Single Stop Resources

On Campus

UMass Amherst Residential Life offers on-campus housing for undergraduate students in traditional, suite-style and apartment style residences. In addition, Residential Life offers housing for UMass Amherst undergraduate and graduate students with dependents in the University Village Family Housing Community.

For information about on-campus housing, refer to the Residential Life Website or contact the Residential Life Assignments Office at @email or 413-545-2100.
 

Off Campus

The Off Campus Student Center is located in Bartlett 103. The Center is a comfortable place for all off campus students. Graduate and undergraduate student staff members all live off campus. They will be happy to answer your questions or refer you to someone who can.

Need to find housing or roommates? The Center maintains a searchable rental database where you can find housing in some apartment communities and neighborhoods in Amherst and towns nearby. Sign up to create a roommate profile and search for students with housing to offer. Find other housing resources here.
 

Homelessness Services

If you are homeless or at risk of being homeless, contact the Dean of Students Office. The Amherst Survival Center offers case management services to homeless individuals and families. Family Outreach of Amherst assists Amherst families that are either at risk of becoming homeless or homeless.

If you are a victim of sexual assault or domestic violence and in need of shelter contact the Center for Women and Community or Safe Passage.

Amherst Survival Center offers a food pantry, free community meals, and a free community store. Their Mobile Food Bank distributes food weekly at several locations throughout Western Massachusetts. Other area food pantries include Northampton Survival Center, First Baptist Church, Amherst, Food Bank of Western Massachusetts.

For student parents: Children and teenagers are eligible for free meals at hundreds of locations throughout the state.

Do you receive MASSGrant or are you eligible for work study? Live off campus with roommates but buy and prepare your own food? You may be eligible for food assistance through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as the Food Stamp Program.

• Learn how low-income college students can qualify for SNAP in Massachusetts and review SNAP rules and rights for college students.
• The Food Bank of Western MA can help you enroll in SNAP. The fastest way to apply is by phone. Call 413-247-9738 and ask for a SNAP representative, or visit Apply for SNAP for information and an application.
• Throughout fall and spring semesters, SNAP representatives hold bimonthly information sessions at the Off Campus Student Center.
• Or stop by at Amherst Survival Center (138 Sunderland Rd.) Tuesdays from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. No appointment necessary.

UMass Dining Service offers food security initiatives for students facing food insecurity and the UMass Dining Meal Plan Office can review your meal plan options and make recommendations.

UMass employees and graduate students are eligible for YCMP2 campus meal plan. Meal swipes can be used in all campus dining halls and retail establishments. The plan costs about 20% less than paying cash and never expires.

Monday – Friday after 9:00 p.m., campus community members can receive a 40% discount on select menu items at Harvest Market in the Campus Center.

Basic Needs Support

Students facing economic insecurity and/or unexpected financial emergency can contact Student Support Services. Several basic needs support options are available including short-term interest free loans, microgrants, emergency meal swipes, and free toiletries and household items through the Student Care Supply Closet.

The Student Legal Services Office provides legal advice, representation, document preparation, mediation, referral, and community legal education to all fee-paying UMass students. Examples of common legal issues include:

• Housing — leases, evictions, substandard housing conditions
• Consumer protection — debt collectors, used car purchases, sales fraud
• Family—divorce, custody, child support, guardianship, name change
• Employment — unpaid wages, unemployment compensation, injury on the job
• Immigration — residency, visas, VAWA petitions
• Criminal law — misdemeanors, moving violations/traffic citations, insurance surcharges
• Personal injuries — car accident, dog bites, injuries from defective product

The Ombuds Office offers informal resolution services for university-related conflicts. Services include informal mediation, facilitated conversations, shuttle diplomacy, and conflict coaching.

The student job board and the Student Employment Office are your campus connections to on-campus employment opportunities. UMass Career Services provides career counseling and employer engagement through eight college-specific Career Centers. They can help you explore jobs that relate to your major, polish your resume or cover letter, practice your interview skills, or evaluate job offers. Jobs, internships, and co-op positions are posted on the Handshake platform. Career Services also hosts Career Fairs, employer information sessions, meet-ups, and other recruitment events throughout the year.

For graduate students, the Office of Professional Development provides career preparation, hosts professional development events, and manages applications for assistantships. Graduate students can apply for UMass staff and faculty positions or for jobs or internships posted on Handshake.

