Engage Guide : Dean of Students Office : UMass Amherst

Welcome to our ENGAGE Guide (Encouraging Neighborhood Goodwill and Great Experiences)! From questions about parking, to volunteer opportunities, to off campus updates, to finding a bite to eat, this is your go-to place for information about living off campus. Click on any of the categories below to get started, and take our monthly quiz in the Need to Know section for a chance at winning some goodies for you and your roommates!

Need to Know

Around Amherst

Resources & Safety

As an off-campus student, you experience the many rewards and challenges that come with off-campus life. Increased connection with the community, opportunities to live with friends or family, and additional independence are all exciting benefits that come with life as an off-campus student. Of course, living off-campus may come with a number of challenges too—transportation, cooking your own meals, and budgeting are all challenges that you may need to adjust to. Luckily, there are a number of on and off-campus resources to support you!

Campus Resources

Off Campus Student Life (OCSL)

Consider Off Campus Student Life your home away from home—hang out between classes in our lounge space (Bartlett 103), store and microwave your lunch, tune into resources and supports for navigating life as an off-campus student, and more. Our dedicated staff are here to help you whether you are a first-time off-campus student, or a seasoned pro. Stop by and say hi!

Student Parent Programs (SPP)

We understand that being both a parent and a student presents its own unique set of challenges. Student Parent Programs is here to support you. SPP can help you navigate UMass, get connected to resources, apply for a childcare subsidy, meet other students with families, find kid-friendly educational and cultural enrichment activities to do in the community, and more. To learn more about supports available to student parents, please email @email.

Student Legal Services

The Student Legal Services Office (SLSO) is a resource for fee-paying UMass Amherst students, offering free and confidential advice and referrals for a number of legal concerns. In addition, SLSO offers free lease reviews for students considering signing an off-campus lease. To request services, simply fill out SLSO’s online intake.

Center for Women and Community (CWC) and Center for Counseling and Psychological Health (CCPH)

The transition to off-campus living, along with the typical academic and social stressors that most college students experience, can prove challenging at times. It’s ok to ask for help! Whether you are feeling isolated, experiencing roommate or relationship challenges, or looking for mental health support, the Center for Counseling and Psychological Health and the Center for Women and Community are here to help.

The Center for Counseling and Psychological Health (CCPH) offers a community of care to UMass Amherst students to help cope with stress or anxiety, find strategies to overcome challenges, promote mental wellbeing, and succeed in college life and beyond. They offer 24-hour crisis support, individual and group counseling, and more.
The CWC is committed to providing free and confidential support services to all of Hampshire County, including a 24-hour hotline, for survivors of sexual and intimate partner violence. CWC serves students of all gender identities. CWC’s support services use an empowerment strength-based approach and recognize you as the expert of your experience and needs. In addition to the support services listed below, they also offer training, professional development and various workshops:

Dean of Students Office (DOSO)

The Dean of Students Office staff focuses on assisting students with personal or academic challenges. Typical reasons students and families seek assistance include, but are not limited to, the following:

Difficulty Transitioning to College Life
Missing Classes/Significantly Behind in Coursework
Injury or Illness

Experiencing Depression, Anxiety, Panic and/or Other General Mental Health Concerns
Financial Struggles/Homelessness
Victim of a Physical/Sexual Assault or Harassing Behavior
Relationship Challenges/Domestic Violence
Victim of Bullying

Alcohol or Drug Abuse
Eating or Exercise Disorder
Need to Access Multiple Campus Resources
Not Sure Where to Access Help

Supply closet

Everyone deserves uninhibited access to personal care supplies. The Dean of Students Office manages the Student Care Supply Closet which provide free toiletries and household items to students who are facing economic insecurity and/or an unexpected financial emergency. Any student who is in need is eligible to use this resource—no questions asked. Simply fill out the online shopping sheet and wait for a staff member to reach out to you to schedule your pick-up.

