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. 

Residential Academic Programs

Fall 2025 Programming

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. Priority Registration begins mid-May, explore fall 2025 programs now!

Residential Academic Programs

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What can RAP offer you?

  • Housing: receive a housing assignment on campus and live in a residence hall with the peers in your class.
  • 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

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413-545-2803