Undergraduates, graduate students, and alumni all have access to Connect UMass. This platform provides a wide range of resources, events, and ways to expand your network through affinity groups and career communities.

Whether you are looking for an internship or a full-time job, make sure you research potential employers. If an offer or posting seems too good to be true, be cautious! False contacts can masquerade under a legitimate company name. Watch for misspellings, extra letters, phrases, etc. that are added to emails or website addresses, requests for you to send money, or overzealous “recruiters.” Use good judgment and learn how to identify fraudulent employers.

The UMass Amherst Libraries offer peer tutoring, writing assistance, online research assistance via email and chat, research consultations and more. Not sure where to start? Contact the @email.

Subject Librarians can connect you with library resources tailored to your degree program.

Your school/college’s Academic Advising office can connect you with help in choosing a major, transitioning between majors, developing an academic plan, and staying on track to graduation. If you’re a first year student, your residence hall Peer Mentors can share studying strategies and give you advice on finding the right academic resources.

Your instructors want to see you succeed. Don’t be afraid to sign up for faculty office hours if you need help with class material. If you’re feeling shy, try bringing a list of your questions to your meeting. Check to see if your academic department has specialized tutoring.

The Ombuds Office can help if you are having difficulty communicating with a professor, have a concern about ethics or fairness, or are accused of academic dishonesty. The Ombuds can help you understand university policies and procedures, develop options for resolution, and facilitate communication.

Struggling with writing? The Writing Center helps undergrad graduate & postdoc, staff, and faculty writers on any academic genre at any point in the writing process. Consultations can be in person or online. Writers often bring just an idea or an assignment and work with a tutor on how to begin.

Free and discounted software and other technology services and support are available through UMass Information Technology.

The Assistive Technology Center (ATC) offers technology training and support on specialized software.

Valley Bike Share

Rent an electric pedal assist bicycle when you need one, on campus or in town.
 

UMass Transportation Services

UMass Transit operates PVTA buses for the Five Colleges as well as the towns of Amherst, Belchertown, Deerfield, Granby, Hadley, Northampton, South Hadley, and Sunderland.
 

Peter Pan Buses

Buses for long-distance travel serving the Northeast United States, including Boston, New York, Philadelphia and Washington D.C.
 

Zipcar

Need a car for an hour or a weekend? Zipcar rentals are available on campus.
 

Buying a Car

The Five College Credit Union can help you find and buy a car. You can become a smart car buyer by checking out information on buying or leasing vehicles, car insurance, and tips for buying a used car. Got ripped off on a car you bought? Student Legal Services may be able to help.
 

Find a Carpool Buddy

NuRide, offered by UMass Parking Services, can help you find a carpool or commute buddy and earn rewards for walking, biking, or taking public transportation.

Financial Aid and Student Loan Information

UMass Amherst Financial Aid Services can help you with filling out and filing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). A UPay payment plan allows you to spread out your tuition payments in installments. Income-driven repayment or economic hardship deferments may be available for some student loans. Financial Aid Services staff can review and adjust your budget on case by case basis.

Use the UMass net price calculator to determine your real cost of attending UMass, factoring in tuition, fees, and financial aid.

My Debt Center is a tool designed to help you monitor your UMass Amherst student loan activity. It displays your loan details and contains information about repayment options and scholarships. To access My Debt Center in SPIRE, go to Main Menu > Finances > View Financial Aid > My Debt Center.

To access the My Debt Center page, log in to the desktop version of your SPIRE account. Click on “View Financial Aid” in the Finances menu, then click on the My Debt Center button in the upper right corner of your screen.
 

Smart About Money (SAM)

Part of Student Success, SAM is a peer-to-peer financial wellness program for UMass students offering resources, workshops, and Peer Financial Coaching. Get a brief financial checkup and recommendations through iGrad, use their College Budget Planner, and chart your Financial Wellness Roadmap. 

Banking Services, Loans, and Financial Counseling

The UMassFive Credit Union has checking and savings accounts and other financial services including loans (student, personal, auto, bicycle, etc.); mobile banking; and mortgages.

UMassFive’s affiliates can compare student loans, find scholarships, personalize loan repayments, manage credit card debt, help prevent foreclosure, and provide financial education and advice.

Basic Needs Support

Student Support Services, within the Dean of Students Office, can help students who are facing economic insecurity and/or unexpected financial emergency access basic needs support such as short term loans, microgrants, food security assistance, and free toiletries and household items from the Student Care Supply Closets.
 

