Commuter Connections

Being prepared for your commute can make your day smoother and a lot less stressful. Taking a little time to plan ahead helps you get to campus on time, find the right parking spots, and make the most of your time between classes.

Start by checking out the UMBC campus map to get familiar with key locations like commuter parking lots, shuttle stops, and common lounge areas. Staying organized with a planner or calendar can also help you keep track of your classes, work, and commute.

For many students, UMBC Transit is an essential part of the commute. This free shuttle service connects campus to surrounding communities. With multiple routes and stops throughout the day and evening, Transit makes it easy to plan around your class schedule. You can explore shuttle routes and schedules directly on the Transit website. To track shuttle arrivals in real time, use the Transit Tracker, which works on both desktop and mobile. This is a great tool for checking when your next shuttle is arriving or seeing if a route is delayed. Additional routes, updates, and service announcements are posted regularly on the Transit website. Be sure to have your campus ID ready when you board the bus.

For questions about shuttle routes, schedules, or the Transit Tracker reach out to them at transit@umbc.edu or call 410-455-2454.

Students who commute using public transportation beyond UMBC can also explore MTA bus, Light Rail, or MARC train options. Student discounts may be available through local transit providers.

Carpooling is another great option for reducing costs and traveling more sustainably. UMBC supports carpooling by connecting students traveling from similar areas and offering resources to help coordinate shared rides.

If you prefer to bike, UMBC is a bike-friendly campus with bike racks and shared bikes available across campus. Register your bike with Parking Services. Planning your route and securing your bike at a designated rack can make biking a convenient and eco-friendly commuting option.

For those driving to campus, be sure to review the student parking permit information and register your vehicle through UMBC’s parking portal. It’s a good idea to look over the parking version of the campus map in advance so you know the best spots based on your schedule.

Parking Services is your go-to for questions about permits, zone rules, and commuting support. You can reach them at parking@umbc.edu or call 410-455-2551.

Even if you do not live on campus, there are plenty of places that can make UMBC feel like your home away from home. Whether you are looking to relax, catch up with friends, study between classes, or enjoy a quiet moment to yourself, campus has welcoming spaces designed with commuter students in mind.

The Commons is a central hub for student life and a great place to spend time between classes. Each floor offers open seating areas, lounges, and spaces to meet up with friends or find a quiet corner to study.

In addition to The Commons, there are dedicated spaces across campus that offer a sense of community and belonging. These include:

• The Mosaic – The Commons, 2nd floor
• The Game Room – The Commons, 2nd floor
• Women’s, Gender, & Equity Center – The Commons, ground floor (next to Dunkin’)
• The Pride Center – University Center, 101 (doors in between bank machines)
• The Veteran Lounge – University Center, Room 201D
• The Gathering Space for Spiritual Well-Being – The Center for Well-Being, Room 103

If you are looking for fresh air or a quiet moment outside, check out these favorite outdoor spots across campus for a peaceful study break or walk between classes.

For quiet study or group work, the UMBC Library offers reservable study rooms, the Retriever Learning Center (open 24 hrs/day), as well as lockers to store your books, bags, or personal items between classes. It’s a great place to stay focused and organized, especially on longer campus days.

UMBC offers a variety of ways to eat on campus, with options that support different schedules, dietary needs, and preferences. Dining locations are conveniently spread throughout campus and offer both sit-down and quick service options.

To explore what’s available, visit the Dining Services website, where you can check menus, location hours, and learn more about what each dining space serves.

Commuter students can also use flexible meal plans and Retriever Dollars without enrolling in a residential dining plan. These options are designed for convenience and can be used across campus at all major dining locations.

UMBC also provides access to a campus dietitian who offers personalized nutrition guidance to students.

Retriever Essentials is a free, campus-wide resource that provides non-perishable food, fresh produce, and personal care items to students in need.

Several local dining spots near campus offer discounts or accept UMBC’s Retriever Dollars, including OCA Mocha, a student-powered coffee shop with food, drinks, and a comfortable place to study or hang out.

With a variety of options both on and off campus, it’s easy to find what works best for your schedule and budget.

Finding the right housing is an important part of feeling secure, comfortable, and set up for success as a commuter student. Whether you’re new to the area or simply moving from one apartment to another, UMBC offers a variety of resources to help you make informed choices about off-campus living.

Start by exploring off-campus housing resources, which include finding housing close to campus, roommate resources, understanding lease terms, and maintaining a safe and respectful home environment.

Although UMBC does not manage or endorse any specific housing properties, we are here to support you throughout the off-campus living experience. Email commuters@umbc.edu for more information.

There are plenty of flexible and commuter-friendly academic and career support resources available to help you succeed in your classes, explore your interests, and prepare for the future, whether that’s graduate school, internships, or a full-time career.