Food, financial, and housing security

If you are experiencing difficulty in making ends meet, you are not alone. The 2018 Wisconsin Hope Lab Survey, “Still Hungry and Homeless,” gathered that 36% of 4-year college students were food insecure in the 30 days preceding the survey, right around 36% were experiencing housing insecurity, and 9% were homeless. UMass is committed to supporting students experiencing food and housing insecurity through a number of on-campus programs and off-campus partnerships, support, and resources:
- Partnership with the Amherst Survival Center
- UMass Amherst Dining Services Food Security Initiatives
- Assistance signing up for SNAP via the Off Campus Student Life SNAP drop-in hours (call or drop by our office for more information!)
- Case management, advocacy, and referrals via the Dean of Students Office

Area Resources

Safety

Good Neighbor 101

Parties and Gatherings

Good Neighbor Registration (GNR)

To register for Fall 2022, follow this link
Good Neighbor Registration allows UMass students to register their address in order to get a warning regarding noise violations before a traditional police response. This is not a license to party, but an opportunity to handle any noise calls yourself before police intervention.
Registration is quick and easy with the help of our friendly Off Campus Student Life staff. Stop by our office in Bartlett 103 to learn more, or visit our GNR site.

UMass Code of Conduct

It is important to note that the UMass Student Code of Conduct still applies, even to off-campus gathering, thus in addition to following the law and town regulations, you must also take care to follow the code of conduct. Here are a few tips and tricks to maximize the success and safety of your off-campus gathering:

Use Good Neighbor Registration! Not only does registering your party give you a heads up before getting a visit from the police, it also helps you learn strategies for being a good neighbor
Be mindful of trash and litter—broken glass on the sidewalk, empty cans, and other trash can be hazardous for others who live in your neighborhood, not to mention contributing to pollution. Be kind and pick up after your guests!

If you are of age and planning to have alcohol at your gathering, always have sober hosts who agree to keep an eye on you and your friends, and who can be on the lookout for anyone who might need help. Take care of your friends! Review the UMass Minutes Matter Policy, and always call 911 if you are concerned about someone’s health or safety
Be respectful of your neighbors and move guests inside as it gets later. Keep music and other noise to a reasonable volume and remind your friends not to cut through neighbors’ yards when they are coming or going

Good Neighbor Grant Program

The Good Neighbor Grant Program provides teams of students/residents with mini-grants to support projects that contribute to the betterment of their shared neighborhood—this may look like hosting a community building event, planting a community garden, or funding a trash clean-up. Now more than ever we recognize the importance of interdependent communities—in our neighborhoods we have the power to decide to center unity, solidarity, and collaboration. In fostering these characteristics in the places we live, we combat isolation and individualism, and embrace togetherness in service of creating a more connected, cooperative community in which students and residents thrive. To apply, fill out this application, and staff will respond within five business days. The types of projects that are likely to be funded through this program are:
- Small-scale and manageable
- Possible to complete for $500 or less
- Dreamed up and agreed upon by a collaborative pair or group of UMass Amherst student(s) and non-student Amherst resident(s) living in proximity to one another
- Contribute toward the betterment of the neighborhood for all (think community gardens, trash clean up events, little free libraries), or make an investment in building long-term relationships among residents and students (block parties, book swaps, food distribution)

The OCSC Team

Getting Around

Parking

Parking Off-Campus

Parking in downtown Amherst and most areas around campus require either a permit or a meter fee. Areas marked by a blue and white permit sign require a permit between September and May and can be bought using the town's online system starting in August. The current rate for a town permit is $50 for cars registered to Amherst addresses and $250 for cars registered to non-Amherst addresses and are valid only in the specific area you buy it for. Areas in the downtown core are metered, and the rate and time limit varies based on the specific parking spot. Check out the town's interactive map to see all locations and rates. The best rates are often just a block away from the main intersection. You can pay with coins or via the ParkMobile app, which is also used on the UMass campus.

Parking tickets can be paid at the Central Services counter at town hall (4 Boltwood Ave). You may appeal a ticket within 21 days via a detailed written letter to Central Services or using this online form.

On-street parking is banned and enforced during snow emergencies. You can sign up for free emergency and parking ban text alerts here, or by texting "Amherst" to 38276 (SMS only).

