August 27 - September 15
Fall 2025 Welcome to the U - Full Schedule
Wednesday, August 27 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Time | Event Name | Description | Location |
| 6 - 8 p.m. | One More Stop Before You Go | Families and supporters are invited to write a heartfelt postcard for their student—share encouragement and say goodbye before the semester begins. Raffles and refreshments included! | Cape Cod Lounge, Student Union |
| 8 - 10:30 p.m. | Sunset Movie: How to Train Your Dragon (2025) | An outdoor movie screening at sunset, providing a cozy atmosphere for students to enjoy a popular film under the evening sky. | East Pond Lawn |
Thursday, August 28 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Time | Event Name | Description | Location |
| 1 - 4 p.m. | Libapalooza | Libapalooza is a high-energy welcome event for first-year UMass students, held in the W.E.B. Du Bois and Science & Engineering Libraries before classes begin. It’s a fun, interactive way to explore the libraries’ spaces, resources, and services. | W.E.B. Du Bois and Science & Engineering Libraries |
| 4 - 6 p.m. | Men's Soccer vs. Quinnipiac | Cheer on the UMass Men’s Soccer team as they take on Quinnipiac in an action-packed matchup! | Rudd Field |
| 6 - 8 p.m. | One More Stop Before You Go | Families and supporters are invited to write a heartfelt postcard for their student—share encouragement and say goodbye before the semester begins. Raffles and refreshments included! | Cape Cod Lounge, Student Union |
| 5 - 9 p.m. | Kickoff Carnival | A festival featuring rides, games, music, food, and activities to celebrate the start of the academic year. | Haigis Mall |
Friday, August 29 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Time | Event Name | Description | Location |
| 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. | Duck Hunt | A scavenger hunt across campus where students search for hidden inflatable ducks, each leading to familiarity with campus landmarks. We encourage all students to arrive by 11am. Prizes included! | Goodell Lawn |
| 10 a.m. - noon | U Make It, U Take It | Decorate your space with crafts you create—make your own squishy, plant a bamboo, design a name sign, and more. All supplies provided, and everything you make is yours to keep! | Student Union Ballroom |
| 11 a.m. - noon | Transfer Student Mixer | An event for transfer students to exchange apparel from their previous institutions for UMass gear, meet other transfer students, and enjoy lunch together. | Cape Cod Lounge |
| 1 - 3 p.m. | Come Home to Your College | An event encouraging students to visit their respective academic colleges, meet faculty, and learn more about their chosen fields of study. | Various Locations |
| 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. | UMass Pep Rally | Get ready to show your school spirit at the UMass Pep Rally! Join us for an unforgettable celebration featuring the UMass Marching Band, special appearances by the football team, the Chancellor, and our favorite mascot, Sam the Minuteman! *No Parking Available | McGuirk Alumni Stadium |
| 8:30 p.m. - midnight | UPlay | Kick off the semester with a night of fun and excitement! Join us for an unforgettable evening filled with games, music, and epic giveaways! | Recreation Turf |
Saturday, August 30 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Time | Event Name | Description | Location |
| 10:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. | Adventure into Amherst | Ready to explore your new home? Join us for Adventure into Amherst - your chance to discover the best of downtown Amherst! | Downtown Amherst |
| 3:30 - 7 p.m. | UMass Football Vs. Temple | Get ready for an electrifying Saturday as UMass Football takes the field—join your classmates to cheer on the Minutemen, show your school spirit, and experience the excitement of UMass football! | McGuirk Alumni Stadium |
| 8 p.m. - midnight | Late Night Breakfast & Karaoke | An evening event offering breakfast foods and karaoke, providing a fun and relaxed atmosphere for students to socialize. | Berkshire Dining Commons |
Sunday, August 31 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Time | Event Name | Description | Location |
| 1 - 2:30 p.m. | New Student Convocation | An official ceremony welcoming new students to the university, highlighting academic expectations and community values. | Mullins Center |
