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Incoming Students

Studying at UMaine is an opportunity not to be missed. The information on this page is for incoming undergraduate, graduate and exchange students. We hope that as a new student you will find the information on this page helpful in preparing to come to UMaine and arrange your arrival. This page provides important information, and students should explore the rest of the UMaine pages for further information of interest.

 

Admissions

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Academic Information

All international students must be registered as full-time students to remain in lawful immigration status. Undergraduate students must register for at least twelve (12) credits; graduate students must register for at least six (6) credits each fall and spring semester. Intensive English students must enroll in 5 courses each session.

UMaine students use MaineStreet as their student portal. New students will receive login information with their acceptance letter. Course registration is done within the Academic Department. Students will receive more information about course registration in their acceptance letter.

UMaine has its own languages of abbreviations. Here are a few helpful links as new students get acquainted with the University.

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International Transfer Credit Evaluation

Transfer students who have completed college classes at an institution abroad should submit an original transcript to the Office of International Programs for an international transfer credit evaluation. The evaluation is completed after the student is accepted and matriculated at UMaine. The evaluation process may take from 2-4 weeks. Read more about the International Transfer Credit Evaluation.

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Entering the United States

You cannot enter the United States as a student more than 30 days prior to the start of your I-20 or DS-2019. Please make your travel plans accordingly. To enter the United States as a student, you must have your passport with an F-1 or J-1 visa stamp (not required for Canadians citizens), Form I-20 or Form DS-2019 issued to you by the University of Maine or your sponsor, and proof of the SEVIS fee payment. You should also have your letter of admission to the University and evidence of your financial support. Be sure to hand carry these documents; DO NOT PACK THEM AWAY IN CHECKED LUGGAGE. Please note: There is a processing fee charged at all land border ports of entry such as the Canadian border.

U.S. customs regulations allow you to bring into the country a reasonable amount of personal effects. Money in the amount of $10,000 or more and items of considerable value must be declared on entry. If you have questions regarding U.S. Customs regulation, contact the U.S. embassy or consulate in your country before leaving or visit U.S. Customs website.

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Packing and Luggage

If you intend to bring expensive items of jewelry, camera, etc. with you and return to your country with them, you should check to see if they must be registered or declared in some manner with your government when you leave to avoid any questions about payment of duty upon your return.

Be sure to keep all of your important documents (passport, I-20) in your carry on bag. Do not put these items in your checked luggage. We recommend you use our office address and telephone number on your luggage name tags: this will make it easier for us to assist you in the event your luggage is delayed. It is also a good idea to have this contact information inside your luggage, in case the luggage tag comes off. If your luggage is delayed, give the airline our office address for delivery.

Most students stress about what to pack and bring to UMaine. We encourage students to bring only what they will need and travel lightly. When you packs your suitcases, go around the neighborhood and make sure you can walk around with all your luggage. Do not feel you need to bring everything you own to Maine. The clothing style and fashion might be different here than your home country. You will have opportunities to buy clothes here. You will also be able to get seasonal items like gloves, hat, warm jacket and winter boots later in the fall.

One of the Orientation activities is to go shopping  in Bangor when students can purchase the items they need – pillows, blankets, sheets, towels, snacks, etc. There is a second shopping trip Sunday night before school starts organized by New Student Programs.

Keep in mind that the electric grid in the U.S. is different than in Europe and many other countries. Make sure you have an adapter for your laptop and other electronic items before you travel, or make sure to purchase one during orientation.

In addition to your clothing, personal items, books, etc., you should consider bringing with you any small items or pictures that will make you feel “at home” in your residence hall or apartment. We encourage students to bring their traditional national clothes, pictures, slides and handcrafts or items typical of their country. You will have opportunities to dress in your national clothes and to share information about your country and its culture with other students at international festivals and at school and community organizations.

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 Arrival Information

Students should plan to arrive in Orono no later than Wednesday, August 29, 2012.

Orono is served by Bangor International Airport (BIA), which is only 12 miles from campus. Two bus lines also provide transportation to Bangor: Greyhound and Concord. Concord provides service directly to the campus.

