University of New England (UNE)

The University of New England is a private, top-ranked university offering flagship programs in the health and life sciences, as well as degrees in business, education, the social sciences, and humanities. UNE's three beautiful campuses in Biddeford and Portland, Maine, and Tangier, Morocco, are home to an active and close-knit student community engaged in rigorous academic experiences.

Innovation drives UNE each day. In state-of-the-art facilities in Maine, Morocco, and around the world, research, hands-on learning, interdisciplinary engagement, and global awareness empower the next generation of leaders for New England and beyond.

Being part of the UNE community means being involved. There are plenty of ways to get involved on the Biddeford Campus. From playing on one of the University's 18 varsity athletics teams, to joining one of the many available clubs and organizations, to attending events and lectures, involvement in campus life can be as extensive as a student wants it to be. With more than 90 clubs and organizations from which to choose, students are sure to find a place to belong. Whatever the interest — whether it is academics or theater, community-based service or LGBTQ+ issues, student government or club sports, figure skating or surfing — our students find a welcoming community eager to share their passions.

UNE student athletes strive for success on and off the field, and our Nor'easters athletics teams are a serious source of pride on campus. UNE's intercollegiate teams compete at the Division III level in men's basketball, cross country, football, golf, ice hockey, lacrosse and soccer. Varsity women's sports include basketball, cross country, field hockey, ice hockey, lacrosse, rugby, soccer, softball, swimming, track and field, and volleyball.

Education is what bonds the student body at UNE. "Most students here came for the academics and are focused on developing an education for a great future." Many are prehealth and Marine Science majors, and while friend groups often form within the fields, some students find they "strangely all get along in one form or another." Where women in science are underrepresented in the workforce, at UNE, "the average student is a woman in STEM," creating a rare opportunity for women to find like minds within their studies. The school is still working to be more diverse, "but as one of the few POC on campus, I really do feel the love and acceptance UNE and my peers offer." So far as "political standings, religion, sexual orientation, [and] gender identity" go, students welcome the opportunity to collaborate from different perspectives. Many students find common ground in their studies and building a better tomorrow: "I wouldn't be surprised if nearly every student said they hope to make the world better in some sort of way."

Life at UNE is all about enjoying the outdoors. "Students spend a lot of time in the natural preserves and wildlife near campus," like the UNE Nature Trail and East Point Bird Sanctuary. The nearby beach is a popular respite "no matter the weather." When the weather shifts, students don't give up on outdoor activities: they make use of the school's "discounted ski passes."

Those who prefer indoor activities will also find much to do. On the scholarly side, there's the "innovative" Makerspace, a "fully equipped laboratory for creating and building," where students from all disciplines come to realize their ideas. There's also fun trivia or "Wicked Big Bingo." There's even a mix of both inside and outside participation for things like bird watching, where avid participants can either take to the forest or relax by spotting species "from the second floor of the commons."

UNE is "definitely not a party school"-in fact, the dining hall and library are referred to as "the heart of the campus." There are, however, weekend gatherings on campus and "things to do in Biddeford; you don't have to drive to Portland." School spirit is also notably high for hockey-so much so that you might not be able to find parking!