Student FAQs
Which students participate in the new student experience (orientation)?
Any student who enters the university through Undergraduate Admissions as a first-year or transfer student and pays the non-refundable new student enrollment fee is required to participate in the new student experience coordinated by New Student and Family Programs. This includes students who are admitted to the Interdisciplinary Studies Exploratory track or transfer to UMass Amherst after taking courses through University Without Walls. In addition, students who withdraw from the university before their first semester starts and are re-admitted to the university as first-time students through the Registrar's Office are considered new undergraduate students and they also complete the new student experience.
While other welcome, orientation, and/or transition experiences are available to support students in the following groups, the undergraduate new student experience coordinated by New Student and Family Programs is not required for:
- graduate students;
- students admitted through the University Without Walls application processes;
- students who completed the new student experience already and are transferring from an associate degree program in the Stockbridge School to a bachelor's degree program at the university;
- students who completed the new student experience already, earned a bachelor's degree at UMass Amherst, and are returning for a second bachelor's degree; or
- students who are on exchange at UMass Amherst from another institution.
When are the orientation and transition programs?
Your new student experience spans several months from when you submit your enrollment deposit through the beginning of the semester. Students admitted to UMass Amherst for Fall 2026 will have experiences to complete from May— September. Learn more about the components of your new student experience: Next for the U, Guide to the U, Ready for the U, Welcome to the U, and New Student Advising.
- Placement Exams are open the next business day after your enrollment deposit has been processed by the University.
- Guide to the U registration launches April 6, 2026 for deposited students.
- Ready for the U registration launches May 4, 2026 for deposited students.
- Registration for Ready for the U and Guide to the U are due on June 4, 2026 for First Year Students.
- Registration for Ready for the U and Guide to the U are due on June 4, 2026 for Mass Transfer Students.
- Registration for Ready for the U and Guide to the U are due on June 4, 2026 for Other Transfer Students.
- Advising Appointments for New Student Advising and Course Registration will occur online between June 8, 2026 — July 24, 2026.
What placement exams are offered?
There are 3 kinds of online placement assessments: the Math Placement Exam, the Foreign Language Placement Exam, and the Writing Placement Exam. Refer to the placement exams page for details.
- Placement assessments are due June 4, 2026 for First-Year Students.
- Global and Career Launch students should complete placement exams by May 8.
- Placement assessments are due June 4, 2026 for Mass Transfer Students.
- Placement assessments are due June 4, 2026 for Other Transfer Students.
The Math and Writing placement exams are required for all first-year students. Transfer Students will receive an email detailing which placement exams are required.
When is new student advising?
Students admitted for Fall 2026 will participate in online New Student Advising and Course Registration. After you complete Guide to the U, take your placement exams, and register for Ready for the U, your advisor will send a customized link via your UMass email address to the Navigate appointment system. Appointments will take place online and availability will vary by admit type (first-year, transfer, or MassTransfer), college, and academic program. Check your UMass email account starting in May for this link.
When choosing your advising appointment, make sure it is not the same day as your Ready for the U date.
I am an International Student. What do I need to do in addition to registering for Ready for the U?
International students have several components to complete. Be sure to reference the Admitted International Student page for specific to dos for international students.
How do I submit a UCard photo?
Please visit the UCard Office website for the specific directions on how to upload a UCard photo.
What Immunizations are required for New Students?
Please visit University Health Services webpage for information regarding required immunizations and how to submit them.
If you have any questions regarding immunizations, please contact UMass Amherst's Student Immunization Program (SIP) at @email.
If you are having difficulties uploading your immunizations on the Patient Portal, please contact UHS Portal Help at @email.
How do I indicate my pronouns on SPIRE?
Students can indicate their pronouns by signing into SPIRE and from their Profile, selecting Personal Information, and then selecting Pronouns.
How do I send my transcript?
Per Undergraduate Admissions, official high school transcripts can be submitted via email to @email. All post-secondary institution transcripts (community colleges, other colleges, etc.) must be sent to us electronically through one of the following services: National Clearinghouse, E-Script Safe, or Parchment.
