The New Student Orientation & Transitions team is here to support all new students and their families as they join and become active members of the UMass community. Students starting at UMass Amherst will engage in several focused components of the orientation & transition experience:Guide to the U,Ready for the U, Welcome to the U, and.
About Ready for the U | | Ready for the U Registration
About Ready for the U
Ready for the U is your opportunityto engage with the university: its community, resources, values, and expectationsbefore the semester starts. During Ready for the U you willmeet fellow new students, learn from experienced Orientation & Transition Leaders, network with university staff members, and get ready for the upcoming semester. You will also:
- Learn about living and acting responsiblyin community,
- Beginnavigating campus lifeat UMassAmherst,
- Acquireskills to cultivate academic preparedness, and
- Develop an affinity for UMass Amherst.
Allnewstudents activelyparticipatein a Ready for the U experience, eitheronline or on campus.
A variety of sessions are offered to meet the needs of our students. Session availablilty varies by school/college and admit type (first-year or transfer). Students will be able to select from the dates they are eligible to attend when they log into the registration site.
- You will not register for classes during Ready for the U and must schedule your online New Student Advising & Course Registration appointment for a different time period. However, you will have time to Connect with Your College during Ready for the U to network with your college community. Connect with Your College is not a course registration period.
- New students participate in the entire New Student Experience free of any additional charges as the costs associated with the experience are covered by the non-refundable New Student Enrollment fee which is included on the first semester bill.
- with young children / caring for a family member,
- actively serving in the military/working 40 or more hours/week and unable to take a day off before classes start,
- travelingmore than 400 miles to Amherst,or
- returning for a second bachelor’s degree.
To help you choose the best modality for you, please see our featured activity below.
| Ready for the U Featured Activity | 2 - Day On-Campus | 1 - Day On-Campus | 1 - Day Online |
| Check-in Sign in for your Ready for the U session. | 8 a.m. Day 1 | 8:00 a.m. | 9:45 a.m. |
| Discover UMass for Students and Guests Explore UMass by visiting departments at the resource fair, tour the Recreation Center, or make a Residential Quick Stop at the Northeast Residential Area. | Yes | Yes | No |
| Commonwealth Honors College Meeting Join the Commonwealth Honors College for an overview on succeeding as a CHC. | 9:00 a.m. Day 1 | No | No |
| Welcome We will kick off Ready for the U with introductions from Student Affairs & Campus Life, Undergraduate Education, and the New Student Orientation & Transitions Team. Get READY to learn all about what to expect over the next two days! | 10 a.m. Day 1 | 10 a.m. | 10 a.m. |
| Leveling Up Your Learning Start your journey towards leveling up your learning! This session is designed to introduce students to some essential tools and strategies to thrive academically at UMass. From effective study techniques to time management skills, attendees will discover practical insights and actionable tips to prepare for the transition to college. Join us and start building your academic success toolbox! | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Living & Acting Responsibly for Students and Guests Take an active role in understanding the guidelines of our campus community to make UMass a safer place for you and others. | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Campus Safety 101: Empowering Students for a Secure College Experience Join us for an interactive session presented by the Office of Emergency Management and the UMass Police Department, where you'll learn strategies and resources to ensure your safety on campus. From understanding emergency procedures to proactive crime prevention tips, this session will prepare you with the knowledge and skills to navigate campus confidently. Discover how to stay informed, protect yourself, and contribute to a secure campus community. Your safety is our priority – let's work together to create a safer and more resilient university environment. | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Student Networking for students Meet with your Orientation and Transitions Leader, connect with your peers, and begin discussing your journey to success. Then debrief and dialouge about discovering and developing your place in the UMass community. | 3 Offerings | 1 Offering | 1 Offering |
| Families as Partners for Guests Learn more about resources for student support. | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| The Award Winning UMass Dining Discover the diverse culinary offerings and innovative dining experiences tailored to nourish and energize your student's college life, ensuring a flavorful journey at UMass. | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Pick Your Path for Students and Guests Select two offerings from a variety of sesions that will contribute to your pathway to success. | Yes | No | No |