The Academic Success Center offers tutoring across a wide range of subjects, group study sessions, workshops, writing support, and academic coaching to help you build strong study habits, manage your time effectively, and feel more confident throughout the semester.

The Academic Success Center can be reached at academicsuccess@umbc.edu or 410-455-2444.

UMBC’s Career Center is here to support your professional goals at any stage of your journey. You can work one-on-one with career advisors for help with resumes, cover letters, interview prep, and job search strategies.

For real-world experience, the Career Center helps you connect with internships, part-time jobs, and full-time opportunities through Handshake, UMBC’s dedicated job and event portal.

Every year you will also have access to a Career Guide, a student-friendly toolkit with templates, tips, and clear guidance on everything from networking to negotiating job offers. For additional insight and real-life experiences, the UMBC Careers Unleashed podcast features conversations with UMBC alumni and staff covering a wide range of career topics. To further support your job search experience, the center also provides private interview rooms that students can reserve for virtual interviews or quiet professional conversations.

Career and academic events take place year-round, with many options available virtually or as recorded sessions. Whether you’re trying to stay on top of your coursework or explore your future plans, there’s always a resource ready to support you.

The Career Center can be reached at careers@umbc.edu or 410-455-2216.

There are many ways for commuters to get involved, meet new people, and feel connected to the campus community, even if you’re not on campus all day.

A great place to start is Student Engagement and Belonging, which offers a wide range of programs, events, and opportunities for students to get involved. From student organizations to leadership programs and campus traditions, Student Engagement and Belonging as well as the Office of Graduate Student Life helps foster connection and belonging for everyone.

You can also explore and join student organizations that match your interests, whether you’re into music, activism, gaming, cultural groups, or academic clubs. Most organizations post updates, events, and sign-ups on myUMBC Groups, so it’s easy to stay in the loop and find your community.

Commuter Connections hosts weekly breakfasts, monthly lunches, and community-centered programs designed to help commuter students build connections, take a break between classes, and feel right at home on campus.

The Center for Democracy and Civic Life empowers students to actively shape their communities through civic engagement. Their programs and leadership retreats provide opportunities for students to collaborate with peers, engage in reflective dialogue, and contribute to positive change on campus and beyond.

Student Affairs Success Initiatives focuses on fostering a sense of belonging and supporting the success of all students, especially transfer and first-generation students. Their initiatives are designed to help students connect with peers who share similar experiences, build supportive networks, and access resources tailored to their unique needs.

Students who want to grow their leadership skills or advocate for the campus community can get involved with SGA or GSA, serve as peer mentors, or participate in campus programming boards. These opportunities help you build professional skills, give back, and create a meaningful impact on campus.

To stay involved, follow your favorite orgs and departments on myUMBC. You’ll get updates about upcoming events, volunteer opportunities, and programs you can be part of, whether you’re on campus every day or just a few hours a week. This is just a short list as there’s no one way to get involved, just start with what interests you! Every step you take builds your community, and UMBC is ready to welcome you into it!

UMBC is committed to supporting your physical, mental, and emotional well-being throughout your time on campus. As a commuter student, it’s important to know that you have access to a wide range of resources designed to help you stay balanced, healthy, and supported every step of the way.

The Retriever Activities Center (RAC) is UMBC’s main hub for student fitness and recreation, and it’s open to all students at no additional cost. It’s a welcoming space to recharge between classes, start a new fitness routine, or simply take a break during a long day.

The RAC also offers a wide range of group fitness classes that are designed to support physical wellness, reduce stress, and help students stay active in ways that work for them. Whether you’re looking for an energizing workout or a way to de-stress, the RAC has options to fit your needs.

Caring for your mental health is just as important as staying on top of your academics. UMBC offers dedicated support through Retriever Integrated Health , where students can access free and confidential services. This includes individual counseling, wellness workshops, and peer-led support groups that are designed to help you navigate personal challenges and manage stress.

If you are experiencing a mental health crisis outside of office hours, 24/7 support is available. You are never alone, there are people ready to support you.

If you notice behavior that feels threatening or dangerous, such as someone expressing suicidal thoughts, making verbal or physical threats, or acting in a way that raises immediate concern, it’s important to reach out for help.

When you or someone you know needs support that is not an emergency but still matters, Retriever Support Services is here to help. Their team can assist with personal challenges, academic stress, family concerns, and other issues that may affect your well-being.

If you’re worried about a classmate, friend, or yourself, you can also submit a Retriever CARE Referral to make sure the right campus resources are notified. For urgent consultations, you can contact Retriever Support Services directly at 410-455-2770. Their team is ready to listen and connect you to helpful support.

