FAQs

How long can I couch surf in my friend’s room?

On campus: UMass Amherst residence halls limit overnight guests to a stay of no longer than three days and two nights. Overnight guests must wait at least 14 days before visiting the same room or residence hall as an overnight guest. Common space (including apartment common living room area or suite lounge) may not be used for guest accommodations.

Off campus:  It will depend on the terms of your friend’s lease, your friend’s goodwill, and local bylaws. For instance, the Town of Amherst does not allow more than four unrelated individuals to live together. If you are considering inviting a friend to stay with you for more than a short stay, it is important that you get in touch with Student Legal Services to get advice before extending the invitation. The liability can be significant if you have someone living with you and no kind of legal agreement.

How many people can live in a house?

Section 12.142 of the Town of Amherst Zoning Bylaw states that “a group of unrelated individuals, not to exceed 4, residing cooperatively in one dwelling unit,” or, in other words, that no more than four people who are not part of the same family may live together. Other towns may have different bylaws.

How do I establish residency in Massachusetts?

The Massachusetts Department of Higher Education sets the rules about eligibility for in-state tuition rates at Massachusetts public colleges and universities. Residency reclassification applications must be reviewed and approved by the UMass Amherst Residency Officer.

How do I declare myself financially independent for FAFSA?

If you are an undergraduate under age 24 as of December 31 of the award year, you are considered dependent for federal student aid purposes unless you are:

  • Married
  • Have dependents other than a spouse
  • Are an orphan (two deceased parents)
  • Were in foster care or a dependent/ward of the court
  • Are a veteran or active duty member of the US Armed Forces
  • Determined to be homeless or at risk of being homeless
  • Declared an emancipated minor by your state of legal residence

Not living with your parents, not being claimed by them on tax forms, or your parents refusing to pay for college do not make you an independent student for federal student aid purposes. Unusual circumstances that may merit a dependency override are subject to a case-by-case review by a Financial Aid administrator.  

I’m an out-of-state student. How can I become in-state?

The Massachusetts Department of Higher Education sets the rules about eligibility for in-state tuition rates at Massachusetts public colleges and universities. Residency reclassification applications must be reviewed and approved by the UMass Amherst Residency Officer.

What are the pros and cons of taking some time off to save money?

It’s tempting to take a break from college to try to earn tuition money, but you are less likely to complete your degree if you ‘stop out,’ especially if you leave more than once. You give yourself a better chance by staying in school because you stand to make more money after you graduate. A Pew Research Center study found that college graduates (ages 25-32) working full time made about $17,500 more than their employed peers who had high school diplomas.

I do not have US citizenship at the moment. Am I eligible for state or college financial aid?

In November 2012, the governor of Massachusetts announced that students who qualify for Deferred Action Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program would be eligible for in-state tuition and fees. The requirements for applying for Deferred Action include the submissions of Form I-765, the Application for Employment Authorization. Once approved, you must submit the following documents with your application to be eligible for in-state tuition and fees at UMass Boston:

  • Employment Authorization Documentation (also known as a work permit).
  • I-797, Notice of Action

You must also meet Massachusetts residency requirements to be eligible for in-state tuition.

DACA students are eligible for the John and Abigail Adams Scholarship. DACA and undocumented students are not eligible for other state, federal, or institutional financial aid, including merit scholarships.