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 arranging your arrival. This page provides important information, and students should explore the rest of the UMaine pages for further information:
Join 2012-2013 Incoming International Students Facebook page
Visit UMainebusinesses.com 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.
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.
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:
Your UMS account grants access to the MaineStreet portal and your username@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. 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. To activate your account:
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.
For more information:
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.
To forward your email:
Additional functions:
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.
FirstClass
FirstClass is UMaine’s official communications system which provides ALL students with the ability to effectively communicate and share valuable resources and information via email, conferencing (public, private or courses), directories, individual and shared calendars and online chats. Users also have the ability to build their own web pages, whether personal or course related, and to share documents and files.
If you do not have a username or password to access the Firstclass system, please go to http://www.umaine.edu/firstclass and use your Mainestreet username and password to activate your FirstClass account. If you have any issues, please contact the IT Help Center at 207-581-2506.
Living in a culture that is different from your own can be both an exciting adventure and a challenging process. Regardless of what country you are from, it is common for all international students to go through a period of cultural adjustment. Understanding this adjustment process and getting support through this transition will help you to have a more fulfilling experience, both academically and personally.
Culture Shock
The values, social norms, and traditions in the U.S. may be very different from beliefs about “how things should be” in the country where you grew up. When individuals move to another culture, they naturally carry their own background and life experiences with them, and these shape how they perceive and adjust to their new environment. For example, some of you may find American classroom culture easy to adjust to, while others may struggle significantly in this area. “Culture shock” is a common experience that describes the feelings of confusion, stress and disorientation that occur when entering an unfamiliar culture. Keep in mind that not everyone has the same reactions to cultural adjustment and may experience the symptoms of culture shock in varying degrees, and at different times. Common reactions to culture shock include:
Strategies to Help You Cope with the Adjustment Process
Culture is relative
Culture is relative, which explains why individuals from different cultures may perceive American norms differently. For some, the American communication style may seem too direct, while others may find it not direct enough. As an international student, you will be exposed to many new customs, habits and ideas. Try to avoid labeling them as “good” or “bad” according to the culture you are from. Remember that there may be parts of a culture you dislike or disapprove of, but these are part of a broader social system, and therefore make more sense inside that system.
Be open-minded and curious
Adjusting to a new culture does not mean that you have to change your own values, but it is important to respect those of other people. When you find yourself in an unfamiliar situation, try to think of it as a new adventure. Allow yourself to be curious about the way things are perceived and done in this new environment.
Use your observation skills
Since you will encounter unfamiliar rules and norms, observing how others are acting in situations can help you understand what behavior is expected of you. Pay attention to both the verbal and nonverbal communication of others in order to get a more complete picture of what is going on.
Ask questions
Ask for help when you need it. Asking for assistance or an explanation does not have to be considered a sign of weakness. Understanding others and making yourself understood in a new language (or context) requires lots of rephrasing, repeating and clarification. It may be helpful to ask questions like “as I understand it you are saying… Is that correct?”
It’s ok to experience anxiety
Learning to function in a new environment is not easy. It is natural to feel anxious or frustrated sometimes. The key is to remind yourself that these feelings are normal and are likely to be situational and temporary.
Give yourself (and others) permission to make mistakes
You will inevitably make mistakes as you explore a new culture. If you can find the humor in these situations and laugh at them, others will likely respond to you with friendliness and support. Keep in mind that others will probably make mistakes, too; when someone makes an inaccurate assumption or a generalized statement about your culture, it may be due to a lack of information. If you’re comfortable with doing so, this can be an opportunity to share information with others about yourself and your culture.
Take care of your physical health
Be mindful about keeping a healthy diet and getting enough exercise and rest. Try to find an activity that you enjoy and make it part of your routine. Being physically active can help reduce your stress level.
Find a cultural ally
An American friend (or another international student who has been in the U.S. for several years) can be a great consultant on cultural expectations. When you have questions or need a second opinion on something, this person can help clarify confusions and provide support as you adjust to your new environment.
Seek out support from other international students
Many international students find it helpful to discuss their concerns with others who are going through similar transitions. Talking with others about their adjustment to the new culture can provide ideas and insights about your own experience. *
Be patient – don’t try to understand everything immediately
The process of adjusting to a new culture requires time. It may also require a different amount of time for different areas of adjustment. Try to encourage yourself to be patient with this experience and not be overly critical of yourself.
Adapting to a new culture is an ongoing process. It may be challenging at times, but most students who experience culture shock agree that going through this transition helped them to learn more about themselves and to develop greater confidence in their ability to navigate new situations. It can also lead to a renewed appreciation of one’s own culture. There are many people in the university community who are available to provide you with support. Keep in mind that you do not have to struggle alone. Here is a list of resources that you can utilize.
Resources
Counseling Center and Touchstone Resources
5721 Cutler Health Center, Orono, Maine 04469
Phone: (207) 581-1392
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.
The Office of International Programs will meet students at the airport or bus stations on the first day of orientation. Students must submit their arrival information (see below) 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.
Spring Arrival Information:
Students should plan to arrive in Orono no later than Wednesday, January 9, 2013.
Fall Arrival Information:
Students should plan to arrive in Orono no later than Tuesday, August 27, 2013.
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.
For more information about your UMaine bill and payment options, please visit Payment Options.
Wire Transfer: the following handout Paying via Money Transfer (PDF) 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.
If you are a scholarship recipient, graduate assistant or exchange student, you must submit your anticipated funding on MaineStreet. You can find detailed instructions on How to Enter Anticipated Resources. Failure to submit the “Anticipated Resources” information by the due date may result in a $100 late fee applied to your account. Be sure to also submit any payment you are responsible for, by the due date.
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.
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.
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. Additionally, many other UMaine departments organize activities open to all students:
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.
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.”
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.”
Orientation dates: Thursday, January 10 – Friday, January 11, 2013
Orientation Brochure: Orientation Schedule Spring 2013
Students should plan to arrive in Orono no later than Wednesday, January 9, 2013.
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 Sunday, January 13, 2013 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.
UMaine New Student Orientation: The University of Maine offers three orientation sessions, in the Spring, Summer and Fall. At the end of the International Student Orientation, students are strongly encouraged to join the New Student Orientation. It offers many social and recreational opportunities to meet other students and get to know UMaine.
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.
Bangor International Airport is the closest International Airport to UMaine. Taxicab transport from the airport to UMaine is convenient and takes only 15-20 minutes.
The Portland Jet Port in 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 Airport in 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 |
Km |
| Portland, ME |
132 |
200 |
| Boston |
250 |
375 |
| New York City |
450 |
740 |
| Philadelphia |
550 |
825 |
| Washington, D.C. |
670 |
1080 |
| Miami |
1730 |
2780 |
| Los Angeles |
3250 |
5220 |
| Quebec City, Canada |
235 |
380 |
| Montreal, Canada |
300 |
450 |