Helpful Links:

Parking On-Campus

UMass Parking Services oversees all campus parking and permits. A permit is required to park on campus with the exception of a small number of metered, time-limited spots. Permits come in two types, portable and sticker. Only off-campus students with two vehicle registrations have the option of purchasing a portable (over the rear-view mirror) pass. Visit their website for the most up-to-date information. You can also visit them in person at their building in Lot 25 Monday-Friday 7:45am-4:45pm, email them at parking@umass.edu, or call them at (413) 577-PARK.

During snow emergencies, certain lots are closed to parking. You can view the list of affected lots here.

Helpful links:

PVTA

Local Routes

UMass Transit operates a number of routes on behalf of the Pioneer Valley Transit Authority (PVTA) that are fare-free. Click on any of the following to view route times and maps:

Additionally, the following routes aren't operated by UMass Transit but are fare free with a student ID during the academic year:

A special route, the B79 (Amherst/Worcester Intercity), requires a fare but is specifically aligned with the MBTA commuter rail schedule, allowing for easy transfers into Boston.

Reduced Service

Many routes have specific summer or winter schedules that correspond with the absence of many students in town. Others may operate reduced weekend service even during the school year. Check your particular route for specific details.

When UMass cancels Fall or Spring classes for an entire day, or schedules remote learning for an entire day, some buses run on a reduced schedule (as conditions allow):

Reduced Weekday Service: Routes 30, 31, 45, 46
Full Service: Routes 33, 38
Weekend/Holiday Service: Routes 35
No Service: Routes 34, 36

When UMass opens late, closes early, or transitions to remote learning for part of the day, buses run as scheduled (as conditions allow).

FAQs and Maps

UMass transit has an FAQ page, which is a great place to check with general questions. For all route maps, including an interactive map, check out the PVTA's route map page. Finally, you can contact UMass Transit at transit@umass.edu or (413) 545-0056.

Biking

Campus Bike Programs

Amherst is an increasingly bike-friendly town, and biking is one of the easiest ways to get to and around campus. There are a number of initiatives on campus to encourage bicycling, including:

UMass Bike Co-Op (student-run bike shop on the first floor of the SGA building that has parts and helps with tune-ups)
SGA Bike Library (free year-long bike rentals to students, faculty, and staff as supplies last. Tentatively returning for Fall 2022)
PVTA Bicycle Commute Program (bike racks on all busses operated by UMass Transit)

Buying and Storing a Bike

There are two bike shops in town: Hampshire Bike Exchange on University Drive near Big Y, and Laughing Dog Bicycles on the Amherst Common. Both offer bike and accessory sales, though many students may choose to buy a used bike elsewhere and get it tuned up here or on campus.

ValleyBike Share

Amherst is part of the ValleyBike program, a non-profit bike sharing initiative with a dozen stations in town and nearly 70 across Western Mass. Their UMass and Northampton locations remain the most popular in the system and are conveniently placed for students. Bikes can be checked out at any docket and returned to any other docket in the system. Check out their pricing and passes or their interactive station map for more information.

Bike Paths and Lanes

Amherst is bisected by the Norwottuck Rail Trail, a paved, multi-use path that links the town and campus with area communities including Hadley, Northampton, Easthampton, Belchertown, and Southampton. The trail connects directly to the main shopping areas and grocery stores in Hadley and downtown Northampton. There's a campus spur runs alongside Southwest Residential Area before connecting to the main trunk by the Hadley border, as well as a downtown entrance off of Snell St, just south of the Common. High-usage areas are also increasingly plowed in the wintertime. Bike lanes are also increasingly included in new town road designs, further adding to the rideability in the area.

Renting Locally

Finding Housing

Finding the right rental

Search smart. Use the UMass Amherst Off Campus Student Life website to look for rentals and a full list of resources. Be careful of scams on other sites.
Look for housing and secure it six to eight months in advance.
Check the apartment (and bring someone with you) to ensure it is in acceptable condition. Never sign a lease for an apartment/house you have not seen.
Talk with prospective neighbors or current tenants about the reputation of the property owner and/or management company.

