Season 4: University of maryland
Living Where It All Happens: Pyon-Chen Housing and Finding Your Place at Maryland [Julion]
- episode 1
- 39 Min
Julion's Maryland Housing Experience
Episode Description
In this episode of The Best Four Podcast, host Laura talks with Julion, a senior at the University of Maryland double majoring in business management and marketing while on the pre-law track. What started as UMD being last on his college list turned into a full 180 thanks to honors housing and finding the right place to live on campus.
Julion shares how living in Pyon-Chen Hall all four years shaped his entire college experience, from being placed in honors and graduating debt-free to becoming a community assistant and later a resident assistant. He breaks down what makes Pyon-Chen stand out, how UMD housing is structured, and what students should actually be looking for when choosing where to live.
In this episode, we cover:
- Why UMD was his last choice and what changed his mind completely
- How the honors housing process works and what students should know about getting placed
- Living in Pyon-Chen Hall: the pros, the cons, and why it’s one of UMD’s best dorms
- North vs. South campus and how housing vibes change across campus
- The typical UMD housing trajectory—from dorms to suites to off-campus apartments
- Hacks for getting into better housing
- Why freshmen should get an on-campus job early
- How to adjust to sharing a space, setting boundaries, and handle move-in smoothly
- Must-have apartment amenities to look for in housing
- Campus resources students should actually use
- Advice he wishes he knew sooner—and why the most important thing is remembering “to live”
Support Our Sponsors
This episode is brought to you by Rambler College Park, Daydreamer Cafe and Landmark College Park.
Rambler College Park
Rambler College Park is a new student apartment opening near the University of Maryland in Fall 2027. With floorplan options that range from studios to five-bedrooms, there is a layout perfect for every lifestyle. Designed with Maryland students in mind, you’ll find curated interiors and next-level amenities that make everyday living feel effortless, including courtyards and a heated outdoor spa, a state-of-the-art fitness center and yoga studio, a dedicated study lounge, and an on-site coffee shop, Daydreamer Cafe.
Daydreamer Cafe
Daydreamer Cafe is every college student’s favorite coffee shop. Daydreamer offers amazing handcrafted coffee, espresso, and my personal favorite, matcha, in a beautifully designed space. Daydreamer will open on the ground floor of Rambler College Park in Fall 2027. But even sooner, you can catch a Daydreamer pop-up inside the Rambler leasing office starting Fall 2026. Be sure to follow @RamblerCollegePark on Instagram for sneak peeks and updates.
Landmark College Park
Landmark College Park is a premier student apartment located just steps from the University of Maryland. With floorplans ranging from studios to four-bedroom layouts, Landmark offers spaces designed for every kind of Maryland student. And something new is coming soon, ready for August 2026 Move-In. Get ready for a fully renovated lobby, upgraded fitness center, refreshed study spaces, and more—all designed to elevate your everyday routine. With Dunkin’ on the first floor, your daily dose of caffeine is right downstairs. Plus, with the College Park Metro Station, local restaurants, and campus hotspots just steps away, everything you need is always within reach. Use the code BESTFOUR at landmarkcollegepark.com to waive your application fee when you sign a lease (a $50 value).
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