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. 

Fall Campus

RAP Lottery for Fall 2026

The RAP Lottery for Fall 2026 will open on May 19, 2026 at 9am. Stay tuned for more details!

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