Maryland fans sing the fight song during Virginia’s 76-65 victory over Maryland at Xfinity Center on Dec. 3, 2014.
We all came to this university for a reason, whether for the business school, in-state tuition or just to yell “You suck!” at the visiting team at Xfinity Center.
You probably all have deep-seated opinions on what the best things are at this university.
Unfortunately, you’re all wrong.
Here is my totally comprehensive list of the five best things about attending the University of Maryland:
1. There’s always something to do.
If you’re sitting inside all day, you’re doing Maryland wrong.
As long as you leave your dorm, you’re bound to find a group that shares your interests. With more than 800 student organizations on campus, there’s something for everyone.
Like singing but can’t actually sing? Do you want your own radio show? Or maybe you’ve heard of Terp Thon, which just raised more than $600,000 for the Children’s National Health System earlier this month. Opportunities are out there just waiting to be seized. You can even found your own organization.
Kids here founded a cricket club this fall and they’re already playing in the college national championship. Or you could join one of the 57 Greek life organizations on campus.
It’s harder not to find something to do.
2. Washington
Only a short Metro ride away, Washington is full of more stuff than I could list in this post.
Go to the National Zoo to see Bao Bao the panda cub (or just watch the 24/7 panda cam). Go tour the monuments, see the museums, or visit the National Mall. Washington sports are currently as successful as they’ve ever been, with the Nationals and Wizards (sorry, not the Redskins) both expected to contend for titles this year. Not to mention the fact that Washington attracts a lot of employers to College Park, especially if you’re looking for a job in the federal government.
3. B1G sporting events
After going through some dark times in the late 2000s, Maryland sports are back where they should be.
The Terrapins men’s and women’s basketball are both nationally ranked, and the football team made a bowl game that was televised on ESPN. We’re kind of a B1G deal.
The big men’s basketball game of the season is a must-see sporting event. The flash mob usually gets us on SportsCenter, and the highlight usually ends with students storming the court. Football season is its own animal. It’s less about the team and more about the tailgates, but in the Terps’ first Big Ten campaign, the student section at Byrd Stadium was packed every game.
Whether you go to every game, like this guy, or you just go to the flash mobs, almost everyone has a memorable experience at a Terps sporting event. Just don’t leave early, or Scott Van Pelt will yell at you.
P.S. Did I mention we’re in the Big Ten?
4. The Mall
Maryland is home to the largest collegiate mall in the United States, in case you don’t remember your tour guide telling you that when you were in high school.
When it’s nice out, you can come catch some sun, throw a ball around, study outside or watch the improv group that performs there on Fridays. On snow days, there’s always a student-organized snowball fight. You might not be able to lie on the mall in December, but it still looks pretty cool. And if you’re thirsty for some Instagram likes, a picture of the mall is a surefire way to rack them up.
5. The Diner
Just kidding.
5. Route 1 food
When you get tired of the dining halls, an off-campus stroll can be just what the doctor ordered.
Route 1 has almost everything a college student could want: Five Guys, Noodles & Co., Chipotle, happy hour at R.J. Bentley’s, Terrapin’s Turf or Cornerstone, 17,000 different pizza places — you probably won’t meet anyone who’s eaten at every place in College Park.
Rumor has it that the Chipotle on Route 1 is the third-highest grossing Chipotle in the country, but I’ve never seen any data to back that up. Pro tip: Order online and skip the line. You’ll get death stares from all the other customers, but that will be well worth it.
And if you’re looking for New York-style pizza at 2 a.m. on a Friday night, Slices is your best bet. The only problem you’ll have is trying not to spend all your money on food.
