My Move-In Day Advice

Full Complement of Students Returning to Campus

The University of Massachusetts Amherst is poised to welcome students back to campus for the fall 2021 semester beginning this weekend. “Fall Welcome” kicks off on Friday, Aug. 27 with a full schedule of programming for students in all academic levels of their UMass careers, including special events for first-year, transfer and sophomore students who will experience life on campus for the first time this fall.

With vaccination requirements and related COVID-19 testing protocols in place, the university is welcoming students for a new academic year that will include face-to-face instruction, full residence halls, and an extensive set of student events and activities.

Highlights of the Fall Welcome include:

  • Kickoff Carnival (Friday, Aug. 27, 8 p.m.–11 p.m.)
  • Many Voices. One Community. Featuring performances and conversations about all the differences that together make UMass a strong and inclusive community. (Saturday, Aug. 28, 6 p.m.)
  • UFest. Featuring campus departments, food and fun. (Sunday, Aug. 29, noon–5 p.m.)
  • New Student Convocation, followed by Fall Freeze Ice Cream Social (Monday, Aug. 31, 2 p.m.)
  • Pond Fire. Specially for second-year students (Friday, Sept. 3, 4 p.m.–9 p.m.)

The full schedule of events can be found online or through the My UMass app, available for Apple or Android devices (opt-in for exclusive Fall Welcome event notifications).

For easy reference, a list of opening weekend office hours for student services is also posted online.

Parents and family members are also included in the festivities. On Friday, Aug. 27, a “One More Stop Before You Go” meet-and-greet will be held for families. Additionally, students’ families will be able to view a livestream of the New Student Convocation on Aug. 27.

“The Fall Welcome has something for everyone,” says Pete Smith, director of student life communications and professional development. “Whether you are returning to campus or arriving in Amherst for the first time, we encourage students to use this opportunity to explore UMass’s offerings, find their space on campus, and connect with peers, faculty and staff.”