The University of Massachusetts - Amherst

Hi, I transferred to Umass Amherst at the beginning of my junior year and graduated in 2004. As an out-of-state student I loved Umass but also,have a very outgoing personality. If you are looking for a place with lots of people (and I'm talking all different types) then Umass Amherst is for you. At umass there are tons of different students (studious, slacker, hippies, partiers etc). If you have trouble with large crowds and dealig with different types of people, then Umass might not be for you.

As an out-of-stater, I found that some in-state students loathed Umass while others loved it. I think it comes with the territory: I think at any state U you will find that many state residents wanted to travel farther.

Still, these people know HOW TO PARTY. The Umass police have cracked down a lot and it is much harder to find a large campus party than it use to be. Still, many of the students living off- campus host keggars and house parties straight out of Animal House (out of all the universities I have visited, Umass Amherst has by far, the wildest parties).

I personally would rate the bars at Umass as okay. They are rather small and get old quickly-especially when you are on a college budget. Still, most students pregame there before heading to parties either on-campus of off-campus. Also, keep in mind, I am more of house party person myself.

There are several Frats and Sororities on campus and the Frats do host a number of parties on the weekends. They can be fun...but after Freshman year you probably won't be frequenting them. A great thing about Umass is that the Greek Life doesn't rule the roost. Unlike my old school, frat parties are optional...you can always find another party but you may have to walk a bit farther.

Crucial advice I would give to any incoming freshman is KNOW WHERE YOU WANT TO LIVE. If you are social and want the full college experience do not, I repeat DO NOT live in Sylvan, Orchard Hill or Northeast. Sylvan is by far the worst...I never lived there but I have never heard ONE good thing about that living area. Umass is a huge campus and Sylvan is located by itself on top of a huge hill. Sylvan offers suite style living but apparently each suite keeps to themselves and there is no real sense of community there. And if you are an incoming freshman and get placed there, you better hope you mesh well with your suite mates.

Orchard Hill and Northeast are very Academic...so if that is your thing, then you want to select one of those two.

If you are a hippy or more of the laid back type, then Central is where you want to live. (Also, a lot of people who wanted to live in SW find themselves in Central and end up loving it...so if you want SW, make sure you put Central as your second choice). I never lived there but having visited, I have only nice things to say. A good chunk of students living in Central drink and it is a fun place to kick back on a low- key night. This is probably the most radical part of the student body and many of the students in Central are involved in clubs and various campus projects. Also, in the spring time, there are several outdoor events on the Central Hill (live music, games etc.)

South West is by far the craziest place on campus. This is where a majority of drinking is done and as a freshman, it is a good place to meet lots of other incoming students. Some buildings are crazier than others (esp. the high rises) and most students pregame here before heading off campus. The place gets pretty loud and trashed on the weekends so if quiet is your thing, this is not the place for you.

Umass has experienced a lot of budget cuts in the past few years so it is harder to get into classes. As an English major, I loved my department and found the Professors to be very passionate about what they do. I focused more on literature and creative writing but have heard great things bout the journalsim department. As far as creativitiy is concerned, the English Department at Umass offers a lot of experimental workshops in fiction and poetry. I would highly reccomend that English majors try these courses out...the Professors and TA's who run these workshops are very enthusiastic and you will meet many creative students in these classes. Overall, I would say most English Majors at Umass are very articulate and well-spoken. They are also very diligent about completing their assignments since most classes are discussion- based.

While Umass is huge, keep in mind that your actual major will feel much smaller. In fact, you will probably see the same students in your classes and begin to know them. Gen-eds at Umass are kind of a joke but I have heard the same thing about other colleges. If the lecture is huge, you can easily skip attending and usually pull your class notes up online.

Umass is a big University so it is hard for me to give you an exact student profile. There are students who just get by and don't really put much effort into their studies and then there are the ones who are very passionate about what they do. It also varies from major to major. Some students choose to leave the weekends for partying and sleeping in while others are all over the campus joining clubs. I'm telling you...you will find every type of student at Umass.Like I said before, the majority of students I met at Umass are fun and like to have a good time. If you are looking for the ultimate college experience and are not afraid of a large school Umass Amherst is the place for you.

4th Year Female -- Class 2004

Extracurricular Activities: A, Perceived Campus Safety: C-

First, let me lay all my cards out on the table. I came to umass from a local private college because I was frustrated with the grade inflation and apathy there. Bottom line is: Umass is a big school, lots of very strong departments. The art dept. was bigger and the professors much better than at the private school (where the art dept. was touted!). Socially, a lot of people go here but you see the same people in your major classes every day. I've had the same 3 close friends in at least a few classes every semester.

The best thing about Umass is the fact that everyone here really does try; you can't just sleep through everything and get an A. Believe me, there are schools where all you have to do is pay 40,000 and that will happen. People are taught to be down on public schools because they are the "safe" schools. Don't get huckstered into this! Everyone who teaches here is from Harvard or Dartmouth anyway!

Alumnus Male -- Class 2000