University of Massachusetts-Amherst

University of Massachusetts-Amherst

Amherst, MA, USA
Public
4 Year

Ashley's Review

Review of University of Massachusetts-Amherst

from West Yarmouth, MA

Describe your college in three sentences.

Due to the wide range of educational opportunities--whether those are research-based, scientific, liberal, political or extra curricular--The University of Massachusetts Amherst ensures that there's a niche designated for every type of student. With an extremely large population, the University's strengths are not specified towards one group of students, but rather spread across the board to accommodate all students. With academic assistance, guidance, career services, internship assistance and an extremely professional and interpersonal staff of employees, The University of Massachusetts Amherst will keep your story alive, opening the doors to an enlightening college experience.

Do you have any tips for prospective students?

Definitely go to class. For the majority of lectures--depending on your major--there is no attendance, and thus the success of your academic career is dependent on you. Attendance is not part of your grade, but your lack thereof will shine through when it comes down to exam day. Second, get involved! With an outstanding population size of over 26,000 students (graduate and undergraduate), it can be overwhelming being a small fish in a large pond. Involving yourself in extra curricular activities whether those are student organizations, greek life, lab research or employment will make the size seem significantly smaller, all the while increasing your chances of solidifying great friendships.

Do you find there’s enough academic rigor at your school?

The academic rigor of The University of Massachusetts Amherst is directly correlated with each student's major. Generally, for each class there is one final grade calculated from three term exams, homework and a final exam, so keeping up with readings and attending class lectures is imperative. If you find something difficult, there are plenty of outside resources to ensure academic success (tutors, office hours with the professors, teacher assistants, supplementary instructor sessions and review sessions).

Describe the dorm life at your college.

The dorm life is split into five different regional areas on campus: Southwest, Central, Northeast, Orchard Hill, North and Sylvan. Generally, students live on campus for the first two years of enrollment (freshman and sophomore) and live off campus for their remaining two years (junior and senior). Southwest is typically designated as the most social of residential areas, as well as the largest. Central is known for a more artistic outlook, combining arts and music into living quarters. Northeast is comprised of students typically studying science or engineering majors. Students wanting a quieter, more concentrated academic lifestyle tend to live in Orchard Hill. Many of these students are Commonwealth Honors College students. North is a series of apartment designated for upperclassmen (and those few, extremely lucky lowerclassmen) who choose to live on campus. And lastly, Sylvan is typically the last preferred residential area and is comprised of the majority of transfer students.

Describe the food and dining at your college.

The food and dining at The University of Massachusetts Amherst is absolutely amazing. As of last year, the university's dining was rated as one of the top ten in the nation by Princeton Review. With a large variety of cuisines from different countries (Asian, Chinese, Japanese, American, Italian etc.), there are many choices to choose from. There are four dining halls on campus: Berkshire (Southwest), Hampshire (Southwest), Franklin (Central) and Worcester (Northeast). The campus favorite is Berkshire, with the largest variety of options. From sandwiches, sushi, stir fry, pizza, salad bar, vegetarian bar, cereal and fruit and gluten free bar, there are choices for everyone!

What’s there to do for fun at your college?

With center Amherst a short walk from center campus (ten minutes or less) there are plenty of shopping boutiques, cafes, restaurants, bars and bookstores to delve into. As a college town (with five total colleges in the surrounding area: University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst College, Hampshire College, Mount Holyoke College and Smith College) there are plenty of seasonal fairs, events and concerts to keep students occupied through every season. The nightlife is also extremely lively.

Do you feel you’re getting value for the money you’re spending on college?

With the consortium, you can choose to enroll in courses at any of the five colleges within the surrounding area--Amherst College, UMass Amherst, Hampshire College, Mount Holyoke College and Smith College--all while paying the UMass Amherst tuition (much lower than the rest). The cost of the university is impeccable in comparison to its reputation as one of the nation's most leading research facilities. The dorm rooms are very large and the food is great! Definitely worth the cost.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

There is a list of 100 things to do before you graduate which includes all kinds of unusual traditions and UMass legacies.

Which types of students will excel at your college?

It is an amazing university for students pursuing a post-graduate career in research, as it is one of the most leading research facilities in the nation. Additionally, the Isenberg School of Management is one of the top business schools in the state; employing graduates who take its opportunities to their fullest advantage.

Are you involved in any clubs or activities?

With over 200 registered student organizations, there are many extra curricular activities to involve yourself in. If there is something that does not strike your interest, there is a way to create a registered student organization with a required minimum of ten students within one semester.

Are you involved in any clubs or activities?

Only approximately 5% of UMass Amherst students participate in greek life. It is not a dominant portion of the university's social spectrum.

How would you describe campus safety? Do you feel safe on campus?

The campus security is very thorough, making sure all students that are non residents of a dorm on campus are signed in from 8:00 PM - 12:00 PM on weekdays and 8:00 PM - 2:00 AM on weekends. There are student cadets, as well as police officers at every corner on the weekend to control crime and prevent fighting, but it is not as heavily guarded during the week.