If a high school or post-secondary transcript needs to be mailed, the address is:
UMass Amherst Undergraduate Admissions Office
Mather Building
37 Mather Drive
Amherst, MA 01003
For the most updated information, please visit Undergraduate Admissions.
How will my AP, SAT, IB, A-Level, CLEP scores or previous college/university coursework transfer?
Visit the Transfer Credit page for more information. If you have earned previous college credit either through coursework or testing, be sure to tell your advisor. If you have any questions regarding transfer credit, please contact the Office of the University Registrar Transfer Credit Services at Phone: 413-545-0555 or @email.
When can I review my transfer credit evaluation?
You can view credits that have transferred on SPIRE under Profile> navigate to Academics>then select Transfer/Test Credit. Classes or tests that were recently taken may not appear on SPIRE right away.
If you have any questions regarding your transfer credit, please contact the Office of the University Registrar Transfer Credit Services at Phone: 413-545-0555 or @email.
How do I get involved on campus?
You can discover unique opportunities at UMass Amherst on Campus Pulse, including various events and Registered Student Organizations.
When will I receive check-in information?
Check-in information will be sent in your confirmation email ten days before your orientation date.
When will I meet my advisor?
Students admitted for Fall 2026 will participate in online New Student Advising and Course Registration. After you complete Guide to the U, take your placement exams, and register for Ready for the U, your advisor will send a customized link via your UMass email address to the Navigate appointment system. Appointments will take place online and availability will vary by admit type (first-year, transfer, or MassTransfer), college, and academic program. Check your UMass email account starting in May for this link.
When choosing your advising appointment, make sure it is not the same day as your Ready for the U date.
Ready for the U (Orientation) FAQs
New students participate in the entire New Student Experience free of any additional charges as the costs associated with the experience are covered by the non-refundable New Student Enrollment fee.
Are students required to stay overnight on campus during Ready for the U?
If you select a 2-day on-campus orientation session, then you are required to stay overnight on campus during Ready for the U. If you have a disability accommodation that requires special arrangements, please work with Disability Services to ensure your needs are met.
Can I attend just part of the Ready for the U session?
No, it is important to attend the entirety of the Ready for the U session. The schedule is designed to provide you with essential information and experiences that will help you succeed at UMass. Missing any part of the orientation could mean missing crucial sessions and activities that are necessary for your smooth transition into university life. Students who miss parts of orientation will be asked to attend another session.
How do I register for Ready for the U (orientation)?
Registration for orientation is available here. As sessions reach capacity, they are removed from the site and no longer available for registration. If you need to change your orientation date, contact us.
If I am no longer able to make my Ready for the U (orientation) date, can I reschedule?
If you missed your orientation date or need to reschedule, please contact us.
Can I make a roommate request for Ready for the U (Orientation)?
Roommate requests are not accepted for Ready for the U. If you have a concern about the overnight requirement and wish to speak with a staff member about the process, contact our office.
What should I bring to Ready for the U (Orientation)?
On-Campus Two-Day Sessions
- Items for the residence halls
- Bedding for your residence hall room (twin XL sheets, pillow, blanket/sleeping bag)
- Linens for the shower (towels, wash cloths/loofah) and shower shoes/flip flops
- A fan or two (residence halls are not air conditioned)
- Dress for the weather and wear comfortable shoes
- An umbrella or raincoat
- Spending money—meals are included, but you may want to buy something new from the UMass Store.
- Your insurance card in case of emergency
On-Campus One-Day Sessions
- An umbrella or raincoat
- Dress for the weather and wear comfortable shoes
- Spending money—meals are included, but you may want to buy something new from the UMass Store.
- Your insurance card in case of emergency
Parents, Family and Friends FAQs
Will there be Ready for the U sessions for family members?
Yes! Family support is an important factor in student success. Parents and family members can also register as a guest for Family Programs once your student is registered and invites you.
Family Ready for the U is a special program that runs concurrently with the student Ready for the U program. The program is optional but highly encouraged. Through this program, parents have the opportunity to learn about the many offices, services, academic programs UMass has to offer. While you and your student will have separate itineraries, you will be together several times throughout the experience. Due to the nature of our programs, parents will not be able to attend college meetings.
