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Hometown: San Francisco, California

Major: Psychology Minor: Sociology Certificate: Social Work and Social Welfare

Activities and Involvement: Commonwealth Honors College, Special Olympics Young Athletes, Black Student Union

Favorite Question Asked on Tour: My favorite question asked on tour is “Why did you choose UMass?”

As much as I love California, I came to UMass Amherst for a new experience and because I knew I could be me without being put in any boxes. There is no one type of UMass Amherst student and everyone is doing something they are passionate about which initially drew me to UMass Amherst. I have really appreciated the limitless opportunities the university offers whether it be in academics or in personal growth. Although it is a little colder, I have loved all my time at UMass Amherst and it's definitely flying by!

Hometown: Halifax, Massachusetts

Major: Theater Minor: Education

Activities and Involvement: Honors College, UMass Theater Guild, UMass Wicked Pitch Acapella, Theater Department Undergraduate Advisory Council

UMass Hidden Gem: UMass has a ton of hidden gems but my favorite has to be the newly renovated Furcolo Hall. While it’s a little bit of a hike from the majority of our academic buildings, it has some of the best classrooms and study areas around. Plus, the cafe makes the best coffee.

Being a student at UMass means being surrounded by excited and passionate people all the time. One of the best things I did as a freshman was join a RAP -- that’s how I met some of my best friends who still inspire me every day. As a first generation student, I relied a lot as a freshman on some of the opportunities like RAPs that UMass offers. The best advice I could give to an incoming student is to not be afraid to reach out and get involved. That way, school will feel like home in no time. Go UMass!!

Hometown: Boxborough, Massachusetts

Double Major: Kinesiology and Public Health (Pre-Medical)

Activities and Involvement: UMass CHAARG, Pre-Medical Society, Pre-PA Club, Kinesiology Club, Public Health Club

I chose UMass Amherst because it is the best of both worlds. Here I am able to create my own small-school feel while also being part of a larger community at a world-class university. There are so many resources available to me as a student, and every faculty member I have come across is supportive and wants me to succeed. I switched majors three times in just one semester, and UMass made that process seamless and easy, allowing me to explore my interests and learn from other perspectives. I could go on and on about how much I love UMass, so if you have any questions, I would love to talk to you! 

Hometown: Merion Station, Pennsylvania

Major: Kinesiology on Pre-Athletic Training Track; Minor: Psychology

Activities and Involvement: Club Gymnastics, UMass Dance Company, Student Panelist for Diversity in School of Public Health & Health Sciences  

Favorite UMass Tradition/Event: I love Homecoming weekend! There are a bunch of activities and events around campus set up and it is so exciting to see all the alumni return and tailgating and see how happy everyone is to be at UMass. 

I’m originally from the suburbs of Philadelphia and even though leaving was a bit scary, I could not have been happier once I got onto campus. Outside of academics I love gymnastics/dance, listening to music, hiking, and eating the #1 dining with friends.  I’m always glad to answer any questions about kinesiology, clubs, being an out-of-state-student, or even just a friendly face on campus!

Hometown: Norfolk, Massachusetts

Major: Psychology Minor: Education

Activities and Involvement: Vice President of Internal Operations for UMass Debate Society, Psychology Diversity Committee Mentoring Program

UMass hidden gem: Besides the Design Building being an award-winning sustainable building on campus, it has a hidden gem in it that not many people know about. There is a garden on the roof of the building with tables and chairs making it an awesome place to study and do homework when it's nice out.

I never really wanted to go to UMass because a lot of kids from my high school were going here, and I thought I wanted to be far from home at a small school. Now that I have been here for more than two years I couldn’t imagine or hope for my college experience being anything different. Going to a big school provides me with flexibility to customize my education to what really interests me, allows me to find communities within all of the different things I’m involved in, while doing it at a great financial value.

Hometown: Seattle, Washington

Major: Journalism Minors: Political Science, Sustainable Community Development

Activities and Involvement: The Massachusetts Daily Collegian, Women's Club Volleyball Team

Favorite UMass Tradition/Event: Before I came to UMass, I had never been to a hockey game. Now, game nights reign supreme! The atmosphere (and ice cream) in Mullins can’t be beat and usually neither can we! 

As someone with a hometown across the country from Amherst, the decision to come to UMass was not an easy one. I entered UMass an exploratory student worried about never finding a major in the vastness of the school… and I can say with great confidence that it is because of such vastness that I have not only found a major, but a passion for what I study! Due to the course and major flexibility, the immense amount of student resources, and the extensive opportunities for student engagement, I found a home (super far) away from home. UMass is a game-changer, and I cannot imagine myself anywhere else.

