About

See what students say:

Academics

As a large research institution and the state’s flagship campus, the University of Massachusetts Amherst offers “immense resources and opportunities” for enrollees. Students at this university can choose from over 110 majors. Many are eager to sign up for exciting courses such as a botany class where undergrads visit a “new garden where food is made for [the] dining halls” or a “bookbinding class,” and even a “science course called the science of craft where [students] get to learn how to blacksmith, make pottery, brew, and blow glass.” There are also “many niche seminars for first-year students that allow them to explore their identities and eccentric interests.” In addition to “unique and interesting courses,” undergrads say “the ongoing research and new ideas coming from here are amazing.” With access to “new facilities and very high-tech labs” and “great research opportunities” from professors who “eagerly accept undergraduate assistants,” many agree that “school keeps [them] busy, but it’s worth it.” And if there’s somehow not enough for students to do at Amherst itself, there’s a free inter-campus bus for those who want to take advantage of cross-registering at one of the four other Massachusetts colleges that the school is in a consortium with. Behind these “very engaging” courses and research opportunities are “kind and knowledgeable” professors. Students note that faculty are “super personable” and make it “easy to ask questions in big lectures with TAs and office hours.” While every instructor’s course is different, the “group-based [and] interactive learning” complements the “big lectures” offered by the school. Students feel that professors are constantly “bringing the class to life with new teaching styles” in order to “make sure that each individual is grasping the material.” Many undergrads indicate that their instructors “obviously care about the subjects [they teach]” and “care about their students’ well-being.” Above all, it feels like professors “want their students to succeed.”

Student Body

While finding your place among 24,000 undergrads might sound intimidating, students note that it’s “a large school that you can make smaller so easily by building your own community.” There are so many potential new friends to choose from amongst this “diverse, tolerant, inclusive” group, most of whom are described as “very kind and respectful” and who “love to have a good time and learn.” The size is actually an advantage, in that it’s easier to “find people you identify with...which helps a lot when moving in the first year.” Ultimately, students suggest that “there’s a place for everyone,” whether you’re from Massachusetts, like much of the campus’s population, or from "different parts of the country or the world.”

Campus Life

On campus at UMass Amherst and in the nearby cities, “there’s always something to do if you keep your eyes peeled and are willing.” You can find students hanging out in the dining halls (where “the food is off the charts good”), tinkering in the craft center, or exercising at the rec center’s fitness classes. The university has “an array of fun activities” for “people with many interests like sports, music, theater, and other clubs.” On the weekends, people tend to “hang out a lot and sometimes go to parties.” Amherst also has twenty-one Division I sports, so attending games—particularly cheering on the “nation’s best hockey team” and showing your spirit at “fun tailgates”—is a frequent pastime. The school “has so many interesting opportunities to get involved that it’s nearly impossible to be surrounded by completely identical people.” The school’s location in the Northeast “gives [students] many opportunities to explore” the surrounding area. Consequently, students love to “travel to nearby cities like NYC or Boston.” The neighboring city of Northampton has several “fun shops” and students can be found in downtown Amherst “sitting in a local tea shop” and trying out “cool little restaurants.” On the whole, “there’s always something to do.”

Contact & Visit

Campus Visits Contact

Address
Undergraduate Admissions Office
37 Mather Drive
Amherst, MA 01003
Phone
413-545-0222
Email
mail@admissions.umass.edu

Experience College Life

Most Popular Places On Campus
The Campus Center & Student Union
The Learning Commons
The Recreation Center
The Mullins Center
The Fine Arts Center
Most Popular Places Off Campus
0.5 miles - College Town of Amherst
Amherst, Smith, & Mount Holyoke Colleges
1 hour - Skiing and Hiking in Vermont
2 hours - Boston
3 hours - New York City
A comprehensive listing of attractions in Western Mass is available from the Greater Springfield Convention and Visitors Bureau (https://explorewesternmass.com/) and from the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism (https://www.massvacation.com/regions-towns/western-massachusetts/).

Campus Tours

Campus Visiting Center
Monday-Friday
8:30am-5pm
413-545-0222
Campus Tours
Appointment Required: Yes
Dates: Year-round
Times: Mon-Fri 11am, 1:30pm, 2:30 pm; Sat 11am, 1:30pm
Average Length: 1 hour

On Campus Interview

Campus Interviews
No
Information Sessions
Available
Times
Mon-Sat 10AM, 12:30PM; call 413-545-0306

Faculty and Coach Visits

Dates/Times Available
Year-round
Arrangements
Contact Coach Directly
Advance Notice
Other

Class Visits

Dates/Times Available
Varies
Arrangements
Contact Visiting Center

Overnight Dorm Stays

Overnight Dorm Stays
Not Available
Limitations
N/A

Transportation

Types of Transportation Available to Campus
Bradley International Airport near Hartford, CT, is 45 miles south of the University. Logan International Airport in Boston is 90 miles to the east. Peter Pan Bus Lines (peterpanbus.com; 800-343-9999) links the campus to Bradley and Logan airports as well as to points throughout the region. Amtrak trains (www.amtrak.com; 800-872-7245) serve Springfield; the station is 2 blocks from the Springfield bus station, where you can get a Peter Pan bus to campus. Amtrak also serves Northampton, with a station stop 10 miles from campus. Once on campus, the Pioneer Valley Transportation Authority (www.pvta.com) serves the Five College Area.
Driving Instructions to Campus
For driving instructions to campus, please visit the UMass Visitor's Center website: http://www.umass.edu/visitorsctr/directions
Local Accommodations
Hotel UMass (hotelumass.com; 413-549-6000) is on campus. The University Lodge (345 N. Pleasant St.; 413-256-8111) is within walking distance (a half-mile walk). There are several bed and breakfasts within a 1-2 mile radius of the campus, including the Inn on Boltwood (www.innonboltwood.com). Information on B&Bs in the Amherst area can be found at www.fivecollegebb.com. There are numerous other lodging options slightly farther from campus. Visit the Hampshire Hospitality Group's website (http://www.hampshirehospitality.com/) for information on the local Holiday Inn Express and Howard Johnson's, as well as several other nearby accommodations. The most comprehensive listing of information for visitors to the area -- including our numerous Bed and Breakfasts -- is found on the Chamber of Commerce's website: http://www.amherstarea.com/
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Admissions

Admissions

Applicants: 40,315
Acceptance Rate: 65%
Average HS GPA: 3.93







Academics

Academics








Careers

Careers




Tuition & Aid

Tuition & Aid






Student Body

Student Body



Campus Life

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