Frequently asked Questions
Am I able to see campus?
Yes, if you’re in the area and would like to drive though, please do! At this time we are unable to offer a formal in person campus tour, however we will be offering them as soon as possible
I’ve been accepted – what are my next steps?
If you decide to attend UMaine, there is a $175 Enrollment Confirmation Deposit to confirm your enrollment which goes towards tuition. Once the Deposit has been received and processed, you will receive more information regarding next steps such as submitting Immunization Records, taking an online Math Placement Exam and more.
Are you still available to answer questions?
We are still open! You can reach us at 207-581-1561 or at umaineadmissions@maine.edu. You may also schedule a phone appointment with one of our admissions counselors.
Will the orientation date be affected by this?
At this time we do not anticipate the orientation dates in June to be affected, and we will notify all admitted students in case there are any changes.
I plan on living on campus–what is the next step?
Please fill out your Housing Application on the housing website as soon as possible.
My high school is unable to provide an official final transcript.
We understand. For this year, we will accept final transcripts from counselors via email.
How can I pay my deposit online?
If you would like to pay the Deposit in your MaineStreet, login to your account. On the left hand side, click “Student Self Service” then click “Student Center”. On the homepage of your Student Center, look in the Finances section, and click the “Pay my Deposit” link. You will need to have your Pop Ups enabled.
I’m having trouble getting into MaineStreet, can you help?
We’re sorry to hear you’re experiencing issues with your MaineStreet Account! If you have previously activated your MaineStreet Account and cannot log back in, please follow this link to the IT site to reset your password. If you experiencing any additional issues accessing your MaineStreet account, please feel free to contact our IT Department. They can be reached at (207) 581-2506, or help@maine.edu and their hours are Monday – Friday 8AM – 4:30PM. You will need your Student ID # when you speak with them.
Will the enrollment deposit deadline be extended?
As of now, our May 1st preferred enrollment deposit deadline has not changed.
Can first-year students have a car on campus?
Absolutely! It is only $50.00/year for a parking pass.
I don’t have a car, how do I get around town?
UMaine students, faculty, and staff are provided FREE transit both locally in Orono and system-wide across the Bangor Metropolitan Area – including Old Town, Orono, Bangor, Brewer, Veazie, and Hampden. This service is brought by a partnership between the University of Maine, Town of Orono, City of Bangor – Community Connector.
The local transit is 30-minutes round trip around campus and frequented points in Orono. The system-wide transit offers students access to all of the Metropolitan Area. Wine and Dine at fine dining spots on Bangor and Brewer’s newly developed Waterfront. Check off your shopping list at Target, Walmart, Hannaford’s, and the Bangor Mall. Catch a flight at Bangor International Airport. Or grab a bus home at the Concord Line Bus Station. Ride FREE to all of these spots and more aboard the Community Connector.
For trip scheduling or additional information please call (207) 992-4670 or visit the Community Connector’s website at www.BangorMaine.gov/CommunityConnector.
How can I defer my admission?
Undergraduate students who are admitted to the University can defer their admission for up to one year. Students who choose to defer their offer of admission may request this to the Office of Admissions prior to the start of the semester along with a $175 non-refundable enrollment deposit. Students attending another college may not defer admission to UMaine, however they can submit a simplified reactivation form if they choose to transfer to UMaine within two years of submitting their initial application.
Why do I have to take a Math Placement Exam?
UMaine uses a math placement exam to determine which of UMaine’s math courses line up best with your math skills. It is an online exam in three parts.
How can I have my merit scholarship reevaluated?
If you have received a higher GPA or Test Scores that may qualify you for a higher merit scholarship than was previously awarded, please have official documentation showing that change submitted to our office. Then, send an email to umaineadmissions@maine.edu requesting a reevaluation of your scholarship based on the new information. Your emailed request will then be forwarded to our Merit Scholarship Appeal Committee. The Committee will review your request for additional support and you should receive communication from them within the next 2-3 weeks in regards to your appeal.
Can transfer students live in the residence halls?
Yes, UMaine also has a Transfer Living and Learning Community (LLC). The Transfer LLC is designed for students who are familiar with the concept of college, but are still new to UMaine, and benefit from a blend of programming that supports their development as upperclass students while also introducing resources that are unique to our campus.
Can transfer students with families live on campus?
On-campus housing for students with families (spouse, partner, and/or children) is available at University Park Family Housing. University Park is located in Old Town, one mile from the center of campus and adjacent to the wooded bike paths that link the campus with Old Town. Often referred to as U-Park, this housing community offers 48 one-bedroom units and 46 two-bedroom units.
How will my credits transfer?
If you are interested in learning about transfer credit you can check out our Transfer Credit Evaluation web page or make a Transfer Phone Appointment to talk with us about your college coursework.
I still have questions about transferring, is there someone I can speak with?
Yes, you can schedule a Transfer Phone Appointment to talk with us about your college coursework.
Are scholarships available to transfer students?
Yes, transfer students will be considered for merit-based scholarships at the time of admission. *This is not applicable for students who have already earned a bachelor’s degree.
I’ve been accepted as a transfer student, what’s next?
If you are planning on attending, your next step would be to confirm your enrollment. Confirmation deposits can be paid online using the “Pay My Deposit” link on your MaineStreet student center. Once confirmed, you can reach out to your registration contact to learn how your courses will apply to your UMaine degree program and enroll in classes. You can also view the transfer admitted checklist for more details.
I’ve applied to UMaine before, but never attended. What do I need to do?
Students who previously applied to UMaine but did not enroll within two years of the original date of application may request a reactivation of their application by completing a Request to Reactivate Admissions Application form. You can either fill it out online or obtain a print copy of the form. Students must also submit a official transcripts of all academic work that has been attempted since the application was first filed (most often this includes a final high school transcript and any college transcripts).
