Residential Academic Programs at UMass Amherst

Residential Academic Programs, or RAPs, are small communities of new first-year and transfer students who live in the same residence hall and enroll in the same small course together.

In the Spotlight

Congratulations on your acceptance to UMass Amherst! Make the transition to college life smoother and consider joining a RAP for your first semester on campus. The RAP Lottery begins May 19th, explore fall 2026 programs now.

Identify your top five RAPs!

Residential Academic Programs

About RAP About RAP RAPs RAPs Living in a RAP Living in a RAP Join a RAP Join a RAP RAP FAQ RAP FAQ

What can RAP offer you?

Housing

Know where you will live on campus early and live in a residence hall with your classmates.

Community

Small class sizes allow you to build lasting connections with your instructor and peers

Support

Learn strategies for academic and personal success in your transition to UMass.

Variety of topics

Choose a RAP based on your field of study, a course you are interested in, or your preferred residence hall/residential area.

Contact Us

[email protected]
413-545-2803