| 3 - 5 p.m. | UFest | A celebratory event marking the end of summer, featuring music, activities, and a resource fair to usher in the new academic year. | Goodell Lawn |
| 5 - 7 p.m. | Out of State Student Mixer | A networking event tailored for out-of-state students to meet, share experiences, and build a support community. | Student Union Ballroom |
| 7 - 11 p.m. | Mall Madness | A student trip to Hampshire Mall in Hadley, offering shopping, movies, laser tag, and skating at InterSkate 91. Buses will leave the Haigis Mall horseshoe. | Hampshire Mall |
Monday, September 1 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Time | Event Name | Description | Location |
| 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. | Drag Brunch | A brunch event featuring performances by drag artists. | Student Union Ballroom |
| 4 - 7 p.m. | Men's Soccer vs. Stonehill | Cheer on the UMass Men’s Soccer team as they take on Stonehill in an action-packed matchup! | Rudd Field |
| 1 - 5 p.m. | Bounce Bonanza & Playfair | An event offering inflatable games and activities and music. | Campus Pond |
| 9 - 11 p.m. | UMass Night In | Kick off the semester with a cozy night of fun, games, snacks, and chill vibes at UMass Night In! Whether you're here to game hard or snack harder, there's something for everyone! Pajamas are highly encouraged for EXTRA fun and comfort! | Student Union Ballroom |
Tuesday, September 2 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Time | Event Name | Description | Location |
| 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. | First Day of Class Photos/ Wayfinder Tent | A chance for students to capture memories by taking photos on their first day of classes, with themed backdrops or props. | Student Union North Lawn |
| 4 - 7 p.m. | Club Sports EXPO | Visit Tables with all 44 Club Sports Team Representatives including roster opportunities, tryouts, cost to participate, travel required, competition schedules, community service and fundraising opportunities. | Recreational Turf Fields |
Wednesday, September 3 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Time | Event Name | Description | Location |
| 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. | Need a Lift? | Not sure how to get to your class? Stressed about the first week? CCPH staff will be running a "Need a Lift" patrol to help you out! Offering positive encouragement, and information about resources on campus. A great pick-me-up! | UMass Amherst Campus - look for us in the brightly decorated golf carts! |
| 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. | InnerMission at CWC | Disguised as office cubicles, this “self-care speakeasy” offers a quiet space with self-guided activities designed to promote a mood (re)set and help you feel relaxed. Drop in M-F 10am – 4pm to experience your Innermission! | New Africa House Room 203 |
| 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. | Guided Forest Therapy Walk | Led by certified Forest Therapy Guide, Ernie Brooks, this scenic walk will be a rejuvenating experience to foster your connection to the natural world and provide an opportunity to immerse yourself in a calming environment within the trails of the Sylvan. | Sylvan Wood Trails on Campus - Meet at Lot 44 on Eastman Lane |
| Noon - 8 p.m. | Camp U - RecWell |
| Various Locations |
| 2 - 4 p.m. | Plant Me Pretty | Treat yourself to a night of creativity and calm at Plant Me Pretty; where wellness meets greenery! Choose plants and pots to decorate your room. Then, head to the spa zone and take your FREE self-care goodie bag packed with essentials for this year! | Cape Cod Lounge, Student Union |
| 2 - 3:30 p.m. | UMass Permaculture Tea Time and Garden Tour | Come check out the Franklin Permaculture garden and edible landscape with a focus on deep organic practices, community, and ecological reciprocity. We'll do a quick tour of the gardens and then make some tea from the garden-grown herbs. | Franklin Permaculture Garden Log Circle |
| 2:30 - 3:45 p.m. | The Art of Recovery | This is a creative drop-in group for students who identify as in recovery or in a healing process related to substance use, mental health, trauma, or related experiences. No art experience or registration is required. This is a confidential space. | Worcester Dining Hall Room 155 |