Hometown: Cumberland, Rhode Island

Major: Biomedical Engineering 

Activities and Involvement: House Council, intramural sports

Favorite UMass Food: My favorite food is the chicken sandwich from Worcester dining hall. My friends and I would always get these on Friday nights before the hockey games, and it was my favorite meal. 

I lived on campus in Northeast my first year, and I am currently off campus in an apartment this year. I love it here at UMass and I am excited to be back on campus and taking classes in person as soon as possible.

Hometown: Ondo, Nigeria

Double Major: Undeclared Business, Communications

Activities and Involvement: Student Government, HerCampus, SoulTV, Marketing Club, PR Club, Women in Business

I chose UMass because I always knew I wanted to go to a big school, I knew I would feel good knowing I would get to see different faces each day, and the fact that I was going to have so many opportunities to get involved and really understand who I truly was. Being here at UMass was one of the best decisions I could have ever made. Being an international student is honestly not the easiest thing, but I found a community that I loved, and I wouldn’t trade it for the world. Your college experience is what you make it and it’s okay if everyone has different experiences; you just have to do you and I promise everything will turn out good. If you ever have any questions or want to have a listen to my afrobeat playlist, let me know!

Hometown: Scottsdale, Arizona

Major: Nursing; Certificate in Spanish & Health

Activities and Involvement: Greek Life (Chi Omega), For the Kids, Student Nurses' Association

UMass Hidden Gem: My UMass hidden gem is the Durfee Conservatory, right in the heart of campus. While walking between classes in the winter, I would stop by the greenhouse to warm up and enjoy the little jungle tucked away near the Franklin Dining Commons. 

Although I may be far from home, UMass Amherst really is the most amazing home away from home! It is easy to make UMass feel small by getting involved in the various communities within the school, while also maintaining the school pride and camaraderie of a big school. Oh...and the food is crazy good. 

Hometown: Dallas, Texas

Major: Accounting; Minor: Spanish

Activities and Involvement: Isenberg Diversity & Inclusion Student Council, Beta Alpha Psi, Cru, Advancement of Diversity in Busines

Favorite UMass Food: Definitely the ramen! Always fresh and delicious. 

Every second that I’ve been at UMass has been exciting! The friendships, clubs, FOOD, and endless opportunities have opened my eyes. Coming from across the country was difficult at first, but I’ve been able to navigate my different interests and find my place on campus.

Hometown: Wilbraham, Massachusetts

Major: Nursing

Activities and Involvement: Member of the Commonwealth Honors College, President Elect of the Student Nurse Association, UMass Ski & Board Club, Intramural Volleyball & Field Hockey, Genetics RAP

Favorite UMass Food: Eggplant and quinoa parmesan from Hampshire dining hall!...Trust me, it’s delicious.

Being from Western Mass, I know the feeling of going to school close to home, but I feel like I am in my own bubble up in Amherst. I love going to school in an area populated by students from four other colleges, there's an endless supply of people to meet! When I'm not on tour you can find me painting, watching Spanish dramas, or finding ANY reason to go out and dance. Go UMass!

Hometown: Verona, New Jersey

Major: Biomedical Engineering, on the Pre-med track

Activities and Involvement: Commonwealth Honors College, Club Water Polo, Alpha Phi Omega (Service Fraternity), Society of Women Engineers, Biomedical Engineering Society, Animal Science Club, House Council, Honors Contemporary Issues RAP

UMass Hidden Gem: Rausch Mineral Gallery in the Morrill Science Center is definitely a hidden gem on campus (pun intended). It’s a really great place to stop by between classes, or to go see with friends. There are tons of cool minerals, rocks, and fossils to look at!

When I was looking at colleges, I did not have a complete picture of what I wanted. I looked at all types of schools--big, small, domestic, international, liberal arts, and STEM. The only thing I knew was that I wanted a school that showed how they really cared about their students and I found that at UMass. From the majors offered, the student clubs to join, and the events UMass organizations put on, I felt that UMass truly cared about the success of their students. UMass has become my home away from home. Go UMass!

Hometown: Lunenburg, Massachusetts

Major: Nutrition, Dietetics Track Minor: Psychology

Activities and Involvement: UMass Nutrition Association (Secretary), CHAARG (Small Group Leader), Education Club, Certified Group Fitness Instructor, Diggity Dogs (part-time trainer)

Favorite UMass Food: Freshly ground peanut butter right from the machine...nothing compares!