The Office of International Programs will meet students at the airport or bus stations on the first day of orientation. Students must submit the Arrival Form Fall 2012  in order to be picked up from the airport or bus station. Alternatively, new students may choose to use a taxi service for transportation to the campus area at a cost of approximately $20-25 (USD).

A full Orientation program at the beginning of Fall and Spring semesters helps students adjust to life on campus and in the community. Those who arrive early for Summer Session should visit the Office of International Programs for individualized advising and useful information that will familiarize them with the University and community.

Students who arrive early for orientation or have accompanying guests may stay in a local hotels and motels.

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International Student Orientation

Orientation dates: Thursday, August 30 – Friday, August 31, 2012
Orientation Brochure: Orientation Brochure Fall 2012
Students should plan to arrive in Orono no later than Wednesday, August 29, 2012.

Attendance at the International Student Orientation is required of all new students (undergraduate, graduate and exchange students). The orientation provides a good introduction to the University and to U.S. culture, and it will give you time to learn your way around campus before classes begin. This is also when you will get your student identification card, meet staff in the your college and department and confirm your course enrollment, purchase books, pay any outstanding bills, and take care of other similar matters.

Residence Halls and Dining Plan: The contract is effective Friday, August 31, 2012 when official move-in begins at 8:00 a.m. Early move-in must be arranged through our office, and you will be charged $20 daily prior to the start of the contract.

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Housing

Residence Halls and Dining Plan:     The contract is effective Friday, August 31, 2012 when official move-in begins at 8:00 a.m.  Early move-in must be arranged through our office, and you will be charged $20 daily prior to the start of the contract.

The University of Maine provides on-campus housing in 19 residence halls. Options include traditional undergraduate residence halls for first year and upper-class residents, suite style living for upper-class residents, graduate housing, and several living/learning lifestyle options. All international students are encouraged to select continuous housing residence halls (Knox, York, DTAV/Patch, Stodder) which remain open the entire academic year. Complete housing and dining information can be found at Housing Services. Read the Frequently Asked Questions about Housing.

New undergraduate students are strongly encouraged to apply to Knox Hall which provides continuous housing during the academic year and is part of the First Year Experience (FYE).

Exchange students are encouraged to select continuous housing residence halls (Knox, Penobscot, DTAV/Patch, Stodder) which remain open the entire academic year. Once an exchange student is accepted at UMaine, they can start the application process for a room and board plan on campus. Room assignments will be made on a first-received, first-assigned basis and availability may be limited.  Students should send an email to Housing Services at  housing@umerl.maine.edu, requesting the information needed to submit the on-line housing application.  Students should indicate that they are coming to UMaine as an international exchange student and list the semester(s) they will attend UMaine.  Students then receive an email reply from Housing Services with all the access codes and instructions they will need to complete the process.

Graduate students are strongly encouraged to apply for housing in Stodder Hall, the graduate residence hall on campus, which is a continuous housing residence for graduate students. The Graduate Student Government provides information about housing on-campus and off-campus here.

Family Housing: On campus housing for students with families (spouse or partner, and/or children) may apply to live 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.

Off-campus Housingassistance is available to all students and staff at the University through Commuter Services located in the Commuter Lounge in the Memorial Union.  This office maintains a listing of available living quarters in the Orono, Old Town, Bangor and Veazie areas. For more information call (207) 581-1734 or visit our off-campus web site at www.umaine.edu/studentaffairs.

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Dining on campus

UMaine has its own Dining Services and there are several locations on campus – cafeterias, cafes and small food stores on campus. See the map of places to eat. Students can purchase a meal plan, and there are several options based on housing location. You can also glance at menus.

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Health Insurance

American health care is very expensive and you must have appropriate insurance coverage. All international students and J-1 exchange Visitors at the University of Maine and their dependents present in the United States must subscribe to the University of Maine International Student Health Insurance or demonstrate coverage that meets required levels. If you wish to waive the UMaine plan because you have your own plan, you must submit the Insurance Waiver Fall 2012 form and proof of the level and dates of coverage no later that the deadline shown on the form. Your coverage must be for at least one year (September to August). You can submit the forms upon arrival, before the set deadline.

