Micheal O.
Grit Guide and Tour Guide at University of Maryland, Baltimore County
Class of 2029
Hometown: Gauteng, South Africa
Major: Computer Science
I chose UMBC because...
I chose UMBC because receiving a scholarship made college more affordable for me and my family. On top of that, UMBC has a really strong computer science program with great opportunities for research, internships, and hands-on learning. I wanted a school where I could challenge myself, meet people who are passionate about the same things, and actually feel supported along the way. UMBC felt like the right balance of opportunity, community, and affordability.
What makes UMBC home?
UMBC feels like home because I don’t feel out of place when I’m here. The campus isn’t too crowded and the people are friendly. It’s the kind of place where you can grow and figure out who you want to be.
Favorite Local Shop or Restaurant
My favorite local shop is Universal Comics. It’s around a 15 - 20 minute walk away from campus. It’s the perfect spot to browse through different comics and collectibles. The store has a cool, welcoming vibe, and the staff always treats you like a regular, even if it’s your first time.
Favorite Spot on Campus
My favorite spot on campus is the Albin O. Kuhn Library. I like it because I can easily change my studying environment. If I want to study with noise I could go on the second floor and if I wanted to ‘lock in’ I could just go to the higher floors. It’s really easy to find the perfect atmosphere for getting work done. Whether I’m doing homework, studying, or just relaxing, the library always helps me focus.