Resident Guide

Appliance Manuals
Learn how to use your dishwasher, stovetop, washer, dryer, and other appliances by exploring the Appliance Manuals.
 

Attic and Basement Access Hatches
Access hatches for the basement and attics of each building are located in the end units. For routine and planned work, residents will be notified at least 24 hours in advance of entry. However, if there are urgent repair issues, we may reach out on shorter notice. Please know that university staff will always escort outside contractors. No personal items should be placed on top of these emergency access hatches.
 

Electrical Breaker Box
Residents will receive one key to the electrical breaker box located in their apartment. Residents may use this key to open the box and reset electrical breakers when needed. If assistance is needed with an electrical concern, contact the Facilities Service Center at (413) 545-6401.
 

Kitchen Exhaust Fans
Kitchen exhaust fans reduce cooking smells by removing the odors directly at the stove before they mix into the surrounding air. You should turn your exhaust fan on every time you cook and run it for several minutes after you turn off the stove. This will help to prevent cooking smoke from activating the smoke alarms in your apartment.
 

Split System HVAC Units
The unit HVAC units provide both heating and cooling to the apartments.

• Air Conditioning: When using air conditioning, residents should keep apartment windows closed. Residents may see water dripping from their unit if the windows are left open. As the humid air flows across the coils, it condenses to form water droplets. If the condensation continues, please report this to the Facilities Service Center at (413) 545-6401.
• Heating: The bathroom gets its heat form the HVAC units in the two bedrooms. Heat will circulate best when bedroom and bathroom doors are kept open.
   

Stovetop Cleaning
Once the cooktop has cooled, you should wipe down your stovetop with a gentle glass cook top cleaner such as this one made by WEIMAN.
 

Windows
Upstairs windows have safety locks. If safety locks are not functioning properly, report the concern to the Facilities Service Center at (413) 545-6401.

Window Cleaning: The windows tilt in for easy cleaning. Unlock and then open the window 1-2 inches high. At the top of the window casing there are two white locks on each end that you will push towards each other while also pulling the top of the window frame towards you. The base of the window will stay seated in the frame, however, do not let go of the window or it can fall and break. To place the window back in the frame, carefully push the window back into place while pinching the locks towards each other again. Learn How to Tilt In Window for Cleaning.

Fire Extinguishers

Smoke Detectors
An activated smoke detector will stop when it no longer senses smoke in the air. Residents are not able to shut of the unit smoke detectors. If after two minutes the smoke hasn’t dissipated, the entire building fire alarm will sound. If the whole building goes into alarm, all occupants must evacuate the building until emergency personnel determine it is safe to go back inside.

Sprinklers

Visual Strobe Lights
Some units have accommodations for hearing impaired individuals. These strobe lights can not be deactivated.

Keys & Access

Apartment Residents who are 18 years of age and older will be provided with a NENS (Non Employee/Non Student) account. This will allow the resident to be enrolled in the University Village email list and to be issued a UCard for access to the Community Center. Learn more about Key and Card Access.

Installing Safety Gates

University Village student residents who desire safety gates may install them without financial charge from the campus for minor damage to the walls, including scratches/screw holes. As a convenience, the campus is providing the following dimensional information.

The distance from the end of the knee wall at the top of the stairs to the opposite wall is approximately 37.5”, as shown in the photo below.

Securing Furniture to Avoid Tipping

Submit a Service Request to have a maintenance technician meet with you about what you are trying to secure so that they can advise the best material to use that will cause minimal damage and help to find studs in the wall to be most effective.

Here are some steps we suggest if you are going to be away for an extended time.

• Remove perishable items from the apartment.
• Empty the trash and recycling.
• Leave your split systems set at a moderate temperature. We suggest 64 °F in the winter and 76 °F in the summer.
• Notify your neighbors that you will be away. They can report any suspicious activity.
• Lock all windows and doors.

Community Center Access
University Village residents will be able to access the Community Center between 7:00 a.m. – 11:59 p.m. daily with their UCards. Family members, ages 18 + who have an @umass email address may get a UCard to access the community center by following the instructions on the UCard Office website. Anyone under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian when accessing the Community Center.

Learn more about the University Village Community Center Use Guidelines.