Moving In Guide For New Students

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

Thursday, September 1, 2011 (fall semester)
New students will use a Reservation System through SPIRE to determine their fall 2011 check-in time. More information will be available here by July 15, 2011. New students will also receive information with their Assignment Notification mailing on August 1, 2011.

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 Residence Life: Student Services at 413-545-2100 with any questions you may have.

Getting Here

Detailed information regarding routes to specific residence halls for First-Year Move In will be available here by July 18th, 2011. New students will also receive information with their Assignment Notification mailing on August 1, 2011.

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

Students who need to check in early as part of a group should contact their program coordinator for details regarding early check-in. Early arrivals can only be accommodated during specific time periods.

If you do not check in properly into your residence hall assignment by 5:00pm on Tuesday, September 6, 2011, your housing assignment will be cancelled, subject to the cancellation fee and rent refund schedules. If you plan to arrive after this time, you must notify the the Residential Life: Student Services Office at (413) 545-2100 to retain your assignment.

Opening Day Checklist

• Bring your student ID card or some other form of identification.
• If possible, bring your own hand trucks, carts, or dollies, as we do not provide these items
• As you enter the campus, look out 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 on opening day.
• After you unpack, be sure to set up the voice mail in your room.

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

Where to Pick Up Your Key

Information about where to pick up your key for fall 2011 will be available here by July 15, 2011.

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 other 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.

Residence Hall Linen Program

Mattresses in our residence halls are extra-long (36" x 80"). RLA has partnered with Residence Hall Linens to provide our students with a convenient, affordable way to purchase extra-long sheets and bedding items as well as other campus-living necessities. For more information visit the RHL website www.rhl.org/maa or 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 1-800-637-7567.

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.