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.

UNE students are “academically focused and engaged with their career paths.” The school attracts “very unique and inspiring” individuals who “care about the well-being of others and the planet.” It’s a place where “just stepping on campus makes you feel a part of a loving community!” As one student describes it, “We are all very close and everyone is friendly with everyone,” adding, “UNE is pretty small, so you really make friends everywhere you go.” Another student agrees, explaining that “[My peers] help me when I need [it] and lift me up when I’m down. This school feels like home.” Overall, “the student body encompasses a variety of personalities, [so] there’s sure to be someone who shares the same interests as you.” As one student says, “The UNE community is very accepting and supportive. Making friends was easy…There’s always something to do and new people to meet.”

A major draw for many students is the school’s scenic campus, which is surrounded by forests, fields, and a private beach. Plenty is happening on this active campus, including “tons of activities to attend and clubs to join.” As one student emphasizes, “This place is truly amazing when it comes to extracurricular activities,” which include an eclectic array of options, ranging from trivia and game nights to the fishing club, surf club, and Storm Surge, “a fun place for students who enjoy playing an instrument.” Another favorite is the Outing Club, with its “trips to many different places like hiking trails, backpacking trips, rock climbing excursions, and so many more awesome opportunities,” though it’s easy for students to make their own plans: “You can always see students biking around [and] going for walks around campus, whether it’s on trails or heading to the beach.” Students also participate in intramural sports and make use of the gym, which features a pool and sauna. Students note that “school spirit is very high here” and “sports such as hockey and football always bring a large crowd!” One tradition that brings the campus together is the Teddy Bear Toss, where students throw teddy bears onto the ice after the first goal scored by UNE’s hockey team. The bears are then donated, along with a financial donation, to local organizations. “School spirit is very high here, which I think is an important [part] of loving where you go.”