The University of Maine International Student Medical Insurance Plan is strongly recommended since it has been designed in collaboration with Student Health Services to meet the health care needs of UMaine international students. Service is available to assist with claims. Please read all of the enclosed information regarding American health care and medical insurance carefully and share it with your family. We hope you will always be healthy and well. However, in the event that you should have an accident or illness, we want to be sure you get the care you need.

Read further important information in the Health Insurance section.

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Bill & Payment Information

The University of Maine billing process begins when you register for your courses and /or when you are assigned a room on campus. A detailed invoice is mailed to the permanent address or billing address on your record, usually the address where you are in your home country. The invoice will have a due date, usually 2 weeks before the first day of classes. It is your responsibility to make sure your bill is paid by the due date. Accounts past due are assessed a $100 late fee.

There are several ways to pay your bill:

Check or cash: stop by the Bursar’s office to make a cash or check payment, or mail a check.

Installment payments: you can select to make monthly payments via an interest-free installment plan administered by Sallie Mae. Sallie Mae will charge you a fee for this service. You can enroll in the installment plan by logging on  www.tuitionpay.com

Credit Card: you can make a credit card payment by logging on to www.tuitionpayenroll.com and selecting “Tuition Pay Express”. There is a processing fee for using this service. VISA cards are not accepted.

Wire Transfer: the following handout Wiring Money to UMaine provides the UMaine bank information and address. It takes two to four weeks for the transaction to be processed and payment posted to your MaineStreet account.

E-check: this is the only payment you can make online via your MaineStreet account. This option can be used if the payment will be made from a U.S. bank only. You will be asked to enter information listed at the bottom of a U.S. check. E-check is not available for payments from foreign banks.

If you are a scholarship recipient, graduate assistant or exchange student, you must log on to MaineStreet, StudentSelfService, and submit the “Anticipated Resources” form. You will use this form to show amounts you are expecting from a scholarship, graduate assistantship or exchange program. You can find detailed instructions on how to enter Anticipated Resources.

Failure to complete the “Anticipated Resources” form by the due date will result in a $100 late fee applied to your account. This form must be completed each time you receive a bill, if the bill is to be paid from a scholarship, graduate assistantship or exchange program. Be sure to also submit any payment you are responsible for, by the due date.

For more information about your UMaine bill and payment options, please visit the Bursar’s Office and Payment Options.

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Activating your UMaine Online Accounts

Now that you have been accepted to the University of Maine, the next step is to make sure your online accounts are activated and working properly.  The instructions below will guide you through the process of activating and using your UMaine accounts.

Activating your UMS Accounts

If you have already activated your UMS account you should check your access to the MaineStreet portal and your maine.edu email accounts.  If you have not yet activated your UMS accounts, please do so now.  Your UMS account grants access to the MaineStreet portal and your maine.edu email account.  This account should be activated as soon as possible.  It will be used to communicate important information to you about campus housing, registration and student services.  To activate your account:

  • Go to http://www.maine.edu/activate_account.
  • Enter your Student ID and Activation Code provided in your admission letter.
  • After you submit your activation, the activation web site generates an acknowledgement.  The acknowledgement contains your new UMS User Name, password, and email address.  This information should be kept private.  Please save or print the information and keep it in a secure place.
  • Once you have activated your account, you may use your new UMS User Name and password to check on the status of your application, or to update your personal information.  Go to the MaineStreet portal using the PeopleSoft Quicklink at http://www.umaine.edu.  Enter your UMS User Name and password to access the portal.

If you have any difficulty activating or logging into your account, please visit our support site at http://www.maine.edu/account_info.  This site has information about your UMS account and the MaineStreet portal, and provides links to helpful resources.  If you need further assistance, you may call the UMaine IT Help Desk at (207) 581‑2506 or email them at help.center@umit.maine.edu.

