University of Massachusetts - Off-Campus Housing

Quick Stats

College Prowler Take

Off-campus housing is similar to living in the dorms, except that you get a bathroom and kitchen that you don’t have to share with 30 people. If you get off the meal plan and move off campus after freshman year, it can be cheaper. On the down side, you have to worry about getting to class. You can either take the bus, which is relatively convenient, or drive your own car, which is relatively inconvenient. The parking lots are far from the classrooms, and you have to purchase a parking permit. Brandywine is a nice off-campus place to live, but you can also find apartments that are both near UMass and on the bus route, a very convenient situation. Another option is to get a house, an alternative that sometimes requires more than four roommates, or it won’t leave much in your bank account.

Some of the apartment complexes get just as crazy on the weekends as the dorms, with the occasional “Yankees suck” riot. On the other hand, some of the housing complexes are quiet and occupied by more families than actual students. Also, don’t limit your search to places like Puffton, Brandywine, and the Boulders. The biggest issue with living off campus is transportation. If you have a car, and don’t mind long walks, or if you live on the bus route, then you’ve got it made in the shade with pink lemonade.

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Students Speak Out

Anonymous says:

Housing off campus can be... Housing off campus can be convenient if you get something close, but if you have to drive, it can be a pain in the butt. 12345 Off-Campus Housing Report

estigs says: University of Massachusetts 2012 Arts, Visual and Performing

I'm Not Sure.... N/A I haven't had to live off campus yet so I am really not sure how it all works. 12345 Off-Campus Housing: November 18, 2009 Report

jwieler says: University of Massachusetts 2011 Biological and Biomedical Sciences

Availability B+ Parking passes for on-campus parking lots is very expensive. Housing in general is not expensive, it gets pricier as you get closer towards campus. You can pack people in an apartment to make it less expensive. The resources online are somewhat helpful from the UMass website. The entire Amherst area is very safe considering the large amount of people that live here. 12345 Off-Campus Housing: November 17, 2009 Report

Anonymous says:

Most of the places off campus are... Most of the places off campus are right on the bus route, so you never really need a car at UMass. The only thing you need to worry about is getting roommates that are right for you, and that doesn’t necessarily mean your friends—believe me. 12345 Off-Campus Housing Report

Anonymous says:

If you are smart, off-campus... If you are smart, off-campus housing can be much cheaper than living in the dorms. 12345 Off-Campus Housing Report

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