University of Massachusetts - Local Atmosphere

College Prowler Take

Amherst is a lively college town that exemplifies New England’s characteristic atmosphere. For me, the richness and volume of culture in Amherst and nearby Northampton is often what I associate with the word “college.” During semesters, Amherst gets crowded and takes on the likeness of a metropolis, however, during summer and winter breaks, Amherst could pass for a rural farming community. The visible relationship of Amherst residents and businesses with the surrounding schools is just one of the many synergistic benefits of going to UMass.

Holyoke, Amherst College, Hampshire College, and Smith College are all in the area. During the school year, Amherst is an exciting town to be in with a lot to do. The restaurants are great, and the center of town is a short walk or free bus ride away. Amherst is a very liberal place; one does not have to look hard to find a political discussion or rally. The bars are pretty good, but the very few clubs in the area leave a lot to be desired. But with the leaves changing color, the town festivals, open-mic nights, school concerts, and the thousands of other things to become involved with, if you are bored in Amherst, it is your own fault. It is also in a good location geographically, with Northampton only 10 minutes away and Holyoke 25 minutes away.

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Students Speak Out

Anonymous says:

The town is definitely a college... The town is definitely a college town—it’s great. I love it because everyone is friendly and there are five universities in the vicinity, just a bus ride away. 12345 Local Atmosphere Report

nrdowney says: University of Massachusetts 2012 Social Sciences

Voted the Best College Town of 2009 A Amherst is a quaint little town and North Hampton, just fifteen minutes away is wicked cool. The five colleges often overlap and there is plenty to do whether it be events and parties at one of the other schools or it be concerts in North Hampton or dinner in Amherst. The locals that choose to live in Western Mass that aren't affiliated with the colleges tend to be a little quirky, but its entertaining. 12345 Local Atmosphere: November 18, 2009 Report

lro190 says: University of Massachusetts 2012 Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences

Off Campus Life B+ There isnt a whole lot to do off campus, just a few stores in town but my definite favorite is Antonio's Pizza. The Hampshire Mall is very convenient and the bus line can be simple when mastered. It has stores which would have all the little necessites you may run out of! The Holyoke Mall is really nice but difficult to get to unless you have a car! The nearby other 4 colleges make a nice place to visit and I've heard hiking is really great here. 12345 Local Atmosphere: November 17, 2009 Report

Anonymous says:

It’s like any place really, it’s... It’s like any place really, it’s all what you make of it. I didn’t want to come here right after high school, but I didn’t get into any of the Boston schools, not like I could afford them anyways. Amherst grew on me, and now I’m glad that I’m not in a big city. 12345 Local Atmosphere Report

Anonymous says:

I was born and raised here and... I was born and raised here and will probably never leave. This whole area is the most beautiful spot in the world in the fall with the leaves and everything else; it makes you feel like you are in a movie. The town is cute and has so much history, but I can see why so many people go to different places on the weekends. Although, the food here is great, and the people are great, and I have had so many great bosses working for the local businesses. 12345 Local Atmosphere Report

Facts

Did You Know?

Five Fun Facts about Amherst:
• The 1999 movie In Dreams was filmed in Amherst as well as the 1993 movie Malice.
• The town of Amherst was named after Lord Jeffery Amherst, a British Army Officer who served in three separate wars: the Austrian Succession, the Seven Years War, and the French and Indian War.
• Sylvester Graham, the Amherst native who was known as “the Philosopher of Sawdust Pudding,” was an early advocate of vegetarianism and the man for whom the graham cracker was named.
• In 1885, Charles King had a barber shop on the second floor of Cook’s Block in Amherst. He was, however, known less for cutting hair than for his feat of eating 50 raw eggs in 15 minutes. Two hundred people gathered on Main St. as he swallowed the eggs and collected a $30 prize.

Many famous authors including Noah Webster, Emily Dickinson, Robert Frost, Jane Dyer, James Tate, Martin Espada, Joseph Langland, and Madeline Blais are from Amherst.

Local Slang:
One way to tell a local from an outsider in Amherst is the way they pronounce Amherst. Outsiders say “Am-herst,” while locals say “Am-erst.”

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