Freshman Connection at UMD is an alternative fall start program for students admitted for the spring semester, but the overall experience is still very similar to being a traditional first-year student. You can take fall classes, live on campus, join clubs, attend events, make friends and stay on track academically. The biggest difference is that your classes are typically scheduled later in the day.
If you were admitted through Freshman Connection, you may be wondering: Will I miss out on the freshman experience? Will it be harder to make friends? Will I fall behind?
The good news is that for many students, Freshman Connection quickly starts to feel like a normal part of life at Maryland. You’re still living on campus, meeting other freshmen, going to football games, exploring College Park and building your routine as a Terp.
In this article, we’ll answer common questions about Freshman Connection, including:
- What is Freshman Connection?
- What’s different about my classes?
- Will I still make friends?
- What is UNIV100?
- Are there any downsides?
- Is Freshman Connection a good fit for me?
Read Next: Ultimate Freshman Guide to University of Maryland
What is Freshman Connection?
Freshman Connection is a program for students admitted to the University of Maryland for the spring semester. Rather than waiting until January to begin taking classes, students can enroll in courses during the fall semester and begin earning credits immediately.
Through the program, students can:
- Take up to 17 credits during the fall semester
- Live on campus alongside other freshmen
- Participate in clubs, organizations and campus events
- Access university resources and support services
- Stay on track to graduate in four years
In other words, you’re still a Maryland student from day one.
One of the biggest misconceptions about Freshman Connection is that students are somehow separated from the rest of campus. In reality, Freshman Connection students live in residence halls, attend football games, join organizations and experience college life just like everyone else.
What’s different about my classes?
The main distinction between Freshman Connection students and students admitted for the fall semester is when classes take place.
Freshman Connection courses are typically scheduled between 3p.m. and 9p.m. Monday through Thursday, with some courses meeting on Fridays.
At first, this might sound intimidating. But many students quickly discover there are some unexpected advantages.
1. Your Mornings Are Completely Free
For many students, this ends up being one of the best parts of the program.
Instead of rushing to an 8 a.m. lecture, you’ll often have the entire morning and early afternoon available to:
- Work out
- Grab lunch with friends
- Study ahead
- Attend campus events
- Complete assignments
- Explore College Park
- Sleep in a little longer
Many students find they become more productive because they can handle errands, studying and social activities before heading to class later in the day.
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2. Class Sizes are Smaller
Another benefit many students mention is the class size.
Freshman Connection courses are often smaller than some of the large lecture classes commonly associated with major universities. This can make the transition from high school to college feel less overwhelming.
Smaller classes may mean:
- More opportunities to participate
- Easier access to professors
- More interaction with classmates
- A smoother adjustment to college academics
And despite starting in smaller sections, many students report that transitioning to larger classes later on feels completely manageable.
It’s also worth remembering that many freshmen spend their first year completing general education requirements, so you don’t need to stress if you’re still figuring out your academic path.
Will I still make friends?
Absolutely.
One concern many incoming students have is whether Freshman Connection will make it harder to build friendships.
For many students. The opposite is true.
Since you’re living on campus, attending events and sharing classes with other students going through the same experience, it can actually be very easy to build connections.
Many students leave Freshman Connection with friendships that last throughout college and beyond.
Whether it’s your roommate, someone you meet in class or a friend from a student organization, your social experience is much more dependent on putting yourself out there than your admissions pathway.
What is UNIV100?
Freshman Connection students are required to take UNIV100, a one-credit orientation course designed to help students adjust to college life.
This course focuses on:
- Academic success strategies
- Campus resources
- Time management
- Goal setting
- Navigating life at UMD
Many students find it to be a straightforward class that helps ease the transition into college.
Are there any downsides?
For many students, there aren’t many significant drawbacks.
The biggest adjustment is simply having classes later in the day.
Depending on your schedule, you could occasionally find yourself leaving class around nine at night. While some students prefer having earlier schedules, others enjoy having their mornings and afternoons available.
Another challenge some students mention is that academic advising can occasionally feel confusing, particularly when planning future courses. A helpful strategy is to become familiar with your major’s four-year plan early on. Understanding your degree requirements can make course registration much easier and help you stay on track.
Is Freshman Connection the right fit for me?
For most students, the answer is yes.
Freshman Connection allows you to begin your college experience instead of waiting until spring. You’ll earn credits, live on campus, make friends and participate in the same activities as other Maryland students.
The reality is that after your first semester, most students rarely think about whether they started through Freshman Connection or traditional fall admission.
What matters most is how you take advantage of the opportunities available to you.
Read Next: Where to Live Near UMD: Top Neighborhoods in College Park for Student Living
Freshman Connection is often viewed as an alternative pathway to UMD, but for many students it simply becomes the beginning of your Maryland experience.
You’ll live on campus, meet people, join organizations and work toward your degree just like any other student. Plus, having your mornings free is a perk many students end up loving.
If you’ve been admitted through Freshman Connection, don’t view it as a setback. View it as another way to start your journey as a Terp.
If you have any questions about student living at the University of Maryland, feel free to contact our leasing team today.
Allison
Allison is a Property Marketing Intern for Rambler College Park. She's a student at the University of Maryland, majoring in Marketing and Management. Her favorite drink to order is a vanilla iced latte!
Published On: July 20, 2026
Last Updated On: June 11, 2026
