Why I Chose USM: A Home Away From Home
April 6, 2026
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by Bridgette Toland
Now that I’m about to graduate, I’ve had some time to reflect upon my four years here at USM. It’s true what they say “time flies when you’re having fun” and I can’t believe my journey here is coming to a close.
Recently I’ve been reminiscing about the first time I ever stepped on this campus and nervous but excited I felt to start my new life after high school. Choosing a college is a big decision, and for me, it always came down to one simple feeling: Where would I feel most at home?
When I visited the University of Southern Maine, it wasn’t just about academics— but also the environment, the people, and the sense of belonging I felt from the very beginning.
Why I loved USM’s split campus: Life in Gorham & Portland
One of the first things that stood out to me was the split campus. I loved the idea of being able to experience both rural and urban settings in one place. Gorham offers a more tight knit community where everywhere you walk you see a familiar face. For me the athletic community really shines on this campus— players, teams, and coaches are all friendly and supportive of one another and that connection makes it feel like a family.
The Portland campus brings energy, creativity, and opportunity. I always felt a sense of excitement and independence when I was in Portland. I loved trying new coffee shops, restaurants, and activities that Portland has to offer. I never felt stuck in just one kind of environment, It gave me the freedom to switch things up depending on what I needed.
Gorham: Teams, friends, and familiar faces
Portland: Vibrant, creative, and full of life
The coastal effect
Being near the water was another huge factor for me. I’m from Rhode Island and grew up in Jamestown, so the ocean has always been a big part of my life — it’s where I go to think, reset, and feel grounded.
When I visited USM, I immediately felt that same sense of comfort being near the coast. It reminded me of home in a way that I didn’t expect. I’ll never forget the first time I went to the Eastern Promenade, it was right after I did my first tour of the Portland campus and my guide suggested I check it out.
The Promenade had the most gorgeous view of the harbor and ocean I’d ever seen. I sat on a bench at the top of the hill looking out at the islands on the horizon. Boats were scattered across the sparkling blue water, families and couples laid out on the long green grass, and the delicious smell drafting from the food trucks at the bottom of the hill filled the air. I completely fell in love with the spot. It was at this moment that I knew I had found my new home. I often return to this place anytime I need to reset, it is my happy place and I tell everyone about it.
Finding my place in small classes
Academically, I was also drawn to the smaller class sizes. I’ve faced some learning challenges, so I really value an environment where professors can give more individualized attention — I didn’t want to feel like just another face in a lecture hall.
What stood out to me was the level of support available to students and the sense that different learning needs are recognized and accommodated. Knowing that made me feel confident that I could succeed in the classroom.
I’ve made very meaningful connections with my professors in my major. I’m so grateful to have such wonderful relationships that I can utilize for help or support. It’s been so nice to feel like I have purpose in a classroom environment due to the relationships I’ve formed with my classmates and professors. It makes effort in the classroom more fluent and I actually get excited about learning.
The people who made USM home
What struck me the most, though, was the people — especially the girls I met on the soccer team during my visit. They were funny, unique, and genuinely kind. It didn’t feel like they were trying to “sell” the school. I felt at ease, and could easily picture myself being part of that group, building friendships, and growing both on and off the field.
I actually met one of my life long best friends on my first ever overnight. She was my host, little did I know then that me and her would grow to become best friends, or that she would assist me on my first ever collegiate goal, and that we would also room together for her last two years of college. She is just one example of the several life long friendships I collected on this team over these past four years.
I cherish every individual relationship I’ve created with all of my teammates and I’m so grateful to have been a part of such a special group of women.
Finally, the sense of community in both Portland and Gorham really resonated with me. Everyone I talked to described USM as a “home away from home,” and after visiting, I understood what they meant. There’s something about the atmosphere that’s welcoming and supportive. It felt like the kind of place where I could grow into myself, while still feeling connected to the people around me.
Looking back, it wasn’t one single thing that brought me to USM, but a combination of small moments — conversations, places, and experiences — that made me realize this was the right fit.