Before signing a lease

Do not put money down unless you are sure you want the apartment.
Calculate other anticipated costs (i.e., heat, electricity, Wi-Fi) when determining what you can afford.
Know what is expected of you in terms of pre-payments or a finder’s fee (brokerage fee). A rental agent may be able to charge you a “finder's” fee, but they must give you written notice of the amount to be charged, that they are a licensed real estate agent and their license number.
Your landlord cannot charge you an application fee, a credit check fee, or an initial pet deposit.
Be sure to get receipts for all the money you pay, especially if you pay in cash, by bank check, or by money order.
It is EXTREMELY important to read the lease thoroughly and understand it before you sign it. Leases often have confusing terms (e.g., “joint and several liability: and “subrogation”).
If you are a student at UMass Amherst and have questions about your lease, complete an intake form with the Student Legal Services Office and have your lease reviewed by an attorney for FREE!

Signing a lease, security deposit, last month’s rent

A lease is a legally binding contract. It says what you promise to do and what the landlord promises to do in return. Make sure you understand it before you sign it.
The landlord must give you an executed copy of your rental agreement within 30 days of your signing it.
If your landlord collects a security deposit, they must provide a Statement of Condition of the rental unit that includes a comprehensive list of any existing damages. It is important that you note any damages that are missing from the statement and give your landlord a corrected version within 15 days of receiving the form. Keep a copy and take pictures of any damages for your records.
A security deposit is a deposit of money to the landlord to ensure that the rent will be paid or to compensate the landlord against damages. Last month’s rent is the pre-payment to the landlord for the last month of tenancy. Landlords are allowed to collect first and last months’ rent, a security deposit equal to one month’s rent.
Ask the landlord about any subletting rules or restrictions in case you or your roommate needs to move out before the end of the lease.

Tenant’s Rights & Housing Equity

You are entitled to a safe and habitable living environment throughout your tenancy. The State Sanitary Code protects the health, safety, and well-being of tenants. The local Boards of Health enforce the code. Massachusetts laws require landlords to adhere to standards and regulations for heat, water pressure and temperature, kitchens, cockroach or rodent infestation, structural elements, and snow removal.
State and federal law prohibit discrimination in the sale and rental of housing by property owners, landlords, property managers, mortgage lenders, and real estate agents. These fair housing laws make it unlawful to discriminate based on: race, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, ancestry, genetic information, marital status, veteran or active military status, age, familial status (i.e., children), and source of income (i.e., Section 8 voucher).

Rental insurance

Many landlords are increasingly requiring tenants to carry renters insurance. Renters insurance has three basic coverage components: personal possessions, liability, and living expenses.

Moving in

Ensure the electricity, heat, and hot water have been connected/are in working order.
Fill out the Statement of Condition form and take photographs of any damages that you notice from previous tenants. Keep these photographs for the duration of your tenancy, as these are important in regaiing your security deposit.

Moving out

Always start by checking your lease! Your lease outlines not only your end date, but may also include information on move-out notification periods and the procedure for doing so.
Clean your private spaces, and if you have roommates, determine how you’ll clean your shared spaces. You need to leave your apartment in the same shape as when you moved in or better if you want to get your security deposit back.
Get rid of all your garbage. If you have items that your waste hauler won’t pick up, such as a mattress or piece of furniture, and you’re an Amherst resident with valid student ID, you can use the town’s transfer station for a small fee under their special student program.
Donate reusable items that you don’t want. UMass Sustainability runs their New2U program, which collects reusable bedding, clothes, appliances, and more across campus each spring. They then sell the items back at the beginning of each school year at their move-in tag sale.
If you’re subletting, make a post on our housing page. Make sure to include clear pictures of the apartment and use detail in your description. This helps you find potential students in a much faster and safer way.
Once you move out, your landlord has 30 days to return your security deposit to you, minus any damages. If damages are deducted or you owe outstanding rent, your landlord must send you a detailed, itemized list. Your landlord must provide receipts or estimates to back up any deposit deductions.

Getting the Basics

Moving to the Amherst area can be new and exciting, but it also can also raise questions about where to find the basic businesses you’ll need to succeed and make your off campus experience your own. Below are some places in Amherst and Hadley that you may find useful as you start or continue your journey with us.

