The University of Massachusetts Amherst will welcome new and returning students to campus for the fall 2023 semester from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. beginning Thursday, Aug. 31 and continuing through Saturday, Sept. 2. This year, the university will once again present “Welcome to the U,” a month-long series of events, leadership opportunities and community building programs for students to explore the university.

Highlights of Welcome to the U can be found below and the full schedule of events can be found online at umass.edu/newstudent/fall-welcome or through the My UMass app, available for Apple or Android devices.

Thursday, Aug. 31

Frosh Fest – 1-5 p.m., Student Union and surrounding areas
Activities include music and performances, mini golf and U-Rock Painting with parents and families

New Student Ice Skating – 1-5 p.m., Mullins Center Practice Rink
New students can reserve a spot on the ice and stay cool while making new friends.

Kickoff Carnival – 6-10 p.m., Student Union Plaza North Lawn
Students can attend a classic carnival with food, inflatables and music.

Friday, Sept. 1

Athletics 101 – 8 p.m., Garber Field
Catch the UMass spirit with UMass Athletics featuring inflatables, a swag swap, lawn games, music and more.

UMake It, UTake It – 9 p.m., Campus Center Auditorium
Students can make a banner, street sign, frisbee, bamboo planter, chalkboard, or coloring poster and take it back to their residence hall room.

Saturday, Sept. 2

New 2 U Tag Sale – 9 a.m.-5 p.m., 472 North Pleasant St. Café (former Newman Center)
At this drop-in event, students can shop for new or gently used clothing, futons, lamps, TVs and more at affordable prices.

UPlay – 8:30 p.m.-Midnight, Campus Recreation Turf Fields
At this drop-in event, students can join Campus Recreation for lawn games, a silent disco, a movie night, snack and more.
 

Sunday, Sept. 3

New Student Convocation – 1 p.m., Mullins Center
All new students will receive an official welcome from campus leadership, including new Chancellor Javier Reyes.

UFest – 2-6 p.m., Goodell Lawn
Games, music, campus departments, food and fun will take place throughout the day.