Hi, I’m Kaylyn! I’m a sophomore nutrition major on the dietetics track and a psychology minor with plans to become a registered dietitian with potential specialties in eating disorders, sports nutrition, gastroenterology, and/or pediatric nutrition (the possibilities are endless at this point). My hobbies include eating peanut butter out of the jar, getting lost on hikes (shout out to Robert Frost trail in Amherst), and taking pictures of my cats and dogs. I’ve also always wanted to be a high school science or health teacher. 

Hometown: Wayne, New Jersey

Major: Marketing Minor: Psychology 

Activities and Involvement: Women in Business, Isenberg Marketing Club, Habitat for Humanity

Favorite Tour Stop: Study Away/Study Abroad stop, because UMass has so many opportunities from the 5 College Consortium to studying in all seven continents with over 400 international programs. I personally am really interested in studying abroad and knowing that UMass has so many opportunities is one of the many reasons I came here.

Hi!! My name is Laura Balinski, and I am marketing major with a psychology minor. Like most college students I changed my major, so I came into UMass Amherst as an Economics major and later transferred my sophomore year into the Isenberg School of Management. Being from New Jersey I can still say that UMass has truly become my second home. Go UMass!

Hometown: Delhi, India

Double Major: Computer Science and Psychology

Activities and Involvement: Research Assistant - College of Natural Sciences, Delta Kappa Delta Sorority Inc, Google Student Developer Club, Peer Lead - College of Natural Sciences, Tennis Club

UMass Hidden Gem: One of my favorite places to study is the 2nd floor patio of the Life Science Building. It looks out onto campus and has a big deck with chairs. In the spring, the sun shines onto the patio and it’s the perfect place to study with peace and a slight breeze. 

I am an international student from India but I have spent most of my life in Phoenix, Arizona. I initially came into UMass as a Psychology major and then in my second semester applied to CICS as a computer science major. I like studying at a large university like UMass because the opportunities are endless.

Hometown: Medway, Massachusetts

Double Major: Operations & Information Management and Public Health; Minor: Psychology

Activities and Involvement: UMass Ski & Board Club, Isenberg Honors Council, Thriving in Life RAP

UMass Hidden Gem: Whitmore Cafe in the Whitmore Administration building has the BEST make-your-own salads and wraps. 

I’m the 13th member of my family and one of 23 members of my high school graduating class to come to UMass. I was worried that I was following in their footsteps, but UMass has so many opportunities that every single student has a totally unique experience. I am loving my time at UMass and couldn’t be happier about the people I’ve met, the classes I’ve taken, and all the activities I’ve participated in. 

Hometown: Brooklyn, New York

Double Major: Biology and Theatre

Activities and Involvement: Captain of the Women’s Ultimate Frisbee B Team

UMass Hidden Gem: My favorite “hidden gem” that UMass has is the bubbled field. Okay so maybe this gem isn’t very hidden, it is actually quite large, but it is not a very common place for students to go. It is an excellent place to get ultimate practice in the winter time. I have very fond memories of team bonding in the bubble, and I am so excited to practice there again (hopefully) soon.

Being a student at UMass has been one of the best experiences of my life so far. I have met some amazing people, I get to study two of my favorite things in the world, and I generally love living in western Massachusetts. Something I would like to tell prospective students is that UMass is such a wonderful school, and you take out of it what you put into it. It is not only about finding a community at UMass, but making UMass truly your own. This couldn’t be easier to do, be it through RAPs, clubs, research, the list goes on and on. 

Hometown: Somerset, Massachusetts

Double Major: Civil Engineering and Marketing

Activities/ Involvement: Club Rugby, Marketing Club, Brother of Delta Sigma Pi

Favorite UMass Tradition: Halloween steak and lobsters. I remember walking into Hampshire Dining Commons on Halloween in pure amazement, as the dining hall was covered in Harry Potter decorations and the aroma of mouth-watering surf and turf floated down to the entrance.

At first a hesitant commit, I am now a full-blown UMass enthusiast! The seemingly massive campus has allowed me to carve out bubbles that truly make me feel at home. UMass is an amazing place to learn and provides each student with unique opportunities to pursue even their most obscure interests. No matter who you are or where you’re from, UMass has a group or activity that will help you call it home.

Hometown: Hopkinton, Massachusetts

Double Major: Psychology and Public Health 

Activities and Involvement: Commonwealth Honors College, Students to End Alzheimer's Disease Club, Running Club, the Red Cross Club, and a writer for Spoon University

UMass Hidden Gem: Insomnia cookies PJ night! If you come in your pajamas, you receive a free cookie. 

