REsources
4.1 Where to Get Your Books
Textbooks
Settling in at school is already so hectic for incoming students with everything to think about you also have to get prepared for classes! Having your textbooks before your classes start can be a key factor in keeping up with your work from the very start. You can find out what books are required for your courses by looking up the individual class on the Testudo website, or through the links in your registered class schedule.
When purchasing your texts, you may want to opt for a used text (usually much cheaper than new) or you could even rent the book from a bookstore or an online service (ie: Amazon, Chegg). If you know someone in your class, you can share with them, but be forewarned – this requires that you both agree on a schedule so you both aren’t trying to read it the night before the assignments are due!
Make sure to ask about the return policy and keep the receipts - if you drop a class, you want to be able to return the book, if possible.
Books can be purchased at the bookstore on campus, or the two stores just off campus on Route 1. All of these stores offer used and new books at competitive prices:
Finally at the end of the semester, if the text is for a subject you won't be exploring again, consider selling it back to any of the bookstores or through a website (especially if it is a new edition) to re-coup some of your funds.
Settling in at school is already so hectic for incoming students with everything to think about you also have to get prepared for classes! Having your textbooks before your classes start can be a key factor in keeping up with your work from the very start. You can find out what books are required for your courses by looking up the individual class on the Testudo website, or through the links in your registered class schedule.
When purchasing your texts, you may want to opt for a used text (usually much cheaper than new) or you could even rent the book from a bookstore or an online service (ie: Amazon, Chegg). If you know someone in your class, you can share with them, but be forewarned – this requires that you both agree on a schedule so you both aren’t trying to read it the night before the assignments are due!
Make sure to ask about the return policy and keep the receipts - if you drop a class, you want to be able to return the book, if possible.
Books can be purchased at the bookstore on campus, or the two stores just off campus on Route 1. All of these stores offer used and new books at competitive prices:
- University Book Center (in Stamp Student Union)
- Book Holders (Rte.1)
Finally at the end of the semester, if the text is for a subject you won't be exploring again, consider selling it back to any of the bookstores or through a website (especially if it is a new edition) to re-coup some of your funds.
4.2 Resources in the D.C. Area
How do I get to the Smithsonian and other Washington DC attractions?
Go to the Smithsonian museums via Metro.
How do I get to Baltimore from campus via public transportation?
Greenbelt Metro Station > B30 Metro Bus to BWI > Lightrail to Baltimore City or Metro to Washington DC > MARC Train to Baltimore City
Bike Shops in College Park
College Park Bicycles: 4360 Knox Road College Park, MD, 20740; Tel: 301- 864-2211
Proteus Bicycles: 9217 Baltimore Blvd. College Park, MD 20740; Tel: 301.441.2928
REI: 9801 Rhode Island Ave College Park, MD 20740; Tel: 301.982.9281
UMD campus also has a Bike Shop that is located in Cole Field House on the north end, lower level - near the tunnel entrance. They offer free services and their mission is to help the University community learn how to maintain their own bikes. In true DIY fashion, the mechanics on staff will teach you how to fix your bike, or you can do it yourself with our tools. For more information, please visit the Campus Bike Shop website.
Organic Food Stores
Organic produce has become very popular in the last 10 years. Growing vegetables organically requires more physical input and critical thinking when approaching pest and fertility management. If you like to eat organic food, the closest stores in the area are:
My Organic Market (MOM’s): 9827 Rhode Island Avenue College Park, MD; Tel: (301) 220-1100
Take Powder Mill Village Shuttle-UM, stop #13.
Whole Foods Market: 833 Wayne Avenue Silver Spring, MD; Tel: (301) 608-9373
Take the Silver Spring Metro Station Shuttle-UM, stop #8.
Trader Joe’s: 10741 Columbia Pike Silver Spring, MD; Tel: (301) 681-1675
Take the C2 Metro bus towards Wheaton, transfer to the Z8 Metro bus towards Columbia Pike.
Yes! Organic Market: 5331 Baltimore Avenue Hyattsville, MD; Tel: 301-779-1205
The UMD campus also offers the student-run Maryland Food Cooperative that offers a variety of healthy food options. Known as the Co-op, it is located at the basement of the Stamp Student Union.
Go to the Smithsonian museums via Metro.
How do I get to Baltimore from campus via public transportation?
Greenbelt Metro Station > B30 Metro Bus to BWI > Lightrail to Baltimore City or Metro to Washington DC > MARC Train to Baltimore City
Bike Shops in College Park
College Park Bicycles: 4360 Knox Road College Park, MD, 20740; Tel: 301- 864-2211
Proteus Bicycles: 9217 Baltimore Blvd. College Park, MD 20740; Tel: 301.441.2928
REI: 9801 Rhode Island Ave College Park, MD 20740; Tel: 301.982.9281
UMD campus also has a Bike Shop that is located in Cole Field House on the north end, lower level - near the tunnel entrance. They offer free services and their mission is to help the University community learn how to maintain their own bikes. In true DIY fashion, the mechanics on staff will teach you how to fix your bike, or you can do it yourself with our tools. For more information, please visit the Campus Bike Shop website.
Organic Food Stores
Organic produce has become very popular in the last 10 years. Growing vegetables organically requires more physical input and critical thinking when approaching pest and fertility management. If you like to eat organic food, the closest stores in the area are:
My Organic Market (MOM’s): 9827 Rhode Island Avenue College Park, MD; Tel: (301) 220-1100
Take Powder Mill Village Shuttle-UM, stop #13.
Whole Foods Market: 833 Wayne Avenue Silver Spring, MD; Tel: (301) 608-9373
Take the Silver Spring Metro Station Shuttle-UM, stop #8.
Trader Joe’s: 10741 Columbia Pike Silver Spring, MD; Tel: (301) 681-1675
Take the C2 Metro bus towards Wheaton, transfer to the Z8 Metro bus towards Columbia Pike.
Yes! Organic Market: 5331 Baltimore Avenue Hyattsville, MD; Tel: 301-779-1205
The UMD campus also offers the student-run Maryland Food Cooperative that offers a variety of healthy food options. Known as the Co-op, it is located at the basement of the Stamp Student Union.
4.3 Green resources on Campus
4.4 Speakers, etc.
While at UMD, aim to take advantage of the DC area to expand your ETE learning and network!
On Campus
Click here to see a list of sustainable development-related speakers, departments & resources on campus!
Distinguished Scholar-Teacher Lecture Series: Each year several faculty members across departments on campus are honored for outstanding scholarly accomplishments, excellence in teaching, and their personification of the University’s image of the professorate. These faculty members are then invited to present their latest findings to the University campus.
The Marquee Lecture Series: The Marquee Lecture Series features University of Maryland faculty, and explores science and technology in the context of social, economic, and ethical issues. Undergraduate students, faculty, and the University of Maryland community are invited to this free series.
In the DC area
Click here to see a list of sustainable development resources, speakers & events around D.C.!
On Campus
Click here to see a list of sustainable development-related speakers, departments & resources on campus!
Distinguished Scholar-Teacher Lecture Series: Each year several faculty members across departments on campus are honored for outstanding scholarly accomplishments, excellence in teaching, and their personification of the University’s image of the professorate. These faculty members are then invited to present their latest findings to the University campus.
The Marquee Lecture Series: The Marquee Lecture Series features University of Maryland faculty, and explores science and technology in the context of social, economic, and ethical issues. Undergraduate students, faculty, and the University of Maryland community are invited to this free series.
In the DC area
Click here to see a list of sustainable development resources, speakers & events around D.C.!