Tax Preparation and Assistance

The Bursar’s Office hosts tax help resources for navigating tax filing and requirements. The Isenberg School of Management offers Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA), a free domestic and international tax service.

Additional Resources

Apps like Mint.com, Wally, and Good Budget can make tracking and managing your budget easy so you stay on top of what comes in, what goes out, what you’ve saved, and if you’re on track with your budget to meet your goals.

Save money on textbooks and software through free Open Education Resources, free and discounted software, asking faculty to add textbooks to course reserves, renting textbooks, or buying used textbooks. Sell your used textbooks through eCampus @ UMass.

Visit I Need Food to learn about the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as the Food Stamp Program. Brandless offers high quality, healthy food and household products with specialized selections of certified Kosher, gluten-free, and vegan foods for $3 or less.

Save money on clothes and household items with the New2U tag sale and campus thrift store.

When shopping or traveling, look for and use student discounts.

If you currently have MassHealth coverage, you may be able to sign up for the UMass Amherst health insurance plan through MassHealth Premium Assistance. If you qualify, MassHealth will pay for your student health insurance plan. Information on MassHealth premium assistance is at 1-855-273-5903.

Recreation and Wellbeing has group fitness classes, gym equipment, a running/walking track, swimming, intramural sports, and runs the Ascend Climbing Wall.

Weekly meditation sessions take place in the Campus Center and yoga is part of RecWell’s Group Fitness program.

Need a mental getaway? UMass Amherst has many peaceful indoor and outdoor spaces for contemplative practices, meditation, and relaxation.

Even if you feel powerless over the things causing you stress, you can still have control over your lifestyle, thoughts, emotions, and how you solve problems. The Learning Resource Center or your academic advisor can help you find strategies to cope with stressful coursework.
Workshops offered through CCPH and CWC can help shift your reaction to stress.

Other ways to self-care for stress include:

• Make time in your schedule for exercise.
• Pause during your day to sit quietly in a peaceful spot.
• Attend support groups or stress management sessions at the Center for Counseling and Psychological Health (CCPH) and Center for Women & Community.
• Use mood and wellbeing apps.
• Learn some sleep hacks.

University Health Services provides services to students and their spouses, domestic partners, and dependents. Call (413) 577-5101 for an appointment. Advance appointments are best for routine care and minor problems; same day appointments are for more urgent issues. If the health concern just can’t wait, the walk in clinic is open during health center hours. Patients who need to be seen in the walk-in clinic should join the virtual waiting room and may spend the majority of their wait in the comfort of their own living space. Once called into the clinic, patients will speak with a nurse, who will help determine their needs. In a health emergency always call 911.

Questions? Call the Triage Advice Nurse, 413-577-5229.

Under Sexual & Reproductive Health (SRH), UMass community members can access services including vaginal exams, Pap tests birth control, gender-affirming care, diagnosis and treatment of STIs, UTIs, period-related issues, and more. Services provided in SRH are also provided in UHS General Medicine Clinics.

If you are taking five or more credits in an academic semester, you are automatically enrolled in the Student Health Benefit Plan (SHBP) unless you submit a waiver.

The Medicaid program in Massachusetts is called MassHealth. To enroll call 1-800-841-2900 (TTY line 1-800-497-4648). MassHealth has interpreters who speak languages other than English, such as Chinese, Haitian Creole, Khmer, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, and Vietnamese. MassHealth is accepted at University Health Services!

Help yourself stay well with acupuncture, nutrition, vaping and tobacco treatment, travel medicine, and Recreation and Wellbeing programs.

Need to get or stay clean and sober? Substance Use Recovery and a number of local resources can offer support.

The Center for Counseling and Psychological Health (CCPH) offers a community of care to UMass Amherst students to help cope with stress or anxiety, find strategies to overcome challenges, promote mental wellbeing, and succeed in college life and beyond.

Student Parent Programs provides UMass families with support, education, and resources including childcare tuition assistance for undergraduate and graduate students and childcare options.

Parent Services can provide parents of students with advice, answer questions, connect to campus information, and help troubleshoot problems or concerns.

The Department of Transitional Assistance provides vouchers to pay for child care to those families already receiving funds from the department.

Student Legal Services can provide legal assistance to families needing help with child custody, child support, divorce, adoption, or other family law matters.

