September 2 - 21
Fall 2026 Welcome to the U - Full Schedule
Wednesday, September 2 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Time | Event Name | Description | Location |
| 4 - 6 p.m. | Men's Soccer vs. UMass Lowell | Cheer on the Minutemen as UMass Men's Soccer takes on UMass Lowell at Rudd Field. Enjoy an exciting NCAA Division I match, connect with fellow students, and show your UMass pride. Admission is free. | 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! | Student Union Ballroom |
| 7 - 9 p.m. | Banana "Split" Party | Families are invited to enjoy a sweet banana split celebration together as a special farewell treat after saying "See You Soon" to their student but before heading home. | Cape Cod Lounge, Student Union |
| 8 - 10:30 p.m. | Sunset Movie: Project Hail Mary (2026) | 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, September 3 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Time | Event Name | Description | Location |
| 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. | Duck Hunt | A scavenger hunt across campus where students search for hidden inflatable ducks, each leading to familiarity with campus landmarks. | Goodell Lawn |
| 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 |
| 5 - 7 p.m. | 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! | RecWell and RockWell |
| 5 - 7 p.m. | Art Cart | Visit the Fine Arts Center's Art Cart during Welcome to the U's Kick-Off Carnival. Make art, learn about our upcoming events, and register to win a JBL Go4 speaker. | Randolph W. Bromery Center for the Arts Plaza |
| 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! | Student Union Ballroom |
| 7 - 9 p.m. | Banana "Split" Party | Families are invited to enjoy a sweet banana split celebration together as a special farewell treat after saying "See You Soon" to their student but before heading home. | Cape Cod Lounge, Student Union |
Friday, September 4 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Time | Event Name | Description | Location |
| 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. | Libapalooza | Libapalooza is a high-energy welcome event for first-year UMass students, held in the W. E. B. Du Bois Library before classes begin. It’s a fun, interactive way to explore the libraries’ spaces, resources, services, and staff. Chance to win prizes! | W.E.B. Du Bois Library |
| 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 |
| 4 - 6 p.m. | Field Hockey vs. Boston University | Experience the excitement of UMass Field Hockey at Gladchuk Field Hockey Complex. Come support the Minutewomen, enjoy a great atmosphere, and be part of one of UMass Athletics' most successful programs. Admission is free. | Gladchuk Field Hockey Complex |
| 5:30 - 7 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 - 10 p.m. | Glow Party | Get ready for a sensory explosion featuring 100+ gallons of UV paint, foam cannons, lasers, confetti storms, and world-class DJs pumping high-energy dance music and light show that'll blow your mind. This is THE first-year party you can't miss, where you'll dance under mind-bending visuals, feel the cryo blasts, and create unforgettable memories with hundreds of new friends. | South Lawn |
Saturday, September 5 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Time | Event Name | Description | Location |
| 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. | New2U Annual Move-in Tag Sale | Shop all your dorm/apartment needs from housewares, appliances, storage & furniture to decor and school supplies at affordable prices! Early bird (8am-9am) is $5 entry (waived for international students). FREE entry for all after 9am! | Hampden Commons |
| 11 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 |
| Noon - 8 p.m. | FroshFest | Come explore what the Student Union has to offer at FroshFest— games, food, movies, mini golf, arcade, crafts, and live entertainment that'll blow your mind, all while connecting with hundreds of other first-years. | Student Union |
| 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, September 6 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
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 |
| 2:30 - 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 7 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Time | Event Name | Description | Location |
| 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. | Welcome to the U Drag Show | A event featuring performances by drag artists. | Student Union Ballroom |
| 11 - 11:30 a.m. | 10 Things Every UMass Student Should Know About Money | Join us for a fast, practical 30-minute Zoom session: 10 things every UMass student should know about money. Free groceries. Free financial coaching. Free tax prep. A platform built just for you. It's all here. Come learn more. | Zoom |
| 1 - 3 p.m. | Bounce Bonanza | An event offering inflatable games and activities and music. | Campus Pond |
| 4 - 6 p.m. | Men's Soccer vs. Princeton | Join the Minutemen at Rudd Field as UMass Men's Soccer takes on Princeton. Enjoy an exciting afternoon of Division I soccer, show your school spirit, and experience the energy of UMass Athletics. Admission is free. | Rudd Field |
| 5 - 7 p.m. | Transfer Connect: Campus Walk & Talk | Join the Undergraduate Student Success Center for a guided campus tour with current transfer student, Moses! Connect with other transfer students while exploring campus. Children are welcome. The tour route will be stroller and wheelchair accessible. | Goodell Hall Room 633 |
Tuesday, September 8 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Time | Event Name | Description | Location |
| 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. | First Day of Class Photos | 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 |
| 5 - 7 p.m. | Paint & "Sip" | Unwind after the first day of classes at the Undergraduate Student Success Center! Meet new people, vibe to chill lo-fi beats and let your creative juices flow! Are you a student parent? This is a kid-friendly event! Come and go as you please. | Goodell Hall Room 633 |
Wednesday, September 9 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Time | Event Name | Description | Location |
