Student Veteran Resources
Explore the resources below and check out our VSL Comprehensive Resource Guide.
Counseling
The Counseling Center is located on the first floor of the Shoemaker Building and provides services specifically for Veterans. Dedicated office hours for student veterans are available as well as from 3-4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Other services offered include counseling services, disability support services, learning assistance service, and a testing and research unit. The Counseling Center Crisis Support Line is available for after-hours support at 301-314-7651.
Learning Assistance Service
The Learning Assistance Service (LAS) is the academic support unit of the University Counseling Center. LAS exists to help students achieve their academic goals by providing a range of services. All LAS services are FREE to UM students. Services offered:
- Guided Study Sessions - This program offers free, regularly scheduled study sessions for traditionally difficult courses.
- Academic Counseling- Work with an academic skills counselor to evaluate your study skills and develop strategies for academic success
- Math Learning- Come to LAS and meet with the Math Learning Specialist who is here to help students succeed in any math course at UMCP.
- Returning/Adult Students (students 25 years or older) - Services are designed to assist those who have experienced a break in their education and would like to return or begin college study
- Students on Probation or Dismissal - If you are on probation or in serious academic need, enroll in EDCP108B to learn how to become a more efficient and active learner.
- Transfer Students - Services are designed to ease the transition from 2- and 4-year colleges to UM. Each semester LAS hosts the Transfer Student Welcome Event.
- Peer Assisted Learning - Peer educators who have previously experienced success in difficult courses meet individually with students to improve their performance.
- Workshops - Workshops focus on helping students manage their time, and improve their approach to studying and learning
Visit the Counseling Center at 2202 Shoemaker Building or email las-cc@umd.edu.
Health Care
Student Health Insurance & VA Healthcare Options
The University Health Center is located on campus for immediate non-urgent care. All undergraduate students are automatically enrolled in the Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) which is covered by Chapter 31 and 33 VA education benefits; waivers must be submitted for other health care coverage if you wish to opt out of the SHIP.
Please note you will need a University ID Number to enroll, so you will not be able to enroll until you are accepted to the University and have received your UID. You must follow the instructions on the Health Center website provided at the link above to either waive or enroll in SHIP.
There are also many Veterans Affairs medical facilities in the area. To find the VA medical facility closest to you, use their website. If you are not yet enrolled in the VA medical system, you can find a guide on how to enroll in the VA healthcare system.
OIF/OEF Veteran’s Health Care
OIF/OEF combat veterans who received honorable discharges are eligible for free care for five years after discharge, so enrolling in the VA medical system is highly recommended. Learn more about Operation Enduring Freedom Veterans health issues here.
Women Veteran Health
The Department of Veterans Affairs emphasizes the vital role women play in the military, and the importance of providing quality medical care to female veterans. There are now specific programs to assist women veterans in meeting their medical needs through the VA system. Learn more about Women Veterans Health Care here.
Housing
Off-Campus Housing
Many students at the University of Maryland decide to live off-campus. The University has a portal that allows students to post and find roommates that offer affordable alternatives to living on campus at http://www.och.umd.edu.
G.I. Bill
The new G.I. Bill provides a monthly basic allowance for housing (BAH) payment for those who qualify. This calculator will show you the amount you are eligible for. Remember, the percentage you receive will be dependent upon your duty status and/or time spent on active duty.
Department Of Resident Life
The Department of Resident Life has a specific page for veterans, which can help you locate housing resources as you plan your transition into the University of Maryland Community.
VSL Housing Partners
Professional Development
Student Veteran Networking Events
The Office of Veteran Student Life periodically holds networking events for student veterans to meet with employers that are seeking to hire or provide advantageous opportunities to veterans. Whether you are actively searching for employment, an internship, or just would like to come to see what opportunities are available, these networking events are designed for student veterans.
Upcoming Events:
- Thursday, February 26, 2026 from 6-8pm at GrillMarx CP
- Thursday, March 26, 2026 from 6-8pm at GrillMarx CP
- Thursday, April 30, 2026 from 6-8pm at The Common in the College Park Marriott
Handshake
Handshake is the University Career Center's online career management platform for University of Maryland students, alumni, and employers. Handshake can be accessed online or through the app.
Undergraduate Resume Review
Drop by the University Career Center to have your resume reviewed by a fully trained undergraduate Peer Career Educator (PCE). You can schedule an appointment through Handshake under "Career Center" on the left navigation bar and then "Appointments." Select “Resume & Cover Letter Only” as the appointment type, and you can choose a virtual or in-person appointment. Once the appointment is scheduled, you will receive a confirmation email and a reminder email.
Career Advising Appointment
Set up an appointment to speak one on one with a career counselor.
Career advising appointments are also available in Handshake for current UMD students (undergrad, master’s and doctoral) and alumni less than one year post-graduation. You can choose in-person or virtual appointments.
To schedule an appointment:
- Log into Handshake with your UMD CAS log-in.
- Once logged in, click on "Career Center" in the left navigation bar and then click "Appointments."
- Click "Schedule A New Appointment" and then select the appointment type that is the best fit for your questions or concerns.
- Once you schedule an appointment, you will receive a confirmation email with the details of your appointment. You will also receive a reminder email of your appointment and you can revisit your appointment details in Handshake.
Focus2 Tool
For those of you who might not be sure of how you want to focus your studies or where you would like your academic career to take you professionally, these self assessment tools are great for providing you with potential career interests based on some short quizzes.
Financial Aid
See grants and loans, emergency financial aid assistance and steps to apply for the veteran crisis fund.
STEM Tutoring
Find tutoring services and learn about the benefits of becoming a tutor.
Veterans Scholarships
Review the UMD Veterans Scholarships eligibility requirements and criteria.