Housing, Food and Health

Housing And Residence Life

Housing and Residence Life at the University of Massachusetts Amherst is a national leader in creating a dynamic residential experience that is engaging, socially just, and promotes student learning. Housing and Residence Life is responsible for all on-campus housing assignments for Stockbridge students.

Housing and Residence Life offers a residential experience that supports students’ learning, personal growth, and academic achievement. We foster inclusive communities, create social and educational opportunities, and provide safe and well-maintained residences.

All freshmen and sophomores are required to live on campus. Exceptions to this policy are married students, veterans of the U.S. Armed Services, members of fraternities and sororities who have been authorized to reside in their respective houses, and students who live in and commute from the home of their parent(s) or guardian(s) within a 40-mile radius of the campus. The Alpha Tau Gamma fraternity  is considered an alternative to on-campus housing for students who have pledged to be members of the fraternity.

First Year Residence Halls

When you choose to live in a First Year Hall, everyone around you has similar experiences and you all jump into the adventure together. You will find easier ways to get involved with campus activities, to get to know faculty, and to find leadership opportunities. You will live in a community where collaboration and mutual support leads to academic success. You will also have access to the resources you need when you hit an academic or personal challenge or you just need a little advice, and you will become a pro at navigating university life.

To learn more, visit the Residential First Year Experience website.

Room Rent and Board Refunds

Students who cancel their housing assignment or withdraw from the university during the first five weeks of the semester are eligible for a rent refund. The refund is issued based on the date the student checks out of the residence hall room. Students who cancel or withdraw during the first five weeks are also subject to the cancellation fee schedule, which is also prorated to the corresponding week the cancellation is made.

To learn more, visit the Housing and Residence Life Rates & Fees website.

Dining Services

University Dining Services offers menus with a wide selection of food at each meal. These menus are based on sound nutritional patterns, on actual surveys of student food preferences, and on comments from students and staff members.

The student's UCard serves as his/her meal ticket and can be used in any of four dining commons. Students may select one of three plans: deluxe (unlimited number of meals), value (224 meals per semester), and basic (163 meals per semester). Stockbridge students who live on campus are required to be on a meal plan. Others may purchase a meal at any dining commons on a cash basis or purchase a meal strip.

University Food Services also offers Snack Bar services in various parts of campus, as well as three convenience stores in Worcester, Franklin, and Hampden Dining Commons.

To learn more, visit the University Dining Services wesite.

Health Services

University Health Services (UHS) provides a high quality comprehensive health program for the University community. Each student pays a health fee which provides a wide range of prepaid services at campus facilities. In addition, a number of other services are available on a co-payment basis.

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts requires all students to have adequate immunization. The immunization questions on the Health Questionnaire will satisfy this requirement. Contact your health care practitioner to update your immunizations prior to enrollment.

The Stockbridge School also requires each entering student to complete a health questionnaire to assist in providing health care and in addressing potential public health problems on campus. Failure to return the health questionnaire will result in administrative sanctions.

A Supplemental Health Benefits Plan has been developed to provide for hospital and specialty care not available at the Health Center. Students are automatically enrolled in the Supplemental Health Benefits Plan unless they fully demonstrate comparable coverage by submitting the SHBP waiver to the Bursar with payment of their bill. Enrollment in SHBP meets both the Commonwealth and the Stockbridge School requirement that all students have adequate hospitalization insurance.

To learn more, visit the University Health Services website.