Massachusetts 2-1-1 can help Massachusetts residents find essential community services such as after school programs, food banks, care for an aging parent, and more.

Volunteer Opportunities

• Many student organizations offer volunteer, community service, leadership, and community building opportunities at UMass Amherst. Explore the Boltwood Project, UMassFTK, Alpha Phi Omega, and many others!
• The UMass Office of Civic Engagement and Service Learning (CESL) helps students integrate academic and community service goals. Create social change, mentor others, and make an impact in your community through CESL programs.
• Donate to UMass Student Care Supply Closets individually, or organize a donation drive for your organization or group. Refer your friends who need assistance to request free household and personal care supplies.
• Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program: if you have experience with accounting and/or have taken Accounting 371: Federal Taxes, the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program could use your help. Click here to apply.
• School of Public Health and Health Science – Internship, Practicum, & Volunteer Opportunities
• Volunteer on campus for the New2U tag sale and thrift store or in the community for organizations such as the Amherst Survival Center.
• MassPIRG provides opportunities to advocate for local and national concerns and and to build skills in public speaking, community outreach, public relations, and more.

How long can I couch surf in my friend’s room?

On campus: UMass Amherst residence halls limit overnight guests to a stay of no longer than three days and two nights. Overnight guests must wait at least 14 days before visiting the same room or residence hall as an overnight guest. Common space (including apartment common living room area or suite lounge) may not be used for guest accommodations.

Off campus: It will depend on the terms of your friend’s lease, your friend’s goodwill, and local bylaws. For instance, the Town of Amherst does not allow more than four unrelated individuals to live together. If you are considering inviting a friend to stay with you for more than a short stay, it is important that you get in touch with Student Legal Services to get advice before extending the invitation. The liability can be significant if you have someone living with you and no kind of legal agreement.
 

How many people can live in a house?

Section 12.142 of the Town of Amherst Zoning Bylaw states that “a group of unrelated individuals, not to exceed 4, residing cooperatively in one dwelling unit,” or, in other words, that no more than four people who are not part of the same family may live together. Other towns may have different bylaws.
 

How do I establish residency in Massachusetts?

The Massachusetts Department of Higher Education sets the rules about eligibility for in-state tuition rates at Massachusetts public colleges and universities. Residency reclassification applications must be reviewed and approved by the UMass Amherst Residency Officer.
 

How do I declare myself financially independent for FAFSA?

If you are an undergraduate under age 24 as of December 31 of the award year, you are considered dependent for federal student aid purposes unless you are:

• Married
• Have dependents other than a spouse
• Are an orphan (two deceased parents)
• Were in foster care or a dependent/ward of the court
• Are a veteran or active duty member of the US Armed Forces
• Determined to be homeless or at risk of being homeless
• Declared an emancipated minor by your state of legal residence

Not living with your parents, not being claimed by them on tax forms, or your parents refusing to pay for college do not make you an independent student for federal student aid purposes. Unusual circumstances that may merit a dependency override are subject to a case-by-case review by a Financial Aid administrator.
 

I’m an out-of-state student. How can I become in-state?

The Massachusetts Department of Higher Education sets the rules about eligibility for in-state tuition rates at Massachusetts public colleges and universities. Residency reclassification applications must be reviewed and approved by the UMass Amherst Residency Officer.
 

What are the pros and cons of taking some time off to save money?

It’s tempting to take a break from college to try to earn tuition money, but you are less likely to complete your degree if you ‘stop out,’ especially if you leave more than once. You give yourself a better chance by staying in school because you stand to make more money after you graduate. A Pew Research Center study found that college graduates (ages 25-32) working full time made about $17,500 more than their employed peers who had high school diplomas.
 

I do not have US citizenship at the moment. Am I eligible for state or college financial aid?

In November 2012, the governor of Massachusetts announced that students who qualify for Deferred Action Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program would be eligible for in-state tuition and fees. The requirements for applying for Deferred Action include the submissions of Form I-765, the Application for Employment Authorization. Once approved, you must submit the following documents with your application to be eligible for in-state tuition and fees at UMass Boston:

• Employment Authorization Documentation (also known as a work permit).
• I-797, Notice of Action

You must also meet Massachusetts residency requirements to be eligible for in-state tuition.

DACA students are eligible for the John and Abigail Adams Scholarship. DACA and undocumented students are not eligible for other state, federal, or institutional financial aid, including merit scholarships.