Starting college is exciting, but it also comes with a learning curve. While adjusting to a new class schedule, meeting new people and living more independently, it’s completely normal to make a few mistakes during your first year at the University of Maryland.
The good news? Many of the most common freshman mistakes are easy to avoid once you know what to expect.
Whether you’re preparing for your first semester or getting ready to move into off-campus housing, these tips can help you make the most of your time at UMD from day one.
Read Next: How to Build a Weekly Routine That Works in College: Tips from Rambler College Park
1. Waiting Too Long to Get Involved on Campus
It’s easy to tell yourself you’ll join clubs “later,” but many students find their college experience becomes much more enjoyable once they get involved on campus.
Whether it’s a professional organization, club sport, cultural group or volunteer organization, joining at least one campus group can help you meet students with similar interests, allowing you to build friendships outside of your classes.
The University of Maryland is home to more than 800 student organizations, so there’s something for nearly every interest. For more information, visit the Student Life directory.
2. Skipping Class Because Attendance Isn’t Required
College offers much more independence than high school, and some professors won’t take attendance.
However, missing lectures often means missing announcements, in-class examples and opportunities to ask questions before exams. Even when lecture slides are posted online, attending class makes it easier to stay on track throughout the semester.
3. Waiting Until the Night Before to Study
Cramming may seem like it works after the first exam, but it becomes much harder as classes become more demanding.
Instead, try reviewing notes throughout the week and breaking larger assignments into smaller tasks.
Studying consistently often feels less stressful than trying to learn several weeks’ worth of material in one sitting.
Read Next: Best Study Spots Near the University of Maryland
4. Not Exploring Campus Early
UMD is a large campus, and finding classrooms during the first week can be stressful.
Before classes begin, spend some time walking around campus and locating:
- Your academic buildings
- Dining halls
- McKeldin Library
- STAMP Student Union
- Recreational facilities
- Bus stops
Knowing where everything is before your first day can make the transition much smoother.
5. Forgetting to Budget
College expenses add up quickly.
Coffee runs, food delivery, parking fees and entertainment can all affect your monthly budget before you realize it.
Creating a simple monthly spending plan, even if it’s just tracking purchases in an app, can help you avoid financial stress later in the semester.
Read Next: 7 Ways to Cut Costs Near UMD
6. Staying in Your Room Too Much
It can be tempting to spend most of your free time in your apartment or residence hall, especially during busy weeks.
However, some of the best college experiences happen outside your room.
Study with classmates, attend campus events, explore College Park restaurants or spend time in common spaces. Even a short walk around campus can help break up a long day of working on homework.
7. Ignoring Your Health
Busy schedules can make it easy to skip meals, sacrifice sleep or stop exercising.
While no one’s routine is perfect, making time for healthy habits can help you feel your best throughout the semester.
Try to prioritize:
- Getting enough sleep
- Drinking plenty of water
- Staying active during the week
- Eating balanced meals when possible
Small habits often make a big difference over the course of the semester.
8. Waiting Too Long to Ask for Help
Every student struggles with something during college.
If you’re having trouble in a class, don’t wait until finals week to ask for help.
Resources available to UMD students include:
- Professor and TA office hours (in your syllabus!)
- Academic advising
- Tutoring services
- Oral Communication Center
- Career Center resources
Seeking help early from professors or other university resources often makes solving problems much easier especially if you have someone walking you through it.
Read Next: How to Create a Perfect Study Space in Your Apartment
9. Assuming You Have Plenty of Time to Find Housing
Many first-year students are surprised by how early the off-campus housing search begins.
Popular apartment communities near the University of Maryland often begin leasing about 10 months before the next academic year.
If you’re planning to move off campus after freshman year, it’s a good idea to start researching communities early in the semester, tour apartments with friends, compare floor plans and pricing and understand what’s included in your lease.
Beginning your search early gives you more options and more time to make a decision.
Read Next: When to Start Your Search for Housing at UMD
10. Trying to Do Everything
College offers countless opportunities, but you don’t have to say yes to all of them.
Taking on too many clubs, leadership roles, work hours and social commitments can quickly become overwhelming.
It’s okay to leave room in your schedule for rest. Building a balanced routine often leads to a more enjoyable college experience.
Every student makes mistakes during their first year, and that’s part of the college experience. The important thing is learning from them and finding routines that work for you.
As you start your journey at the University of Maryland, keep in mind that college goes beyond studying. It is also a time to make friends, try new things and grow on your own.
Planning ahead, staying organized and asking for help when you need it can make your transition much smoother.
If you’re already thinking ahead to sophomore year and exploring off-campus housing, Rambler College Park offers furnished student apartments, convenient access to campus and community spaces designed to support both studying and student life.
If you have any further questions, feel free to reach out to our leasing team at Rambler College Park North or Rambler College Park South. We would be happy to help you transition into your new home away from home.
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 29, 2026
Last Updated On: August 11, 2026