| 6 - 7:30 p.m. | Sunset Chill | For a quieter session, we'll begin with meditation, breathing, grounding and gentle stretching, followed crafting an intention bracelet to guide your year, all with a stunning view! Bring a water bottle, yoga mat, layers. Join us! | Orchard Hill Pavilion |
Thursday, September 4 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Time | Event Name | Description | Location |
| Noon - 12:30 p.m. (next day) | Mindful Moments and Mini Relaxation Experiences | Experience some relaxation experiences with instructors of the Positivity and Relaxation Training (PART) program on both Thursday, September 4 and Friday, September 5 from 12:00 to 12:30 | Worcester Dining Commons 333 |
| 4 - 8 p.m. | PondFire | Gather by fire pits around the Campus Pond to enjoy good company, music, and s’mores. | Campus Pond |
| 4 - 8 p.m. | Economics Welcome Back Open House | Join the Economics Department faculty, advisors, and students to kick off the fall semester. Grab a snack and learn about the plans for the upcoming year from the department and our Undergraduate Economic Club. All are welcome! | Crotty Hall |
| 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. | Stonewall Center Open House | Find community and learn about campus LGBTQIA+ groups and events. There will be food, giveaways, resource tables, and therapy dogs. Open to all. | Stonewall Center, 403 Goodell |
| 5:30 - 8:30 p.m. | Fall Fest: The Final Jam! | Sunset show with top student artists, free pancakes, games & camp vibes. BYO blanket. Make new friends, memories, and live your Camp Rock dream—this is real, this is us, UPC! | South Lawn |
Friday, September 5 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Time | Event Name | Description | Location |
| 8 - 10 p.m. | Fall Concert | An epic concert exclusively for UMass undergraduates! Watch TikTok (@newtoumass) for artist hints. | Mullins Center |
Saturday, September 6 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Time | Event Name | Description | Location |
| Noon - 5 p.m. | Diaspora Darty | BMCP, ASA, BSU, UBU, and NPHC are bringing it back to the 90s with our themed bash! Come kick back with us and celebrate our cultures and the start of what we know will be a great school year! | Southwest Horseshoe |
| Noon - 4 p.m. | Greek Carnival | Come meet the Greek organizations and play some lawn and carnival games at the Greek Carnival! | East Pond Lawn |
Monday, September 8 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Time | Event Name | Description | Location |
| 4 - 7 p.m. | Cultural Centers Kick Off | Come learn about the cultural centers in Goodell Hall. Meet new people, enjoy music and food. Visit the individual centers in our cultural center scavenger hunt and win CMASS swag. | Goodell Hall Room 302 |
Tuesday, September 9 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Time | Event Name | Description | Location |
| 5 - 7 p.m. | Campus Walk & Talk | Get to know hidden gems on campus, ask questions, and connect with others. | Outside New Africa House |
| 6 - 8 p.m. | Sweet Start to the Semester | Welcome Back for a Sweet Start to the Semester! Meet our Peer Dialogue Facilitators and make your own SWEET and SOUR candy bag! Come learn about our events: Play and Process Game Nights, Conversation Commons, Chat & Chew! | Goodell 415 (Diversity Education & Training Office) |
| 7 - 8 p.m. | Bi/Pan/Queer Collective First Meeting of the Semester | BPQC is a weekly social group for bisexual, pansexual, queer, and sexually fluid students. Join us at our first fall meeting to make decorative name tags. Open to all students. Sponsored by the Stonewall Center. | Stonewall Center, 403 Goodell |
Wednesday, September 10 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Time | Event Name | Description | Location |
| 5 - 7:30 p.m. | Cultural Connections | Connect with students, faculty, and staff to build community and strengthen your sense of belonging! Learn about the four Cultural Centers and campus resources, enjoy light refreshments, and take part in an interactive drumming activity with Drum Cafe! | Campus Center Auditorium |
Monday, September 15 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Time | Event Name | Description | Location |
| 7 - 8 p.m. | SpACE+ First Meeting of the Semester | This is a space for the asexual and aromantic communities. Open to UMass and other Five College students. Open to all students. Sponsored by the Stonewall Center. | Stonewall Center, 403 Goodell |