If you take the right Gen Ed classes, they can be very interesting. Definitely try to take classes that interest you or you will very likely be bored out of your mind. However, I so far get the impression that most professors and instructors are generally interested in their fields of expertise, and are enthusiastic about sharing that interest with students.
Do you enjoy the experience at your school?
Through dance groups, drumline, photojournalism, and just hanging out with people in the dorms, I have met a lot of really great friends in my three semesters at UMass. Definitely find a group that interests you and get involved. Also, don't worry too much about partying... contrary to what some people think, not EVERYBODY at ZooMass parties every night, and if somebody can't respect your choices not to, then they're not worth your time. Another thing: the surrounding area is really interesting. Lots of great stores and restaurants, and it's overall an interesting community.
Do you feel you’re getting value for the money you’re spending on college?
Most of the dorms are surprisingly nice, and if you don't have too much more than the essentials, there's plenty of space. The food is decent, plus you get meal exchanges that you can use at most of the restaurants on campus. One hidden gem at UMass: the Newman Center Cafe. They have very good cheap food, and they serve it up very fast. Another excellent thing about UMass is that almost anyplace you need to go, you can take a bus - and they're all free.
Do you have any tips for prospective students?
Definitely tour the campus. It can seem big and overwhelming, but once you get comfortable, it's not bad at all.
Some things to check out on campus:
- Newman Center Cafe
- University Gallery (at the Fine Arts Center)
- The campus pond
- The Bluewall
- Berkshire Dining Commons
- Studio Arts Building
- W.E.B Dubois Library
- Antonio's in Downtown Amherst
- Central / Orchard Hill Residential Area
Which types of students will excel at your college?
Even if you don't like to (or want to) party, don't rule out UMass. There's all kinds of options at UMass in every area - academics, housing, food, extracurriculars, and (most of all) people. However, if you're a homebody and can't handle a little noise once in a while or are uncomfortable being amongst lots of people, then this might not be the best option for you.
If you take the right Gen Ed classes, they can be very interesting. Definitely try to take classes that interest you or you will very likely be bored out of your mind. However, I so far get the impression that most professors and instructors are generally interested in their fields of expertise, and are enthusiastic about sharing that interest with students.
Through dance groups, drumline, photojournalism, and just hanging out with people in the dorms, I have met a lot of really great friends in my three semesters at UMass. Definitely find a group that interests you and get involved. Also, don't worry too much about partying... contrary to what some people think, not EVERYBODY at ZooMass parties every night, and if somebody can't respect your choices not to, then they're not worth your time. Another thing: the surrounding area is really interesting. Lots of great stores and restaurants, and it's overall an interesting community.
Most of the dorms are surprisingly nice, and if you don't have too much more than the essentials, there's plenty of space. The food is decent, plus you get meal exchanges that you can use at most of the restaurants on campus. One hidden gem at UMass: the Newman Center Cafe. They have very good cheap food, and they serve it up very fast. Another excellent thing about UMass is that almost anyplace you need to go, you can take a bus - and they're all free.
Definitely tour the campus. It can seem big and overwhelming, but once you get comfortable, it's not bad at all. Some things to check out on campus: - Newman Center Cafe - University Gallery (at the Fine Arts Center) - The campus pond - The Bluewall - Berkshire Dining Commons - Studio Arts Building - W.E.B Dubois Library - Antonio's in Downtown Amherst - Central / Orchard Hill Residential Area
Even if you don't like to (or want to) party, don't rule out UMass. There's all kinds of options at UMass in every area - academics, housing, food, extracurriculars, and (most of all) people. However, if you're a homebody and can't handle a little noise once in a while or are uncomfortable being amongst lots of people, then this might not be the best option for you.