Where will you be staying? While it’s more expensive, The Hotel at Maryland is directly across from campus and is an absolute delight. I stayed there for the first time for Homecoming this year (it’s brand spanking new), and I didn’t want to leave! However, prior to its construction, I was always comfortable staying at The Hampton Inn. I am a terrible judge of distance but I think it’s a little less than a mile from campus on Route One and is next to an IHOP.
Also important to know, for advice purposes, is what your son will be majoring in. That will make a difference in what areas of campus he will want to see and to get a sense of distance from his dorm. For example, my son studied engineering and his freshman dorm was in the Cambridge Community, so he basically got to roll out of bed to go to class and the gym was also right behind his dorm. After that, he moved to South Campus Commons, which is near Prince Frederick dorm, and he took a bike to school (not because he couldn’t walk the distance but because he’s a sloth and liked sleeping as late as possible, which made the bike helpful when he was running late).
Re #1 While there are several entrances, I always prefer the main entrance of Campus Drive (off of Route 1). This will be the grandest entry because you go past the M circle. It is easy to identify now with the construction of the Iribe Center (Computer Science) in progress at that corner.
Re#2 My favorite place to eat is Busboys and Poets in Hyattsville, which is down the road (about a 10 minute drive). For something within walking distance (as in right outside the campus on Rt 1) I love Nando Peri Peri (Portuguese grilled chicken). A long-time traditional local (very good) pizza place is Ledo’s. While I haven’t eaten there myself, I’ve heard MilkBoy Art House (also Route 1 right outside of campus) is pretty good. FYI, the Cornerstone is more of a hangout and the food is meh. (It is the site of a former favorite dive bar in my day known as The Vous (short for Rendezvous)).
Re #3 I would call housing and see if they can arrange access/tour of that dorm. I have always found Maryland extremely accommodating if you request in advance.
Re #4 Stop students on campus to talk to them about their experience at Maryland. Seriously, do this at every school you visit. These are not the student volunteers who are obviously happy about the school or professionals. You get much more honest insight. Take notes at the presentations (or at least use your phone to capture any slides with info) so you remember things later because I can guarantee your son won’t, lol.
There are phone apps with the map of campus to help you find your way around when you are on your own. I forget what they are called but maybe something like Terp Nav(igation)…?
Let me think some more on #2 and #4.