Should I attend the same orientation as my child?
While it is not required that you attend the same orientation as your child, it is strongly encouraged. Some events during orientation are combined with both student and family participants. Portions of your orientation schedule will be separate. Guests should plan to participate in the parent and guest schedule during orientation if they choose to participate.
Common Referral FAQs
As a new member of our community, you are just beginning to navigate campus life. This section of FAQs is based on common questions we receive but need to refer to other campus departments.
How do I schedule a tour?
Admissions Visitor Services currently offers combined admissions information sessions and campus tours on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays and standalone campus tours on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Information sessions last approximately 45 minutes. You can sign up for an available tour here.
If you have any questions about tours or information sessions, please contact Admissions Visitor Services at 413-545-0306 or @email.
How do I activate my UMass account?
Once you have been admitted to the University, New Student and Family Programs with the Information Technology (IT) office will send you information on how to access your UMass IT account, including the student information system (SPIRE), email, wireless internet, etc. If you need assistance with your NetID or password, please check the UMass IT website for new students.
Who should I contact if I cannot set-up my Two-Step Login (multi-factor authentication) or if I am having technical difficulties?
You can read instructions on how to get started with two-step login here. For all other questions regarding technology, you can visit the UMass IT website for new students or contact UMass IT at @email or 413-545-9400.
When is my Fall 2026 bill due?
UMass Amherst electronically bills students. Semester bills are available six to eight weeks before the semester starts, check the Bursar’s website for more information. You will receive an email in your UMass student email account letting you know when the bill is available to view on SPIRE. If someone else is helping to pay your bill, please set that person up as an authorized payer in the QuikPAY system. Learn more information about QuikPAY.
If you have any questions about your bill, please contact the Bursar’s Office by email at @email, or by phone 413-545-2368.
How do I get my UCard?
You can review information on how to upload your UCard, where and when to pick up your UCard and more on the UCard Office’s webpage. If you have any questions regarding your UCard, please contact the UCard Office at either @email or 413-545-0197.
How do I choose my meal plan?
UMass Dining's FAQ page includes information regarding choosing your meal plan, details of each meal plan, how to check your meal plan, special dietary restrictions, and much more. If you have any questions regarding your meal plan, please contact the Meal Plan office at 413-545-5380 or fill out UMass Dining’s contact form.
How do I purchase a Student Parking Permit?
Student parking permits are purchased yearly via Parking Services. You can find more information on their webpage, Parking Services. We recommend you wait until you receive your housing assignment before purchasing a parking permit. If you have any questions regarding parking, please contact Parking Services at 413-577-PARK (7275) or @email.
Who should I contact regarding accommodations for the semester?
Please review Disability Services webpage for the most up-to-date information regarding scheduling an appointment with an Access Coordinator virtually to discuss your accommodations. If you have any questions regarding accommodations, please contact Disability Services at 413-545-0892 or schedule an appointment.
Where can I find jobs on and off-campus?
The Student Employment Office posts jobs for Undergraduate UMass Amherst students. Jobs include on and off-campus and work-study and non-work-study positions. You can view the Student Employment FAQ here.
Who should I contact regarding Financial Aid questions?
To start, please review Financial Aid Services website. If you have any questions regarding Financial Aid, please contact Financial Aid at 413-545-0801 or @email.
Who should I contact regarding health care on-campus?
You should contact University Health Services (UHS). Their mission is to provide comprehensive medical care to a diverse population of UMass Amherst constituents and promote campus health in the broadest sense. If you have any questions regarding University Health Services, please review their contact information for the best number or email to use.
What resources are available to me regarding safety, support and more?
You can find contact information and descriptions on the resources available to you on the here, including the UMass Amherst Police Department (UMPD), University Health Services (UHS), Dean of Students Office, Center for Women and Community, Center for Health Promotion, Equal Opportunity and Access, Title IX Coordination Team, Disability Services, Office of Religious and Spiritual Life, Ombuds Office, Stonewall Center, Center for Multicultural Advancement and Student Success (CMASS), Student Legal Services Office, and Psychological Services Center.