UMBC offers Aetna Student Health Insurance to help students access affordable medical care throughout the academic year. This plan is designed to support students who do not have coverage through another provider or who want access to health services while on campus. Details about eligibility, enrollment, and coverage options are available through Retriever Integrated Health.

Support is also available for students affected by interpersonal violence or trauma through community-based partners with UMBC to provide confidential support and advocacy via the Women’s, Gender, & Equity Center.

In addition, students can access reflection, prayer, and meditation spaces located throughout campus. These quiet spaces offer a calm environment for students to reflect, recharge, or engage in personal spiritual practices.

Managing your finances while commuting can feel overwhelming at times, but UMBC offers resources to help you budget, save, and find support along the way. With the right tools and guidance, you can feel more confident about your financial decisions as a student.

A good starting point is the FinancialSmarts website, where you’ll find tools and tips for creating a budget, understanding your expenses, and managing student life on a budget. Whether it’s planning for gas, meals, or class materials, small changes can make a big difference over time.

UMBC’s on-campus banking partner is PNC Bank, one of the largest banks in the country with over 2,300 branches in 20 states. While you are not required to bank with PNC, many students appreciate the convenience of reduced fees and student-friendly tools like their PNC Simple Checking account, which makes budgeting and managing daily expenses easier. A PNC ATM and a Maryland State Employees Credit Union (SECU) ATM are both located just outside the ground floor of the University Center for easy access while on campus.

There are also several banking options located just off campus. Bank of America is located at 5211 East Drive, and Wells Fargo can be found at 1060 Maiden Choice Lane. These nearby branches offer additional flexibility if you already have an account or prefer another bank.

There are many ways to get help covering the cost of your education at UMBC. Scholarships and grants are available based on academic performance, financial need, and other criteria like residency or program of study. You can explore current opportunities through Scholarship Retriever, UMBC’s official scholarship database. For guidance on loans, grants, or navigating your financial aid package, the UMBC Financial Aid Office is here to support you every step of the way.

If you’re looking to earn extra income while balancing your studies, Handshake is UMBC’s job and internship portal. The platform includes listings for on-campus employment opportunities as well as nearby part-time jobs. It’s a helpful way to gain work experience, build your résumé, and support your financial needs.

Your safety matters –on campus, on the road, and everywhere in between. UMBC is committed to maintaining a secure and welcoming environment for all students, and commuter students have access to a number of services to help you feel safe and supported throughout your day.

For any on-campus emergencies, contact the UMBC Police Department at 410-455-5555. The department operates 24/7 and offers a wide range of support including emergency response, lost and found, safety education, and event security.

If you’re staying on campus late or walking alone, the Campus Safety Escort Service provides safe walking escorts to and from your destination. This free service is available during the evening and nighttime hours and can be arranged by calling the UMBC Police at 410-455-5555.

UMBC also uses Omnilert to send out emergency text alerts, so make sure you’re signed up to receive important safety updates in real time. These alerts can notify you about severe weather, campus closures, or other urgent situations.

For non-emergency safety concerns, such as suspicious activity, lost property, or reporting a theft, you can reach out at any time or submit a report through the UMBC Police online contact page.

As a commuter, staying alert and prepared while traveling is key. Keep these safety tips in mind, especially if you’re on the road early or late:

• Park in well-lit and populated areas.
• Always lock your vehicle and keep personal belongings out of sight.
• Let someone know your schedule and check in if commuting at night.
• Keep your car well maintained to avoid unexpected breakdowns.

UMBC’s campus is built on community, and safety is everyone’s responsibility. These services and resources are here to make sure you feel secure, aware, and cared for, every time you step on or off campus.

Yes. All commuter students must register their vehicle in the parking portal before the vehicle is driven to campus. UMBC student parking permits are included in the mandatory transportation fee; therefore there is no additional cost. UMBC uses virtual permits for all parking across campus. The system uses License Plate Recognition and will identify your vehicle by its license plate without needing a physical hangtag.

Commuter permits allow parking in Zone A lots. Check the parking version of the campus map to find the most convenient lot.

Yes. UMBC is accessible via several MTA bus routes, the MARC train (via the Halethorpe Station), and the UMBC Transit shuttles, which are free for students with their campus ID.

Absolutely! Commuter students are highly encouraged to join student organizations and attend campus events.

No, but you can purchase flexible meal plans or dining dollars for convenience. There are also many dining options in The Commons and around campus.

Yes, but space is limited. You’ll need to complete the Commuter Student Housing Selection Participant Request Form and apply for on-campus housing through Residential Life.

Connect with Assistant Director for Commuter Student Success, Serena Studivant, sstudivant@umbc.edu or any of the commuter assistants to get more guidance and support!

Yes, students are able to reserve and/or rent lockers at the Albin O. Kuhn Library or rent lockers at the RAC.