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How to Join

STEP 1: Pay the University Enrollment Deposit


STEP 2: Register for a RAP during Priority Registration or Registration

Priority RAP Registration: 

First-year students can rank their top five RAP choices in the RAP Placement System

Changes to preferences can be made until the end of Pre-Registration

 You will receive an email notifying you of your RAP placement at the end of May. After this, you can:

Choose to share your contact information with other students in the RAP, drop the RAP, or join another RAP until the end of your Advising and Course Registration Appointment

Rap Registration: 

First-year & transfer students can register for remaining spaces on a first-come, first-served basis. Students cannot make changes to their RAP registration after they’ve met with their academic advisor. 

After registering for a RAP, you can:

Choose to share your contact information with other students in the RAP, drop the RAP, or join another RAP until the end of your Advising and Course Registration Appointment


STEP 3: Sign the Residence Hall Occupancy License on SPIRE (will take 24-48 hours after signing to gain access to RAP Placement System)

On SPIRE, select Housing > Room Selection > Occupancy License


STEP 4: Students enroll in the required RAP course during their Advising & Course Registration Appointment over the summer. 

If there is a conflict between a RAP course and an academic major requirement, students will need to cancel their RAP registration. 

Students cannot make changes to their RAP registration after they’ve met with their academic advisor. 


STEP 5: Submit the Preference Application on SPIRE by July 1

For more information about the Preference Application, housing related tasks, and deadlines, visit Living at UMass Amherst.

Contact Us

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413-545-2803