5 things that every UMBC student should know

5 Things All Students Needs To Know To Get Started at UMBC

1.How to find your Academic Advisor

Every semester students must communicate with their academic advisor to get cleared to register for the next semester.  But, beyond registration clearance, your academic advisor is a great ally to help answer questions about what courses you should take and how to succeed in your academic and professional goals.

Every department assigns advisors differently.  You can find the advising contact for your department online.  During Remote Learning, advising may be different, so check this page for key contacts in the colleges and for students exploring majors.

2.How to get help with Financial Aid

You can find quick, easy-to-understand answers to the most common financial aid questions at the Financial Aid FAQ Page.  

Every student at UMBC has an assigned Financial Aid Counselor, based on the first letter of their last name.  You can reach your Financial Aid Counselor using the contact page.  You can also use the contact form for general inquiries.

Even if you are unsure if you qualify for financial aid, contact your assigned Financial Aid Counselor to see what types of aid are available. UMBC has the Stay Black and Gold Emergency Fund that can help with financially challenging circumstances. 

3.How to pay your UMBC bill

UMBC bills students electronically. Paper bills are not issued for tuition and fees. E-bills are available the first business day of each month, and are due on the 20th of each month. Late fees are assessed on the 25th of each month. Students access e-bills by logging into myUMBC, and selecting Billing & Personal Finances under Guide and clicking on Payments & Billing.

Student e-bill payments can be made online or by mail by the due dates. Please call or use these links for help.

• Request Help for Students and UMBC Affiliates

• Request Help for Parents and Non-UMBC Affiliates

• Website: Student Business Services

• Contact: Phone 410-455-2288 (M-F 8:30 a.m.– 4 p.m.)

If you have having trouble paying your bill, reach out to Student Business Services and they may be able to help. Consider enrolling in the monthly payment plan early in the semester. 

4.How to get connected to your peers

You can reach out to peers in your classes by email and during small group discussions in class.  Reach out to your peers and see who would like to study together for your course.

There are many awesome student organizations at UMBC, and they are meeting online.  Look through the list here and join the MyUMBC groups related to your interests. You can contact the leaders of the student organizations and introduce yourself. 

There are a number of online events you can participate in.

Some key campus groups which have successful online engagement and communities include:

• First-Gen Network (first-generation college students, staff and faculty)

• Off-Campus Student Services (commuting, transfer, Veterans and adult learners)

• Women’s Center (co-curricular programming, support services, and advocacy for marginalized individuals and communities advancing gender equity from an intersectional feminist perspective)

• Center for Democracy and Civic Life (fostering civic learning and democratic engagement)

• i3b – Initiatives for Identity, Inclusion & Belonging (opportunities for students to build their awareness and knowledge of diverse people, cultures and belief system)

The Academic Success Center is UMBC’s centralized academic support hub, and we can get you to the right resources on campus.

Call us Monday – Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 410-455-2444 or
Email us academicsuccess@umbc.edu