Living On Campus or Off Campus

On-Campus Housing

Joint Admissions and MassTransfer graduates are guaranteed a total of 74 slots in university housing, which are affiliated with the UMass Community College Connection Residential Transfer Program or the Engineering Residential Transfer Program. These programs allow students to live and learn together while they are being supported in their transition to UMass Amherst. Joint Admissions and MassTransfer graduates are also given preference in the housing process over all other transfer students for on-campus housing beyond these reserved slots.

UMass Community College Connection Residential Transfer Program (RTP) — All admitted Fall students will receive information and an RTP application in their accept packets. RTP applications must be returned to Transfer Admissions by the May 27 deadline for priority consideration. Selection to the RTP is via committee review. Upon notification of selection, students will have two weeks to pay their enrollment fees, if they have not already done so. Students may apply after the May 27 priority consideration deadline but will be considered on a space-available basis. All students must also complete the Housing Preference Application or they will not be assigned to university housing. Housing in the UMCCC Residential Transfer Program is on a space-available basis for the Spring. Interested students may contact Transfer Admissions at 413-545-0222 to request an application for the program.

Engineering Residential Transfer Program (RTP) — After Fall acceptance, engineering majors will receive information about the Engineering RTP from the College of Engineering. Students may then sign up with the College of Engineering through the May 27 deadline for priority consideration. Selection to the RTP is on a first-come, first-served basis. Upon notification of selection, students will have two weeks to pay their enrollment fee, if they have not already done so. Students may apply after the May 27 priority consideration deadline but will be considered on a space-available basis. All students must also complete the Housing Preference Application or they will not be assigned to university housing. Housing in the Engineering Residential Transfer Program is on a space-available basis for the Spring. Interested students may contact Greg Brown, Director of Recruitment and Transfer Programs, at 413-545-2035 about Spring space availability.

The Housing Preference Application is available on the Housing and Residential Life web site.

Visit the Housing and Residence Life Web site to learn more about the different types of on-campus housing at UMass Amherst.

Off-Campus Housing

Housing and Residence Life maintains an Off-Campus Housing Referrals Web site to help students in their search for off-campus housing and to help them work successfully with property owners.

Parking on Campus

There are a variety of ways to park on campus if you plan to keep a car here or commute. There are some parking lots reserved for on- and off-campus students that require permits. Students can also choose to purchase occasional parking permits. Visitor and Campus Center Garage parking are also options for short visits to campus.

Go to the Parking Services Web site for complete information about parking on campus. You should also look at the Commuter Options Program page to explore other commuting options.

Buses

Many students who live off campus use the UMass Transit buses for their commute. The buses are free for students during the academic year. There are routes throughout Amherst and surrounding towns, with many stops near common off-campus housing areas. Buses also travel to the other schools in the Five College Consortium (Amherst, Hampshire, Mount Holyoke, and Smith). Go to the UMass Transit Web site for information, routes, and schedules.