At first, I was really hesitant about attending UMass. I wasn’t sure if it was the best fit and I wanted that feeling of stepping on to a college campus and knowing it was the right place for me. I never had that feeling with UMass, but there is honestly no place I would rather be. Sometimes love for your school is immediate and sometimes it is slow, but I guarantee there is no better place than UMass, I truly could stay here forever! I am most involved in the Students to End Alzheimer’s Disease club and Spoon University. Spoon University is definitely my favorite organization I have joined since being here. If you love food, writing, photography, or marketing in general, definitely feel free to ask me any questions! I am an avid runner so can speak to the awesome scenery around campus and amazing bike paths/rail trails in the surrounding area. I am currently training for my second half marathon, so feel free to reach out with questions about running, Spoon, the Honors College or anything else in between. I absolutely love UMass and can’t wait to meet all of the amazing prospective students!  

Hometown: Jackson, Mississippi

Double Major: Psychology Neuroscience Track and Biology Minor: Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

Activities and Involvement: Psychology Department Peer Advisor, UMass Best Buddies, Neuroscience Club, Habitat for Humanity, Psi Chi Honor Society, Commonwealth Honors College

UMass Hidden Gem: My UMass hidden gem is Argo Tea Shop located in the Southwest residential area. Argo Tea has a collection of over 50 different teas, tons of coffee drinks and combos, and -- my favorite -- the chicken pesto panini. Freshman year, 90% of my dining dollars went to Argo because it was my go-to study spot on campus, and right next to my freshman and sophomore year dorms! If you come to UMass, definitely check out Argo, you won’t regret it, and may become addicted!

I am an out-of-state student from Jackson, Mississippi (yeehaw!) but definitely identify as a New Englander (clam chowder > sweet tea). UMass is my favorite place in the world, and I hope you come check out a tour and visit campus, so it can be yours too! UMass has so many amazing things to offer, from the delicious food to the world-renowned research opportunities – there will always be something for you to explore at UMass. More than all of the incredible opportunities, the UMass community has made me feel as though I am a part of something much bigger than myself, and every day I am so thankful for being given the opportunity to meet and interact with so many inspiring people. Go UMass!

Hometown: Taunton, Massachusetts

Major: Psychology Neuroscience Track 

Activities and Involvement: STEM Ambassador Program

Favorite UMass Event: UMass Blackout Cookout is a great way for different, diverse communities to come together and showcase cultural dances, songs, foods, etc. and celebrate heritage and each other’s uniqueness on a bigger scale. 

My name is Naicha, but people call me Nai for short. I am a first-year psychology major on the neuroscience track looking to add on a criminal justice certificate. I am a part of StemAP, which is a great way to get connected to students with like-minded interest, and learn more about the opportunities to be taken advantage of after college. In my free time, I love to listen to music, edit videos for fun, and I am currently working on knitting a queen size blanket (lol)! 

Hometown: Red Bank, New Jersey

Major: Communication Disorders Minor: Psychology

Activities and Involvement: Member of the National Speech Language and Hearing Association, Teaching Assistant, Intramural basketball

Favorite UMass Food: The buffalo chicken wrap from Hampshire dining commons! Every item of food UMass offers is beyond delicious, but the buffalo chicken wrap certainly has my heart.

I transferred to UMass my sophomore year, and my decision to transfer to UMass Amherst is easily the best decision I have ever made. What I love the most about UMass is that while every student is different and unique in their own magical way, there is an underlying common denominator amongst all of us, and that is our passion to take advantage of every amazing thing UMass has to offer. Every student I have met has been involved on campus in some shape, way or form -- whether that is being a member of a club, participating in sports, participating in research, having a job on campus (such as in the library or dining halls or being a tour guide!!!) and so much more. I believe that the involvement of students in so many different aspects of campus life really says a lot about what kind of students UMass Amherst attracts (hint: the best of the best!!). Go UMass!

Hometown: Stoneham, Massachusetts

Double Major: Biochemistry/Molecular Biology and Political Science

Activities and Involvement: Commonwealth Honors College, Research, Outing and Adventuring Club

Favorite Question on Tour: “What is your favorite food at the dining hall?” Absolutely everything but if I had to choose it is the custom pancake bar where I can put in any toppings I want and have someone make pancakes for me!