The M(We) – Self, Identity and Belonging at College Leaders from the Campus Life and Wellbeing Team engage you in an interactive session about the M(WE) – A term coined by neuroscientist Daniel Siegal, MD, suggesting that we are always developing “in connection” - to others and the natural world. We explore the critical questions college students and families are asking. What am I here for? Who are my people? Will I be OK? Will I be well? Who will help me? We will highlight the ways in which our staff, programs and resources can help support your holistic wellbeing. Join us to plant the seeds of a wellbeing mindset for a successful college journey. This session will invite you to embrace challenge, the set intentions, and to understand the ways that physical wellbeing and community connection support all aspects of thriving. | Yes | No | No |
Building Community in UMass Amherst Residence Halls Join us for an engaging session presented by Residential Life staff, where we'll explore the residential experience at UMass Amherst. Discover how our halls serve as more than just places to live – they are vibrant communities where students connect and learn. This session will showcase the ways that you can make the most of your residential experience and the resources available to support your success. Come learn how you can make the most of your residential experience and positively contribute to your community. | Yes | No | No |
| Navigating Off-Campus Life Join Off-Campus Student Life for an informative session designed to support students living off-campus. Discover resources, programming, and support tailored to meet the unique needs and concerns of off-campus students. Learn how to engage with campus activities, develop independent life skills, and foster a positive off-campus living experience. From navigating housing options to fostering responsible community membership, we're here to empower you on your off-campus journey. Don't miss this opportunity to connect with resources and build a strong support network as you navigate life beyond campus. | Yes | No | No |
| Exploring Your Place Join Multicultural Advancement and Student Success along with Diversity Education and Training for an enriching presentation focused on celebrating diversity and fostering inclusion within our campus community. This session will explore the importance of embracing diverse perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences to create a more equitable and welcoming environment for all students. Through interactive discussions and engaging activities, participants will learn how to cultivate cultural competency, promote social justice, and advocate for diversity and inclusion initiatives on campus. This session will provide valuable insights and resources to support your journey toward building a stronger and more inclusive community at UMass Amherst. | Yes | No | No |
| UMass at Night for Students Continue making connections with a choice of activities like open mic, glow games, and more. Plus, enjoy a late night snack! | Yes | No | No |
| Connect with Your College for Students Build connections with the staff and students in your academic community at UMass. | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Student Experience Panel Hear from current students about the UMass student experience. | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| From Ready to Arrival Learn more about the Move-In experience at UMass Amherst | Yes | No | No |
| Understanding & Paying the Bill Delve into essential insights and resources from the Bursar's Office, empowering families to navigate the financial landscape of higher education with confidence and clarity, ensuring a smooth and successful transition into university life. | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Eat at the Dining Commons for Students and Guests Experience #1 UMass Dining! | Yes | Dinner is Optional | No |
| Stay in an Orchard Hill Residence Hall for Students Students attending a two-day session will be assigned a residence hall room in Webster or Dickinson upon arrival. | Yes | No | No |
| Guests are responsible for securing their own overnight accommodations. Overnight accommodations are not included in the guest registration or fee. Guests make their own reservations at Hotel UMass, or any of the many other area lodging options. | Yes | Yes | N/A |
| Closing Hear closing advice from the Orientation and Transition Leaders and learn more about Welcome to the U. | 12:00 p.m. Day 2 | 5:00 p.m. | 4:15 p.m. |
| Check Out & Wrap Up Check out of the Residence Hall, turn in your room key, and receive your UMass t-shirt. | 12:30 p.m. Day 2 | N/A | N/A |
| Campus Tour (Optional) | 1:15 p.m. Day 2 | No | N/A |
- Ready for the U will open on May 6th for students starting in Fall 2024 and their guests.
