Welcome to UMass Amherst!
As a new UMass student there are a few things you should do BEFORE you arrive on campus in the fall.
Please read the info on this page to ensure that you're on the right track and prepared for your first semester!
GENERAL BUSINESS
- All incoming students must come to a New Students Orientation ( NSO ) summer session. Follow the steps on the NSO webpage to review the available dates and secure your spot.
- Take the online Math Placement Test. The score from this test will be used by your academic advisor in guiding you to appropriate placement in a variety of UMass courses. Additionally, you will not be able to join a RAP until you have completed this online test. You can access the test at the New Students Orientation ( NSO ) website.
- Consider joining a Residential Academic Program (RAP) . Nearly half of all first-year students join a RAP—explore the many fantastic programs to see why. Remember to notice the timelines and procedures on how to join, as programs fill up quickly!
ESPECIALLY FOR UNDECLARED STUDENTS
- Consider taking a one-credit OASIS First-Year Seminar . This class is designed to meet the needs of first-year students transitioning to college. OASIS meets only once a week, but you'll learn how to match your interests, skills, and goals with a wide range of UMass majors, resources, and other unique opportunities available to you!
- As undeclared students, you will be working with our Academic Advisors during NSO to enroll in classes. However, you should REMEMBER that when you start school in the fall, we will still be available to help you with any concerns or questions you may have! All you need to do is call or stop by the Undergraduate Advising office to make an appointment!
Students who participate in Focus Connections RAP or Focus Enterprise RAP will enroll in OASIS, and there are optional OASIS sections for students in the Arts & Humanities RAP and Culture & Society RAP. Students in other RAPs will also have the opportunity to take an OASIS class—for more information, contact the OASIS Coordinator: oasis@acad.umass.edu .
MORE TIPS FOR SUCCESS!
- Get to know SPIRE . This is where you will choose classes, monitor grades and degree progress, and keep track of other University business throughout your academic career at UMass. If you practice using Spire BEFORE you come to NSO this summer you will have a much easier time looking for and enrolling in classes!
- Spend some time surfing around the UMass website. This is your link to virtually all that UMass has to offer, including information on all of the majors available to you!
