University of Maryland, Baltimore County

UMBC impresses with its vibrant atmosphere and state-of-the-art facilities, blending modern architecture with lush green spaces. Renowned for its focus on research and innovation, especially in computer science and engineering, the campus boasts well-equipped labs and collaborative spaces that foster learning and discovery. The commitment to inclusivity and diversity is palpable, creating a welcoming environment, complemented by knowledgeable and approachable faculty. Located in Baltimore County, UMBC offers a tranquil campus life with easy access to urban amenities in nearby Baltimore city, enriching students' academic and social experiences. This institution is not just academically excellent but also deeply invested in the holistic development of its students, making it an ideal choice for a dynamic and enriching educational journey.

If you are a veteran or disabled veteran DO NOT GO TO THIS SCHOOL!
They have literally no veterans association that is functional and the university is horrid in terms of liaison or advocates for students with disabilities.
The campus is not easily accessible for students with limited mobility, it has a TON of stairs and the disabled routes take tonnes of time to traverse. Normal routes with elevators are often broken (the elevator is broken or there is construction) constantly.
The classes are overcrowded (150-300 students) for major requirements and most of the work is brushed off onto student aids or students themselves with minimal teacher engagement.
There is no meaningful connection with many of the teachers and the administrative staff has been lackluster at most.
Avoid this University if you want a veteran friendly environment.

They make it so difficult to do anything. I'm trying to figure out who my loan providers are so I can pay off my student loans and none of the offices can give a straight forward answer, the financial counselor does not respond to emails, offices point you to other offices that don't know how to help you, and no one knows anything or cares enough to really help you out.

This was the worst university I ever went to or could imagine. No social life whatsoever. Professors were not personable and barely did any teaching, mostly assigning. Projects were lame and no real world application. This school does not prepare you for the real world. No parties either. Ever. The one time I went to the pub ON CAMPUS, I was drinking with 3 other people. My mom, dad, and ChemE professor. With a 2 drink limit. I cannot recommend at all. This was a miserable place, very costly, and most of the students commute or are international students pretending they would work in the US after receiving a full ride. Nothing against them, I was friends with many. This was the worst year of my life. I regret it completely.

The fact of the matter is that although this university is somewhat small, this school still has a large and diverse population. Many students are here who come from first generation immigrant families or are waiting to get their US citizenship as Visa grad students.
I came here for undergrad. I came to this place from community college and was not fresh-out-of-high-school as are many people here. Its a young, NERDY crowd mostly, nothing wrong at all with that. Most students here are also pursuing STEM and introverted. It can be quite slow to get to know some people. The real issue I had was simply the overly political and social energy here (as is the case in much of MD and elsewhere). You want to talk about the full nine yards of extreme Leftist ideology built into institution, you will find it here.
I always felt that something was off with the 'vibe' of this place. I think it became more clear when I noticed that the Commons is a fake market: with fruits carts painted on walls. Things are a bit more odd when the showroom of the Commons, which looks like used to be a bar, is instead closed down and has these starring-Great Gatsby-like-dolls hanging around in these fake balconies. I've been in that room dozens of times and as a young adult I'm thinking: "Why is this layout fake, like why not a real balcony and a real bar??? Something to incentivize authentic connections." TBD if that changes. I cant tell you how many times I simply wanted to grab a beer with a scientist there and have a intellectually stimulating conversation: socialism vs capitalism, the problems of Baltimore's infrastructure, modern-day propaganda, how heavy are moonrocks, who is God?, play chess, you name it!
That said, overall I felt this place did less to teach me how to become a decent person and instead taught me more on how to survive on my own. That is the nature of much of college education these days: they talk all day about socialism and equality yet operate as capitalists. I came there however with the idea I could interact with an open community. Instead I dealt with a ridiculous amount of high-school level drama and maturity both from students and even some faculty. The rest of the time was usually walking alone in the cold.
Overall this place claims to look out for you: that is the overall message but Ive always had my suspicions starting with the overpriced bookstore, mmh. At the end of the day any education or experience is what you make of it. The system here is slow, the culture is outdated, and the parts that are mainstream feel forced and artificial. Same can be said about alot of my social interactions here...but I know how bases and acids work!
Nevertheless, I was able to find a lot of peace of mind and emotional support from the counseling center there as well as from the blue collar workers who work on campus and also the vibes of Catonsville and Arbutus. Both places have their run-down, East Coast poverty vibes so common throughout the Baltimore area but the folk there have grit and love to give, even if it can be an prideful, drunk yelling match outside one of the local liquor store but hey that's love babeee. Respects to the OGs, they got actual life advice!
I spent a summer working at the Catonsville cemetery and met the kids who worked there. I even met some Russians too. Growing up as an upper-middle class kid, I was grateful for the intensity and roughness of Baltimore. The story there is far deeper than most people realize.
UMBC is as much as an emotional, Adderall-crazed shitshow as anywhere else in America, including BeMore. The difference is that people here are more prone to 'hide' it via passive aggression, intense judgment, fake smiles, vicious gossips, and of course the Grand Vision of the Woke of the last few decades. Come here, do your science, and the GTFO is my best advice. I do think it will change once people figure out how to hash out difficult conversations with their families/loved ones while also incentivize that sort of culture. Sorry but there's no math-based model that can fix that one!