How do I know if a course will fulfill a UMaine General Education requirement?
The MaineStreet Transfer Course Equivalencies guide identifies the General Education requirement category in the far right column. The General Education requirement is described in the UMaine catalog.
When do I register for classes?
For the fall semester: Current students and new transfer students register in March and April based on the number of credits they have completed. For the spring semester: Current students and new transfer students register in November based on the number of credits they have completed. It is important to reach out to your registration contact as soon as you have been accepted to find out how to begin the process.
Who can help me register for classes?
We have specific transfer registration contacts for each intended major to assist you with course registration. To find who you should speak with specifically, please follow this link to our Transfer Registration Contacts page.
Where can I see my transfer credit report?
Official credit evaluation will be available in your MaineStreet account shortly after you have been accepted.
My high school is unable to provide an official final transcript.
We understand. For this year, we will accept final transcripts from counselors via email.
How can I check to make sure all my application materials are in?
A great way to track your application status and receipt of your materials would be online by visiting the MaineStreet portal. Application status is found by clicking on Student Self Service (located in the left hand column) and then clicking on Student Center. Once in the Student Center, you will find the To Do List on the right hand side. Once your application materials have arrived and are processed, the corresponding items will be removed from your To Do List. Additionally, if you click on the “details” section of the To Do List, it will show a new version of the list where all the items are hyperlinked. If you click on them, it will tell you what we are looking for and how to submit it.
Can my application fee be waived?
We are currently waiving application fees at UMaine! For more information about applying or to begin filling out an application, please follow this link to our site.
Do I need to apply separately for the Honors College?
You do not! Invitations to join the Honors College are sent out separately from the Honors College after the acceptance letter. If students do not receive an invitation, they are encouraged to send a message to Dean Weinauer explaining why they want to be part of the program, and why they think they would be a good fit. Those can be sent to honors@maine.edu or to 5727 Estabrooke Hall Room 146, Orono, ME 04469-5727.
I applied previously but didn’t end up attending- how do I re-apply?
We keep your application materials on file for two years after you have applied. If you applied within the last two years you can fill out a Request to Reactivate your Application. To find the Reactivation Form, please feel free to follow this link.
My high school is unable to provide an official final transcript.
We understand. For this year, we will accept final transcripts from counselors via email.
Are you processing applications?
Yes. All admissions functions except for on-campus programs are continuing to assist our prospective students with any questions they may have. Please contact us at 207-581-1561 or at umaineadmissions@maine.edu.
Am I able to see campus?
Yes, if you’re in the area and would like to drive though, please do! At this time we are unable to offer a formal in person campus tour, however we will be offering them as soon as possible
Is the Office of International Programs (OIP) open?
Yes, OIP is open and working tirelessly helping all our current and prospective students! Due to the worldwide health emergency situation, all our staff members are currently working remotely from their homes. We are still available for phone and video calls and would love to hear from students! We are happy to advise our new students on any topic related to studying and living at our campus. Email us at internationaladm@maine.edu, text us on WhatsApp at +12077358832, or call us at +1-207-581-3437 to schedule a time to chat with an OIP staff member.
Will there be a new student orientation?
We are currently planning to welcome all our new international students during the last week of August and conduct our annual 3-day orientation program as usual. We hope the public health situation will return to normal by July/August so we can welcome everyone in person. If that is not the case, we will offer a virtual orientation.
Can international students live on campus?
Yes, of course! Many international students enjoy living on campus because that gives them easy access to dining, classrooms, library, rec center and more of our great facilities. We are hopeful that the current worldwide health emergency will be resolved and our awesome housing and dining services will resume normal operations soon. Please make sure to read more about UMaine housing and how to sign up for housing and meal plans here.
Are there international grocery stores in the area?
Orono is a cozy college town located in the heart of Maine and we are happy to be home to Layla international market which offers a wide variety of international foods and halal meats. Also, right next door, in the city of Bangor (10km away from campus) there are many popular American supermarkets like Target, Walmart, Hannaford, and others. Another popular grocery store is the Natural Living Center, also located in Bangor, that offers a wide variety of international foods and spices. On the weekends, many students travel to Maine’s biggest city of Portland, known as one of “Top foodie cities in the US”, where they shop at many ethnic stores and enjoy meals at a wide variety of unique restaurants.
Is halal food offered?
Yes! We are happy to let you know that York Dining Hall at UMaine offers a halal dish every night.
When will I receive my I-20?
We are continuing to process applications and mail admission packets with I-20 forms as soon as they are ready. We mail most of our admission packets using FedEx priority service with tracking and most students receive their packets in less than a week. Contact us at internationaladm@maine.edu with any additional questions.
If my country has been affected by COVID-19, will I still be allowed to attend UMaine?
The whole world is dealing with this pandemic and we are very hopeful that all travel restrictions will be removed well before we begin the Fall semester. Please know that UMaine welcomes students from around the world every year and we plan to do the same this year as well. It is always wise to check with the closest U.S. embassy in your country for more information regarding traveling to the U.S.
If I’m not able to attend UMaine this fall, can I defer my admission?
Yes, you can defer to Spring 2021 or Fall 2021 semesters. Please submit your request via email to internationaladm@maine.edu
Will extensions be allowed for final transcripts?
We will work with every student to address their unique situation and we are committed to being as flexible as possible. In order to register for classes, students must request their official final transcript to be sent to UMaine before the first day of classes. Communication is very important! Make sure to email us at internationaladm@maine.edu if for some reason you are not able to send your official final transcript.
My current school closed. Will you accept an unofficial transcript?
Yes, UMaine will accept unofficial scanned documents for admissions purposes. In order to register for classes, students must have their official final transcript sent to UMaine before the first day of classes for the first semester.