| 6:15 - 8:30 p.m. | Wisdom of Happiness: Film Screening and conversation with Richard Gere | Join Student Affairs and Campus Life, the Fine Arts Center, and the International Campaign for Tibet for a free film screening of Wisdom of Happiness followed by a panel discussion featuring actor and UMass alumnus Richard Gere. Admission is free, but space is limited. Advance registration is strongly recommended. Register: umassarts.site/wisdom | Frederick C. Tillis Performance Hall |
| 6 - 8 p.m. | Welcome Back for a Sweet Start to the Semester | Meet the Peer Dialogue Facilitators (PDFs): Build your Sweet & Sour Candy Bag! Come Learn about our Events: Play & Process Game Nights, Conversation Commons, Chat & Chew | Goodell Hall Room 415 |
Thursday, September 10 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Time | Event Name | Description | Location |
| 4 - 8 p.m. | Welcome to the U PondFire | Gather by fire pits around the Campus Pond to enjoy good company, music, and s’mores. | Campus Pond |
| 5 - 8 p.m. | Cultural Connections | Cultural Connections is an engaging welcome event that brings together students from across campus to celebrate the many cultures, identities, and communities that make UMass Amherst unique. Explore cultural and student organizations and connect with campus. | Campus Center Auditorium |
| 7 - 8:30 p.m. | Religious and Spiritual Life Open House | Please join the Office of Religious & Spiritual Life for an open house in our space in Goodell Hall! | Goodell Hall Room 329 |
Friday, September 11 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Time | Event Name | Description | Location |
| 5 - 7 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, Goodell Hall Room 403 |
| 7 - 10 p.m. | Fall Concert | An epic concert exclusively for UMass undergraduates! Watch TikTok (@new2umass) for artist hints. | Mullins Center |
Saturday, September 12 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Time | Event Name | Description | Location |
| Noon - 2 p.m. | Men's Soccer vs. New Hampshire | Kick off your weekend with UMass Men's Soccer as the Minutemen take on New Hampshire at Rudd Field. Enjoy competitive Division I action, support your fellow students, and be part of the UMass game day atmosphere. Admission is free. | Rudd Field |
| 3:30 - 6:30 p.m. | Football Home Opener vs. Sacred Heart | Be part of the excitement as UMass Football opens its home season at McGuirk Alumni Stadium. Experience the energy of game day, cheer on the Minutemen, and join fellow students and families for one of UMass's premier campus traditions. | McGuirk Alumni Stadium |
Sunday, September 13 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Time | Event Name | Description | Location |
| 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. | Sunset Yoga | Join us for yoga at sunset. | Rec Turf |
Monday, September 14 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Time | Event Name | Description | Location |
| 5 - 7 p.m. | Cultural Centers Kick Off | Visit each Cultural Center to enjoy interactive activities, meet new people, and learn about the communities and programs offered throughout the year. Activities include decorating gratitude jars, beading, speed friending, mapping your roots, and painting | Goodell Hall Room 302 |
Tuesday, September 15 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Time | Event Name | Description | Location |
| 6 - 8 p.m. | LatinX Heritage Kick Off Night- Trivia | Celebrate the start of LatinX Heritage Month with a fun and interactive trivia night! Test your knowledge of Latin American history, culture, music, food, and traditions while meeting new people and competing for prizes. Everyone is welcome! | Goodell Hall Room 307 |
| 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, Goodell Hall Room 403 |
Wednesday, September 16 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Time | Event Name | Description | Location |
| 5 - 8 p.m. | Orchard Hill Outdoors | Variety of Events - Yoga (6:20pish) at Pavilion, Knockout @ Bball Courts, Learn to Disc Golf, Lawn Games, Music, Baby Berk, Fire Pits, Skypark and Zip (GLOW). | Orchard Hill Pavilion/Nest Area |
| 6 - 8 p.m. | Reset & Refocus - Plan your Success | Start the semester strong with planners, budgeting and goal-setting resources, and organization tools to help you stay on track and prepare for a successful semester. | Goodell Hall Room 303 |
| 6 - 7:30 p.m. | QTPOC Club: Scrapbooking Kickoff | Look back on the summer or forward to the semester with the Queer and Trans People of Color Club as we get to know each other and scrapbook! All are welcome. | Stonewall Center, Goodell Hall Room 403 |
Friday, September 18 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Time | Event Name | Description | Location |
| 8 - 10 p.m. | Say Gay! Drag Show | With 13 performers, this is the largest drag show in the area outside of Pride! Hosted by Hors D'oeuvres. Free and no tickets are required. Open to all students. Doors open at 7:30. Sponsored by the Stonewall Center. | Student Union Ballroom |
Saturday, September 19 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Time | Event Name | Description | Location |
| 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. | MassImpact 2026 | Join hundreds of UMass volunteers to give back to the community and network with critical services which keep the greater Amherst area vibrant and strong. Registration opens August 4th and space is limited! | Haigis Lawn |
Monday, September 21 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Time | Event Name | Description | Location |
| 11 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. | Fall Activities Expo | Join Student Engagement and Leadership (SEL) and the Student Organization Resource Center (SORC) for the Fall 2026 Activities Expo in the Student Union to explore the various established student organizations (ESOs) that are apart of UMass Amherst's vibrant community. This event is from Monday, September 21st - Wednesday, September 23rd and each day will be different groups. | Student Union |
| 6 - 8 p.m. | Piece by Piece: A Mosaic Coaster Experience | Learn about the history of mosaic art while creating your own mosaic coaster to take home. | Goodell Hall Room 303 |
| 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, Goodell Hall Room 403 |