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This community is one of the most valuable things I've ever been a part of. The amount of support is overwhelming—Juniper allowed me to realize what I want for the future, and set me up with lifelong friends.
—’10 & ’11 participant
I felt like I was in a place where I belonged for the first time.
—’11 participant
Location
Located in the beautiful Pioneer Valley of western Massachusetts, the Institute continues New England’s profound literary tradition. Amherst, famously the hometown of Emily Dickinson, is a quintessential college town, full of great restaurants, cafés, and bookstores. Nearby Hadley and Northampton offer additional cultural attractions and museums. It's also a convenient base from which to visit a variety of college campuses in the Northeast. There are five colleges in the Amherst area—Amherst, Smith, Hampshire, Mt. Holyoke, and the University of Massachusetts—each of which offers a unique intellectual and social environment. Many more colleges and universities are within driving distance. Participants and parents interested in visiting schools in the region may find it convenient to take a side-trip before or after the Institute.
It was sort of mind-boggling to be part of this community. Everyone is so good—it's inspiring.
—’11 participant
Housing
Institute tuition does not include housing costs. Most students choose to stay in a designated University residence hall for $25 per night. Residence halls are staffed with 24-hour UMass Residential Life personnel. In addition, the Juniper Institute Program Assistants and Residence Director provide general advising, support, and residential life activities. An 11PM curfew is strictly enforced.
Upon acceptance, applicants receive information about how to reserve a spot in the residence hall. Although most participants stay in the residence hall, it is also possible to stay elsewhere, including with local friends or family.
Meals
Participants eat meals together in a designated dining hall on campus. The University’s award-winning dining halls provide a variety of options (including vegetarian and vegan) for each meal. All meals are included in the cost of tuition.
The food was fantastic. The dorm rooms were very spacious.
—’11 participant
The halls were filled with collaboration and elaboration as we helped each other push the barrier and improve.
—’11 participant
 Daily Schedule
The Institute’s schedule is filled with workshops, studio courses, and other writing-oriented activities, but there is also some free time for writing, reflection, and relaxation. Please note that the Juniper Institute provides supervision during scheduled Institute activities only. Life in the Residence Halls is described above.
I attended Juniper last year, and it was so memorable that I had to return. Last year we were told that it would change us, and, though I was skeptical, it did. Juniper is one of a kind and no one should miss out.
—’10 & ’11 participant
 Juniper offered the most amazing community. It was incredible to be surrounded by other nerdy, strangely dressed people who didn't so much as question the idea of listening to your characters tell their own stories or anything else "weird" like that. I felt so welcomed and wasn't at
all afraid to share and discuss my work. —'11 participant
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