As someone whose entire family went to UMass, I was so against the idea of coming here until I stepped foot on campus. Then I realized why so many people go here! Everyone can find their own group here and have an equally amazing but unique experience at UMass. I am lucky for all the opportunities UMass has given me and the memories I have so far! Go UMass!

Hometown: Princeton, Massachusetts

Major: Math; Concentration in Teaching

Activities and Involvement: Club Tennis (B TEAM represent!), Outing Club

UMass Hidden Gem: The field behind Sylvan. Freshman year my friends and I would go there for sunsets or to play spikeball/kanjam. It’s a beautiful field and there’s a big tree with a swing and we would set up our hammocks on the branches. We call it “Duck Pond”, but there are neither ducks nor a pond. It’s very quiet because it’s a bit of a walk from anywhere except Sylvan.

I transferred to UMass halfway through my freshman year and love being out in Amherst! One of my favorite things about UMass is the hockey games. I love waiting in line outside the Mullins Center hours before the games start to make sure we get good seats in the student section right near the amazing Ice Band. I know it’s very cliche to hear when talking about college, but after going to a small school prior to transferring to UMass, this saying has really stuck with me; you can make a big school feel small but you can’t make a small school feel big. Go UMass!

Hometown: Monroe, New Jersey

Major: Microbiology on Pre-Med Track; Double Minor: Political Science and Psychology

Activities and Involvement: Undergraduate research, Undergraduate TAing, Student Wellbeing Advisory Board, BioTAP

UMass Hidden Gem: The upper floors of the ISB (Integrated Sciences Building) have countless nooks and crannies that make great quiet study spaces when you need a change of scenery. The building is really bright and modern, and you can see a lot of campus from the third and fourth floors if you just want to look out of the windows! 

I’m on the pre-med track and my goal is to complete a MD/JD dual degree after undergrad. As an out-of-state student, I was definitely worried about not being able to adjust on campus, but UMass has given me so many opportunities, academically and socially, and I always say that coming here was the best decision I have ever made! Go UMass!!

Hometown: Beverly, Massachusetts

Double Major: Psychology and Sociology Certificate: Social Work and Social Welfare

Activities and Involvement: Commonwealth Honors College, the Stonewall Center, Active Minds

Favorite UMass Food: UMass’ vegetarian/vegan dining section at each of the dining halls offers tons of delicious options, but my absolute favorite has to be the falafel at Hampshire Dining Commons.

Hometown: Chelmsford, Massachusetts

Major: Computer Science

Activities and Involvement:Association for Women in Science (Treasurer), Society of Women Engineers, UMass Indian Classical Arts Society, Women in Computer Science Club, Cybersecurity Club, South Asian Student Association, Hindu YUVA

Favorite UMass Food: Omelets from omelet bar! Eggs are made-to-order right in front of you. I also like to have it with home fries on the side to make it a proper meal. Try it out, you won’t regret it!

Getting involved is one of my favorite parts about being a student at UMass. Making the large community feel small in your own way is what will make the experience the best it can be. There are truly so many ways to have a good time during your time at UMass, which is why I love being here and I’m thankful for all of these opportunities and memories. The students and faculty members I’ve met here are truly passionate in their fields and love helping others. Best of all, UMass has some awesome views on and off campus in the Amherst area all year long! Go UMass!

Hometown: Westwood, Massachusetts

Major: Psychology Minor: Sociology Certificate: Criminal Justice

Activities and Involvement: Commonwealth Honors College, Research Lab, Neuroscience Club 

Favorite UMass Food: Pork dumplings at Hamp 

I actually transferred to UMass during my first year and I have loved every second of my time here at UMass and being a student in this awesome area. Outside of my major I have participated in some really fun clubs, I’m a member of the Honors College, and I have also participated in research in the Psychology department. Here at UMass, you will have an unparalleled ability to customize your education and your experience that will make for an unforgettable four years. Go UMass! 

Hometown: Hopewell Junction, New York

Major: Math with a concentration in Education Minor: Political Science

Activities and Involvement: Marching Band, Greek Life, Hoop/Ice Band, Residential Assistant, Hillel

Favorite UMass Food: The sushi is amazing and unlimited! Of course all of the food is incredible (number 1 dining in the country for the past five years!)

My favorite thing about UMass is that it has allowed me to do everything and anything I am passionate about. Not only am I getting a great education in math, but I am also getting to learn about an area of interest in political science and continue my passion for music through the Marching Band and other music ensembles. I also love being an RA, which helps me connect with first-year students and make their first year the best it can be. UMass is the place for EVERYONE and I cannot wait for you to see how much we have to offer you!