University of Massachusetts AmherstMove-In Guide
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
Sep 2-4, 2026
Fall 2026
Acceptance Rate
58%
Most recent cycle
Move-In
Fall 2026 Move-In Details
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. Only one vehicle will be unloaded at the hall - a second car should follow the first through check-in, then go directly to the designated parking lot.
Check your assignment in the housing portal for your specific date and time - your exact move-in date is shown above in the Overview.
Move-in day logistics
- Arrival window
- Assisted Move-In runs 8 a.m.-5 p.m. each day - arrive during your scheduled reservation time; forgetting your printed boarding pass adds a minimum of 30 minutes to check-in.
- Check-in location
- Thoreau and Mary Lyon Hall residents go to West Check-In (Southwest/CHCRC residents); Emerson Hall residents also go to West Check-In - don't use GPS, since campus roads are specifically closed and redirected for Move-In.
- Parking
- After showing your photo ID and boarding pass at check-in to receive your room key, follow the driving directions to your hall's designated unload zone, then move your vehicle to the assigned parking lot.
- What you'll receive
- Your room key at check-in, after showing a valid photo ID (UCard, driver's license, state ID, or passport) and your printed boarding pass with its QR code.
- Vehicle restrictions
- Assume you won't have elevator access during move-in - be prepared to carry belongings via the nearest stairwell to your room.
Move-in day tips
- Arrive during your assigned move-in window - arriving early may mean waiting until your time slot.
- Bring a rolling cart or hand truck - campus carts can run out quickly during busy move-in periods.
- Have a parking backup plan - spaces near residence halls can fill up quickly, so know where you can unload if your preferred area is full.
- Watch the loading-zone time limit - many campuses require you to move your vehicle to longer-term parking after unloading.
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
Each available link goes directly to University of Massachusetts Amherst's own specific page, not just its general homepage.
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
- CVS Pharmacy0.9 miles
- Target2.4 miles
- Walmart2.7 miles
- Walgreens6.7 miles
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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