Transferring colleges is a tough decision, but sometimes it can be the change that changes everything. Every college experience starts with adjustment, and transferring allows new experiences and adjustments to be made. After my personal experience transferring from UConn to UMass Amherst in my sophomore year, I can certainly say my decision suited me best. 

I’m fortunate to have come from a town that prepared me for the challenges college has to offer, especially academically. However, as for the diversity in my small southwestern Connecticut hometown, it’s extremely lacking. Choosing a large university that would bring me beyond this bubble was a driving factor in my college decision, and I love UMass Amherst in every aspect of its student body -- I’m a strong believer that the variety of people we meet everyday enhances our own understanding of the world we live in. One way in which I quickly was exposed to a more diverse campus was through my decision to join Greek life. 

Jaline Israel is a senior at the University of Massachusetts Amherst studying psychology. She chose to attend UMass Amherst because of the environment here, the people, and of course the #1 dining.

Meet Maria Jara, a junior marketing major here at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. With aspirations to reach the heights of merchandising and fashion, here is how UMass Amherst is helping prepare her to reach her goals.