a parking permit than it is to find a good parking space on campus. Many students use the Black Bear Orono Express, a free shuttle from campus that runs back and forth from downtown Orono to campus. Many students also take the BAT bus, which travels to Bangor, Veazie, Orono and Old Town — UMaine students get free bus passes.
Can students have pets on campus?
If by pets, you mean fish, yes. Otherwise, no. So leave your gerbil/hamster/ferret/boa constrictor/cat/teacup chihuahua at home.
What is a land-grant/sea-grant university?
Good question. Land- and sea-grant universities were created by the Morrill Act, signed into law by Abe Lincoln in 1862. It gave land to states to create public universities so “average sons of average citizens” could learn the “agricultural and mechanical arts” and military sciences. UMaine offers all that — and way more — today. Oh, and these days, we call the mechanical arts “engineering.”
Do UMaine’s residence halls have triple rooms?
What are winters like here?
Tropical. Just kidding. They’re cold and snowy, but despite what you may have heard, UMaine is not the Arctic tundra. Campus is really beautiful in the wintertime, and very fun.