Banks

UMass Five Federal Credit Union (Campus Center)
Northampton Cooperative Bank (390 College St, Amherst)

Florence Bank (385 College St, Amherst)
PeoplesBank (56 Amity St, Amherst)
Greenfield Savings Bank (108 N Pleasant St, Amherst)
TD Bank (243 Triangle St, Amherst)
Peoples United Bank (25 E Pleasant St, Amherst)

Bank of America (1 S Pleasant St, Amherst)

Groceries

Big Y (175 University Drive, Amherst)
Stop & Shop (440 Russell St, Hadley)
Trader Joe’s (375 Russell St, Hadley)

ALDI (354 Russell St, Hadley)
Whole Foods (327 Russell St, Hadley)
Maple Farm Foods (10 S Maple St, Hadley)
Atkins Farms Market (1150 West St, Amherst)
Tran’s World Food Market (50 Russell St, Hadley)

Mom’s House Asian Market (318 College St, Amherst)

Convenience

CVS (165 University Drive and 76 N Pleasant St, Amherst)
Cumberland Farms (35 Belchertown Rd and 19 Montague Rd, Amherst)

Big Box Stores

Target (Hampshire Mall, 367 Russell St, Hadley)
Walmart (337 Russell St, Hadley)
T.J. Maxx (454 Russell St, Hadley)
Staples (125 Westgate Center Dr, Hadley)
JC Penny (Hampshire Mall, 367 Russell St, Hadley)

Barnes & Noble (335 Russell St, Hadley)
Home Depot (350 Russell St, Hadley)
Old Navy (339 Russell St, Hadley)
Michaels (325 Russell St, Unit B, Hadley)
Marshalls (325 Russell St, Unit A, Hadley)

Cell Phone Providers

Verizon (360 Russell St, Hadley)
T-Mobile (344 Russell St, Hadley)
AT&T (359 Russell St, Hadley)
MetroPCS (134 King St, Northampton)

Barber Shops

The Barber Shop (35 Montague Rd, Amherst)
D & J’s University Barbers (Campus Center)
Eliana’s Barber Shop (196 N Pleasant St, Amherst)
Sandy’s Barber Shop (96 N Pleasant St, Amherst)

Matt’s Barber Shop (59 Boltwood Walk, Amherst)
Supercuts (344 Russell St, Hadley)
Sports Clips Haircuts (355 Russell St, Hadley)
Global Cuts (460 West St, Amherst)

Hair Salons and Nails

The Lift Salon
Hair By Harlow (220 N Pleasant St, Amherst)
Casimir Kocot Salon (196 N Pleasant St, Amherst)
Vici Hair Studio (189 N Pleasant St, Amherst)
Hair East Salon (103 N Pleasant St, Amherst)

Sei Bella Salon (59 Boltwood Walk, Amherst)
Red Door Salon (55 S Pleasant St, Amherst)
Amherst Hairstylists (409 Main St, Amherst)
Absolutely Hair (479 West St, Amherst)
Styles By Deborah (835 Main St, Amherst)

V.I.P. Nails (175 University Drive, Amherst)
Peter’s Nails (458 Russell St, Hadley)
Star Nails & Spa (316 College St, Amherst)
Cheryl Nina Salon and Day Spa (35 University Dr, Amherst)

Town Codes

Utilities

Heating and Electricity

Amherst, Hadley, Sunderland, and many other towns in Western MA are serviced by both Berkshire Gas and Eversource Electric. This means that if you are responsible for paying utilities, you will pay Berkshire gas (if you have gas appliances or heat), and Eversource Electric on a monthly basis. Utilities are not billed as a flat rate (though sometimes landlords may charge a flat monthly rate as part of the rent—check your lease for more details). Utility charges are calculated based on usage. This means that there are many effective strategies for conserving energy and thus, keeping your bills lower, such as:

Keeping your heat at around 68 degrees in the winter, and your air conditioning (if you have central AC) at around 78 degrees in the summer.
Opting for energy efficient window AC units, fans, and other electronics.
Utilizing energy efficient lightbulbs throughout your apartment.
Washing your clothes using cold water and try to take short showers.
Requesting repairs for any windows that are broken, leaky, or need to be re-caulked. Use plastic window sheets in the winter to keep drafts out.