MAINE.EDU Email Account

Maine.edu is UMaine’s official email system.  The University will use your maine.edu email account to communicate important information to you about campus housing, registration and student services.  You are responsible for any information sent you at this account. It is essential that you begin using this email account immediately.  You can either check it regularly by going to http://mail.maine.edu or you can forward it to an account that you use regularly.

  • Go to http://mail.maine.edu
  • Click on the Login to UMS Webmail link
  • Log in using your UMS User Name and password

To forward your email:

  • Go to http://mail.maine.edu
  • Click on the link Change the destination of email sent to your @Maine.edu address
  • Select the button next to Forward to the following address(es):, enter the email address to which you want mail forwarded from @maine.edu and then click the Change Forwarding button

If you have difficulty activating, logging into, or using your account, please visit our support site at http://www.maine.edu/account_info.  This site has information about your UMS account and the MaineStreet portal and provides links to helpful resource.  If you need further assistance, you may call the UMaine IT Help Desk at (207) 581-2506 or email them at help.center@umit.maine.edu.

 Taking Your Math Placement Test

Please note that it may take up to 24 hours after activating your MaineStreet account for the Math Placement Test to be availableon Blackboard.

  • Go to http://www.courses.maine.edu
  • Click the Log In button to log into Blackboard
  • Once a user logs into Blackboard, the link to the exam will be displayed in the lower left corner of the home screen. If the link to your Math Placement Test does not appear, please try again in about 24 hours before calling the IT Help Desk (207) 581-2506 for assistance.

Exchange students do not need to take the math placement test.

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Employment

Regular off-campus employment is specifically prohibited for students in F-1 or J-1 status. While students are allowed to work part-time on campus, the number of jobs available is limited and should not be counted on for any financial support. Please note that students with Graduate, Teaching or Research assistantships cannot have additional employment because of immigration regulations.

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Dependents

If you wish to have dependents (spouse, children) accompany you to the United States, you must provide documentation of financial support for their estimated expenses ($4,500 per year for the first dependent and $1,200 per year for each additional dependent), name, relationship, date and place of birth and request appropriate immigration documents from the Office of International Programs or your program sponsor. This must be done prior to arrival if you wish dependents to accompany you during the first semester. All dependents in the U.S. must be covered by the University of Maine International Student Medical Insurance or other appropriate coverage.

U.S. immigration law does not allow dependents in F-2 status to work in the U.S. under any circumstances. Study is also prohibited. Dependents in J-2 status may apply for work authorization under certain conditions, but such employment may not be depended upon for basic financial support. Dependents in J-2 status are allowed to study.

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Immunizations Requirements

The State of Maine requires immunization for measles, mumps, rubella, tetanus and diphtheria. You must provide your medical immunization records or have the necessary shots here before the first day of classes. When you are accepted, our office will send you an accepted student packet with information on the immunization requirements. Read the enclosed immunization information sheet and follow the instructions. If you or your physician have any questions, contact the University of Maine’s Office of Student Records at (207) 581-1299.

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Cost of Living

Living and studying in the U.S. is often more expensive than students expect. Be sure that your finances are in order before departing for the U.S. and that you have sufficient funds to cover tuition and living expenses. See the following List of Expenses which you may encounter in the U.S. and their approximate cost. Review this list when planning your finances. Please note that all prices are in U.S. dollars.

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Events & Activities

The UMaine campus is always vibrant with student activities, sports, and lectures. The Office of International Programs (OIP) sponsors events and activities for new and current international students to meet students, explore the campus and area, and have fun.

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About the Area

Visit UMainebusinesses to find detailed information of businesses in Orono, Old Town and Bangor, such as restaurants, auto repair, banks and beauty shops.

Orono, Maine
The town of Orono (pop 10,500) is small, picturesque, and charming. Orono is a classic college town, bordered by the Stillwater and Penobscot Rivers and located eight miles from the city of Bangor. The climate in the area ranges from an average of 10 degrees Fahrenheit in the winter to 80 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer.

