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One of the best things about going to University of Massachusetts Amherst is that it does not take much time for it to feel like home. Look no further than freshmen who have already carved out strong niches for themselves like Uma. Coming from New Jersey, Uma chose the out-of-state experience, meaning that she thought “it would be harder to meet people and make friends.” However, after arriving in Amherst, she was delighted to make friends and meet new people in “class, the dining halls, and clubs.” After just a little while, Uma was happy to “realize how easy it would be to make a niche for myself so soon.”

Uma’s niche begins with her major, psychology. She picked the major based on a longtime curiosity about “why people think and act the way they do.” Inspiration also came from the television show Criminal Minds. Once Uma took her introductory psychology class, her passion grew as she learned “how broadly applicable the field was and how easy it was to go from there.” In her case, this means specializing in industrial psychology, the study of human behavior within the workplace.

Not many schools have appropriate programs for such a niche field and would end up lumping Uma in with every other psychology major. But due to UMass’ Bachelors Degree with an Independent Concentration program, Uma is in the process of creating her own major tailored to industrial psychology that will combine psychology with business and economics. 

If creating a major is not enough of a niche already, Uma has also found a place for herself in the UMass community by joining different student organizations. She joined the Student Alumni, “which helps students and alumni connect. It’s a chance to work on professional skills in a relaxed setting.” Additionally, she is a part of the Isenberg Women in Business Club where she is mentored in management skills by older students. And finally, Uma gives back to prospective UMass students as a tour guide, showing them all the countless ways the school can feel just like home.