University of Massachusetts Reviews

Greek life isn't too big at UMass....

Greek life isn't too big at UMass. There are a lot of fraternities and sororities on campus, but compared to the population of UMass, it's not too popular. The frat parties on campus are gross. Avoid them.

It's usually the RAs who handle...

It's usually the RAs who handle that kind of stuff on campus, and they're really not too strict. It's generally an "if I don't see it, nothing's happening" kind of policy. The police break up off-campus parties pretty often though.

UMass hockey rocks! Dr J and...

UMass hockey rocks! Dr J and Marcus Camby are UMass basketball alumni. Half of the campus participates in some intramural sport.

Police are pretty nice here but...

Police are pretty nice here but don't push the limits. If you're reasonably quiet and not drinking in public (i.e. sidewalks), police will leave you alone. I haven't been written up, and I know more people who have been written up for having candles than people written up for drinking.

Public transportation for getting...

Public transportation for getting to off-campus apartments and into town is pretty reliable. If you're trying to get to the grocery store, Target, or Wal-Mart, that's another story. The buses are not frequent or consistent and there is only one stop on campus at Haigus Mall.

Compared to what I've been used...

Compared to what I've been used to—living and breathing Penn State's Beaver Stadium—the athletics program is pathetic here. I am guessing that there is little to no money being brought in by these programs in comparison to the Big Ten schools. A decent majority of kids will attend hockey games, but from what I've heard, the football games are nothing special. There are a lot of fun IM programs though, such as co-ed soccer and flag football.

There are not a lot of good...

There are not a lot of good restaurants in the area, and there are no good restaurants within walking distance. The campus is not close to town, so the school banks on a lot of students getting meal plans and eating on campus. The only good place for sushi is Osaka in Northampton, the town over. A good place for wings is Hangar. There are some pizza places around like La Piazza and Antonio's.

UMass is a lot of fun. If you...

UMass is a lot of fun. If you can't find a party to go to, there are always parties going on in the dorms since the rules are never really inforced

The dorms are fun. Southwest is...

The dorms are fun. Southwest is way too crowded and full of jocks, but the rest of campus is really nice with a fun and social environment. Avoid Sylvan—it's too excluded from everything. The most social and fun is Central!

Freshman can bring a car, but if...

Freshman can bring a car, but if you want to keep it on campus it will cost you some money, and it's not very cheap. The closer the lot is to a dorm, the more expensive it is. The lots are organized by color, as well as number,. You buy the color. Most freshmen leave their car off campus at the administration building or down by Southwest because they are cheaper than the lots closer to the buildings.

The campus police will basically...

The campus police will basically hassle you about drunk driving on campus, and I don't mean swerving and going 180 mph. I mean stopping two seconds at a stop sign instead of three. There isn't really a policy for pot prevention. Most people smoke, and they don't really do anything about it. Also, the campus police will tag you with parking violations, so make sure to get a pass or feed the meter. Otherwise, they will get you and possibly tow your car.

It has a big role freshman year...

It has a big role freshman year because that is where you go to party. But, then you realize they are overcrowded with too many dudes and stop going.

Amherst has some good restaurants...

Amherst has some good restaurants if you want to spend a couple bucks. If you're into pizza, there's a great pizza place in downtown Amherst called Antonio's. That place makes some awesome pies and some wild pizzas by the slice.

Parking is crazy, and meters are...

Parking is crazy, and meters are always full. The campus garage is easy and convenient, but the cost per hour can add up fast.

The buses are free and go...

The buses are free and go everywhere, but they are never on time and so overcrowded that sometimes they won't even stop for people at the bus stop. They are supposed to run every 15 minutes, but I have been left out in the snow for 40 minutes waiting for a bus.

They're very strict, so don't be...

They're very strict, so don't be dumb. You will get caught.

I eat at the Berkshire DC every...

I eat at the Berkshire DC every day. It's right next to my dorm building and is new! People like to complain about the food, but the truth is that UMass dining has won awards. The sushi bar is amazing, and who doesn't love the late-night specials? Even my parents look forward to eating here for free every time they come to visit. There are options for everyone.

Be careful in the parking lots,...

Be careful in the parking lots, especially if you're transporting alcohol. They have undercover cops who patrol it at night.

The bars in Amherst are just...

The bars in Amherst are just expensive frat parties, but sometimes that is better than nothing. UMass is great because you can just walk around and find a party any night of the week. Just remember to bring $5 because that is how much a cup usually costs.

It’s terrible to say, but it’s the...

It’s terrible to say, but it’s the ‘freshman thing’ to do. The frat houses are a place for underage people to party and drink. Sororities are viewed as snobby, but I know plenty of girls in them who are sweethearts. Fraternities and sororities at UMass are definitely looked down upon, but the people who are in them love being Greek.

I love UMass. The people are...

I love UMass. The people are great, and the classes and social life are a lot of fun. Sometimes, it’s tough to get into classes because of the huge number of people, which gets annoying, but you deal with it. I’m a psychology major, and I love it. The department is great! Our business program is amazing, too. I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else. I’m a city girl, and it was tough to adapt to ‘cow country.’ Once you do, though, you really learn to appreciate the scenic area and the great people here.

UMass really feels like home to...

UMass really feels like home to me. It’s like living in a city with so many people here, and I think it’s more like real life because of the numbers. I still have a group of friends, and I don’t feel lost in the crowd at all. There are always events happening on campus, so you’ll never get bored. The academics are also pretty good. Overall, it’s a nice place to go to school.

At first, I didn’t want to come...

At first, I didn’t want to come here, but it kind of ended up being where I had to go. Now I wouldn’t go anywhere else. There’s so much to do and see—it’s great.

In the beginning, I didn’t like it...

In the beginning, I didn’t like it because I wasn’t very outgoing, and you have to be at any big school. It’s easy to slip through the cracks if you’re not. My advice is to join clubs and other activities right away. I am on the ski team, and I had the time of my life. I love UMass now, and I definitely can’t wait for next semester. There are so many good things that go on. My only concern is the budget cuts. You should definitely investigate, so you know if the major you want will still be here when you are.

UMass is a great school. I...

UMass is a great school. I definitely feel as though I got my money’s worth. Like anything, you get out of it what you put into it. The people here are all right, and the teachers are really good. I went on exchange my junior year and had such a great time, and all for the same price you pay at UMass. I highly recommend that everyone exercise their option of going on exchange at some point. And if you do, look for a school that compliments UMass by providing things that UMass doesn’t or can’t. Over all, I am glad that I went to school here, even though my parents couldn’t find me at my graduation because there were so many people.