2008 / 2009 Moving In Guide For New Students

2007/2008 Moving In Guide
Lofting Kit Requests and Pickup
Lofting Kit Instructions

On This Page
Getting Here
Early & Late Arrivals
Opening Day Checklist
Where to Pick Up Your Key
What To Bring
Did You Forget Something?
Storage Space
Residence Hall Linen Program
MicroFridge Rentals
Complimentary Meals
Visitor Information

Opening Day for New Students

Sunday, August 31st 2008 (Fall semester)
Sunday, January 25, 2009 (Spring semester)
Residence Life staff will be available to assist students with check-in from 10:00am to 9:00pm. New students are encouraged to move-in before 4:00pm so that they may participate in planned first week activities.

For the fall semester, returning students are encouraged to move in on Monday, September 1, 2008.

To help make your move go as smoothly as possible, you may want to consider bringing essential items only on Opening Day. Your parents and other family members are welcome to come along to help you unpack your belongings. All over campus, "move-in" leaders will be available to help you find out where you need to go and where to park.

Please call Housing Services at 413-545-2100 with any questions you may have.

Getting Here

Expect Opening Day traffic to be heavy in and around the campus. For maps and directions, go to the UMass Amherst website at www.umass.edu and select Visit Campus. You can also visit the Campus Travel Advisory webpage.

Shuttle Van Service

If you arrive by bus at the Haigis Mall bus stop, you will be met by a shuttle van for transport to the residence halls. During inclement weather, shelter is available at the entrance to Herter Hall, just west of the bus stop.

Early and Late Arrivals

Requests for an early arrival must be made in advance by calling the Housing Assignment Office, 413-545-2100. A $35.00 fee is charged for every night prior to Opening Day. Early arrivals can be accommodated during specific time periods.

The Fall 2008 schedule is:

Thursday, August 30, 2008, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. $150
Friday, August 31, 2008, from 11:00 p.m.. to 5:00 p.m. $100

There are no early check-ins on Saturday; staff will not be available and the cluster offices will be closed all day.

If you do not check in properly into your residence hall assignment by 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, September 2, 2008, your housing assignment will be canceled. If you plan to arrive after this time, you must notify the Housing Assignment Office, 413-545-2100, to retain your assignment.

Opening Day Checklist

• Bring your student ID card or some other form of identification.
• Bring your Room Assignment Status Notice.
• If possible, bring your own hand trucks, carts, or dollies, as we do not provide these items
• As you enter the campus, watch for signs to your residence hall. Be prepared to walk a short distance, as you may not be able to park next to your building.
• Before unloading your vehicle, pick up your room key. See the list below for your key pickup location.
• Move your unloaded vehicle as soon as possible to make space for others, and avoid driving through the campus.
• After you unpack, set up the voice mail in your room.

If you do not have a housing assignment, go directly to the Housing Assignment Office, 235 Whitmore Administration Building.

Where to Pick Up Your Key

What to Bring

For information about what the University provides in each room and what you can and cannot bring to campus, visit Your Room which is part of the Residence Halls section of this website.

Did You Forget Something?

The University Store (Campus Center, concourse level) will be open from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. You can purchase toiletries, disposable cameras, film, room supplies, and accessories (posters, lamps, hooks, light bulbs, extension cords, "egg-crate" pads to fit residence hall beds), and a complete line of imprinted gifts and clothing. Many stores are located conveniently in the area as well.

Storage Space

Storage space is not available in the residence halls. If you have seasonal items such as skis or mountain bikes or if you need a place to leave items during Wintersession or the summer, you may arrange for storage in one of the following commercial facilities. All numbers are in area code 413.

Residence Hall Linen Program

Students may purchase custom-fitted linens for their residence hall beds. For more information about this mail order service, call 1-800-957-4338.

MicroFridge Rentals

If you have questions about your MicroFridge order, or if you are interested in a rental, please call MicroFridge at 1-800-577-8041.

Complimentary Meals

After you unpack, you may be ready to relax. You and your family are invited to enjoy a complimentary lunch or dinner served from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. in the dining halls.

Visitor Information

On-Campus Facilities

The Campus Center Hotel caters to parents and visitors. Make your reservation as early as possible if you need a room for Opening Day Weekend. Call 413-549-6000 for more information.

General material about the University and a sampling of area tourist information are available at the Robsham Visitors Center.

Off-Campus Accommodations

For information about accommodations in the Amherst area, call the Amherst Chamber of Commerce at 413-253-0700, the Northampton Chamber of Commerce at 413-584-1900, or the Greater Springfield Convention & Visitors Bureau at 800-723-1548 or 413-787-1548. These agencies will also provide information about restaurants, historical sites, and museums.