Bangor, Maine
Bangor (pop 31,000) is the third largest city in the state of Maine. The city is the retail hub for central, eastern, and northern Maine, with two indoor shopping malls and numerous shopping centers. Bangor offers two major hospitals and an international airport (Bangor International Airport). Bangor has been consistently ranked one of the most desirable places to live for its natural beauty, safety, quality of life, and affordability.

Central and Downeast Maine
Orono and Bangor are about a one-hour drive from some of the most beautiful coastlines in the New England Region. Also nearby are many lakes and mountains. The area boasts world-class skiing, sea-kayaking, river-kayaking, canoeing, fishing, and whitewater rafting. Orono is a two-hour drive from Portland, Maine’s largest city.
http://maineguide.com/region/

New England Region
The New England region of the United States is made up of six states: Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont. New England is known worldwide for its beautiful scenery and charming atmosphere.

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Travel Information

Bangor International Airportis the closest International Airport to UMaine. Taxicab transport from the airport to UMaine is convenient and takes only 15-20 minutes.

The Portland Jet Portin Portland, Maine, is about a 2-hour drive from Bangor. The most convenient transport from Portland to Bangor is by bus. Bus Terminals are accessible by shuttle from the airport, and once in Bangor, taxicab transport to UMaine is convenient.

Logan International Airportin Boston, Massachusetts, is the largest international airport in the New England Region. The most convenient transport from Boston to Bangor is by bus. Bus Terminals are accessible by at the airport, and once in Bangor, taxicab transport to UMaine is convenient.

Distances from Orono to Major Cities

City Miles
Portland, ME 132
Boston 240
Hartford 348
New York 450
Montreal 306
Philadelphia 556
Quebec City 236
St. John 163
Washington, D.C. 700

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the weather like in Maine?
Many students find the four distinct season of Maine to be a most interesting experience. Fall lasts from mid-September through November with temperatures ranging between 30° and 70°Fahrenheit (-1°to 23°C). Winter continues from December to April. Snow and icy rain are common and temperatures range from -25° to 40° F (-32° to 5° C). Winters are generally cold, but prolonged cold spells are rare. Average snowfall is 60 to 90 inches (152-228 cm) yearly. January normally has the heaviest snowfall. Spring arrives in April and lasts until mid-June. The temperatures climb to a range of 45° to 65°F (8° to 18° C). Summer begins in mid-June and last until September. Temperatures ranging from 70° to 80°(22° to 27° C) are most common. Occasionally the temperature reaches the 90° to 100° (33° to 39° C) range. Summer nights are usually cool and comfortable. Storms such as tornadoes or hurricanes are very rare but thunderstorms do occur in the summer.

What kind of clothing is suitable to Maine?
Most students dress informally on campus. You will need light weight clothes for summer and heavier clothing including a warm winter coat, snow boots, hat and mittens or gloves for winter. Most of these items can be purchased economically after you arrive.

How safe is campus?
Very. University of Maine Public Safety has 21 regular officers and 14 other officers in reserve. They patrol campus 24 hours a day with at least 2 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.

Does a student need a computer?
Most majors don’t require one. In addition to the academic computer laboratories, there are public computer clusters in the Memorial Union and Fogler Library.

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. TA’s lead labs and run study sessions.

What is the average class size?
For 100-level courses, 150 students. Math classes are all capped at 50. English and computer science courses are no larger than 25, and neither are science labs. UMaine’s 200-level courses top out around 30; 300-level courses range from 15 to 35; 400-level courses have six to 12 students. Our average student-faculty ratio is 14:1.

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.

How do I get around?
The campus is large but very easy to walk around. Most students live in the residence halls and are only minutes away from academic buildings and the dining halls. Some students live off campus and walk or bike to campus. Many students take the BAT bus, which travels to Bangor, Veazie, Orono and Old Town — UMaine students get free bus passes. Student who purchase cars may also purchase a parking permits for $50 per year.

What is a land-grant/sea-grant university?
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.”

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Other Helpful Links

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Last Modified On May 24, 2012