University of Massachusetts Amherst
Amherst, Massachusetts
🏫 Public UniversityEst. 1863🔗 www.umass.edu
UMass Amherst's campus centers on the historic Old Chapel, where JFK reportedly once spoke during his 1952 Senate campaign, with first-year students housed across 23 residence halls in six residential areas, including Thoreau, Emerson, and Mary Lyon Halls.
Enrollment
31,318
Total Students
Freshman Class
6,005
Approx.
Move-In Dates
August 25 - August 28, 2026
Fall 2026
Acceptance Rate
58%
Most recent cycle
Move-In
Fall 2026 Move-In Dates
Starting August 10, 2026, log into SPIRE under Housing > Move-In Reservation > Key Agmt to make or view your Move-In Reservation and print your boarding pass - students who don't make a reservation will be assigned a time from remaining options. UMass Amherst's residential system is one of the largest in the country, with over 14,000 students across 51 halls, and housing is guaranteed for first-year students. This specific date should be confirmed directly with Residential Services (413-577-7777) closer to move-in.
August 25 - August 28, 2026
Check your assignment in the housing portal for your specific date and time.
Move-in day tips
- Arrive during your assigned window - early arrivals often just wait longer.
- Bring a rolling cart or hand truck; loading-zone carts run out fast.
- Parking near freshman halls fills up quickly - have a backup plan or drop-off spot.
- Loading zones usually enforce a strict time limit (often 30 minutes) before you're expected to move your car to long-term parking.
- Activate your student ID online before you arrive - many schools require it for building and elevator access from day one.
- If you want your bed lofted or the frame height adjusted, check whether your school needs that request submitted online in advance - most won't do it on the spot.
- Check your school's specific package-acceptance window before shipping anything ahead - most won't hold early deliveries outside a set date range.
- Unpack essentials first: bedding, toiletries, and chargers, before anything else.
Housing & Dorms
- Photo coming soon
Thoreau Hall
Traditional · Coed
First-year only - Photo coming soon
Emerson Hall
Traditional · Coed
First-year only - Photo coming soon
Mary Lyon Hall
Traditional · Coed
First-year only
Housing Links
Links open University of Massachusetts Amherst's website - not always the exact page, but a real starting point.
Orientation
Ready for the U (required)
All new students are required to attend one orientation session.
June 1 - August 24, 2026
Orientation tips
- Register as early as your class allows - popular session dates fill up first.
- Bring a parent/guardian if separate family programming is offered.
- Check whether placement testing or advising sign-ups happen the same day.
Costs
Room & Board
$14,500
Estimated / Year
Nearby Essentials
Nearby data coming soon.
More Links
Checklists
Get the Ultimate College Move-In Checklist
A free, printable packing checklist covering everything from bedding to important documents - built for any freshman, including yours at University of Massachusetts Amherst.
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