Admissions

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

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.

For any prospective students, try to get to know someone on campus whom you can shadow. It will allow you to see the campus from a student's perspective and get a taste for what the classes are like. Also, go on a tour of the campus- you will get to see various dorm rooms and also educational buildings. It looks big, but once you are campus, it will take you less than a week to find your way around. Also- DON'T BE AFRAID TO ASK! A lot of people get lost the first week, and upperclassmen really are nice and are willing to point you in the right direction.

If there is a RAP offered for people in your major, take advantage of it your freshman year. I regret not requesting one because it was harder for me to forge relationships with people in my major because everyone else already knew each other from living in the same building. RAPs help because you meet people in your building that you have classes with and that have similar interests.

-Check out reviews online or ask your older friends who attend which professors to take classes with. There are some great professors here, and also some that are awful.
-Take Microbio 160. I'm not a science major at all, terrible at science in high school, but this has been my most enjoyable and interesting class
-Don't worry if you come in without a major. UMass is very good about helping you figure out what you want to do with your life. There is even a special class you can take to help you figure it out.
-Bring earplugs. Trust me, at some point you will need to write a paper or do homework on a Thursday or Sunday night, and this will be a lot easier if you can't hear the drunks.
-Keep an open mind about living areas. If you're coming here to party, there's plenty going on outside of southwest. If you're coming to study, look at living in northeast or central.
-Wear comfortable shoes when you come for a tour. Some of the dorms in Central and Orchard Hill are indeed on a very steep hill. The campus isn't super hard to walk - it takes about 15 minutes to get across - but the hills are painful in flip flops or heels.
-Visit a Dining Commons (Worcester, Berkshire, Hampshire, or Franklin) when you come visit. If you only eat at BlueWall or The Hatch, you won't get to see the food that you'll actually be eating most of the time as a student. The food is inconsistent in quality. If you come, buy lots of easy mac and other microwave foods

Even though it seems awkward, try to develop a personal relationship with your professors. Approach your professor after class with maybe something they mentioned in class whether related to the subject or not (keep it appropriate), even if you don't need help at the moment. If you create a dynamic where the teacher can put a face to a name, you will have a much easier time receiving help when you really need it.

Do exactly what you want, go exactly where you want, and say exactly what you mean. A school as big and open as this one ensures that you will find the people who fit you, so you should never squeeze into a friendship because that distracts from your growth.

Do your homework and then your classes will be easier.
Visit your professors office hours; it helps to let your professors get to know you and help you understand the material better.
Take advantage of the resources such as the writing center and online library databases.

Make sure you check out the Commonwealth College, as well. It is the Honors college that is part of the University. It allows a student to take even more challegeing courses.