Turning off fans or other electronics when you leave the room, and avoid leaving lights on unnecessarily.

In most cases, when you move into a new rental where you are responsible for some or all of the utilities, you must set up services in your name (often you can do this online)—it's possible that if you do not do this in advance, there may be a short period of time where you are without electricity or gas, so we recommend setting these up a few days prior to moving in, with the service start date set for the day (or the day before) you move in.

Water

Water is billed by individual towns’ treasurer offices. Most rentals include the cost of water and sewage in the rent, so it is unlikely that you will be required to pay these utilities. Either way, you do not have to set up these services in advance.

Amherst’s t rash and recycling guidelines

IF YOU LIVE IN AN APARTMENT OR MULTI-FAMILY COMPLEX
Special dumpsters or carts should be provided for tenant trash and recycling. If you carry your recyclables to the recycling dumpster in a plastic bag, please dispose of the bag in the trash after emptying its contents into the recycling cart, or bring it to a retail outlet for recycling.
IF YOU RENT A HOUSE OR PART OF A HOUSE
Consult your landlord or lease agreement to determine who is responsible for trash and recycling removal. If you are responsible, homeowner options (below) apply.
IF YOU HAVE A SMALL AMOUNT OF WASTE TO THROW AWAY, SUCH AS IN THE CASE OF MOVING OUT OF YOUR PLACE

The Pay-As-You-Throw program is available to Amherst residents who generate a small quantity of trash and recycling and can transport it to the Amherst Transfer Station and Recycling Center as needed, located at 740 Belchertown Road.
- Participants agree to purchase and use only prepaid bags for trash. Pre-paid trash bags are a blue, 33 gallon bag with the Town Seal printed on them. These sturdy (3ML) bags are sold in rolls of ten for $30 and are only available at the Transfer Station. There is no cost for disposal of recyclable paper and mixed containers. Conscientious recycling can significantly reduce the amount of trash generated, reducing dependency on (and cost of) prepaid trash bags.
- Purchase of a Vehicle Sticker for the Transfer Station is required.

ORGANIC WASTE AND COMPOST
- Yard waste is banned from trash, and leaves are collected in the fall by the town. You can also bring leaves and grass clippings to the Transfer Station for no charge if you have a sticker.
- Composting your food waste (along with yard waste) is a great way to reduce the trash you dispose of, and it keeps it out of the landfill, where it produces methane, a potent greenhouse gas. You can compost it yourself using a compost bin or pile.
- If you don't want to compost your food waste yourself, you have a couple of options:
- Bring it to the Transfer Station (you'll need a sticker), where it gets collected weekly.
- Pay for curbside organics collection. Some private companies offer regular collection and provide you with a kitchen pail or cart.
SPECIAL AND BULKY TRASH

Household clean-outs, moving in or out, and renovations can produce bulky waste items such as appliances, computers, furniture, and mattresses.
In many cases your waste hauler will pick up bulky items from your curb for an additional fee. Call your hauler’s office for specifics.
Students living in Amherst with a valid student ID can use the town's transfer station for bulky items at at discounted rate. Check out the special student information page for more.
Contractors performing work for customers in Amherst may bring trash, construction, demolition materials, and recycling to the Transfer Station as long as they have a valid Commercial Vehicle Sticker.

WHAT RECYCLABLES SHOULD YOU BE SEPARATING FROM THE TRASH?
- Paper: Corrugated cardboard, paperboard, office paper, newspaper, and junk mail should all be recycled. Envelope windows, staples, and metal spirals can be included. Avoid recycling paper that is very wet, contaminated with food, or lined with plastic (such as hot drink cups).
- Mixed containers: Glass, steel, cartons (such as milk and juice), and aluminum containers, including cans, pans, and foil, should be recycled. Plastic containers of 2 gallons or less, that contained food, beverage, detergent, or personal care products should also be recycled. Do not recycle plastic cups or plastic bags, Styrofoam, or compostable containers.

Connecting Communities

Town Hall 101

Getting Involved

Engage Guide

TBD