Guide to UMass Amherst Housing

The University of Massachusetts Amherst is a public research university in Amherst, Massachusetts.

UMass Amherst offers a variety of housing options, with fifty-two residence halls and apartment buildings grouped into seven residential areas. Each area has unique features, including location, architecture, and cultural or academic living/learning programs. Each residential area also has its own facilities, including classrooms, recreational and social centers, and dining facilities. There are options for single-sex and coed residences, as well as communities for students who share common interests, social identities, lifestyle preferences, or cultural bonds. UMass Amherst offers extensive residential choices, including Special Housing Options and Living and Learning Communities.

Prince Hall, located in the Southwest residential area of the campus, is a dorm known for its spacious rooms and convenient proximity to dining halls like Hamp and Berk. The dorm is popular for its large rooms which offer ample space for students, making it stand out from other housing options on campus. Being a low-rise, multi-year community with break housing, Prince Hall attracts a diverse mix of international students and athletes. The dorm is situated close to the center of campus and features a bus stop right outside, providing easy access to transportation. While the location is a major plus for residents, some students have mentioned concerns about the cleanliness of the bathrooms, citing issues with trash and vomit. Additionally, noise levels can escalate on the weekends, affecting the overall living experience. Despite these drawbacks, Prince Hall remains a desirable choice for students seeking a lively living environment near key campus amenities.

Leach Hall offers a mixed residential experience with both pros and cons highlighted by its residents. It boasts one of the most convenient locations on campus, especially for students involved in STEM fields, providing easy access to the LGRT complex, Worcester Dining, and the Campus Center. The dorm features relatively large rooms compared to other campus facilities, paired with private showers and bathrooms. The surrounding area is beautiful and generally quiet, enriching one's on-campus experience. However, there are significant downsides, such as challenging living conditions due to inadequate lighting and small, cramped spaces. Many reviews mention that the building is outdated and dilapidated, with recurring issues in cleanliness, especially concerning bathrooms and communal kitchen areas. Staffing is noted as friendly, yet the overall maintenance of the dorm is often perceived as poor. Considerations include weighing the benefit of location against these shortcomings in facility quality.

Lewis Hall is a well-situated dorm on campus, particularly beneficial for CS majors, due to its close proximity to classes and the Worcester dining hall. The building itself has been recently renovated, giving the interior a refreshed look, especially the basement which includes a kitchen, lounge, and laundry facilities. While the common areas offer a comfortable environment, the dorm is often criticized for its overwhelming heat, sometimes reaching up to 90 degrees, which can be uncomfortable for residents throughout the year. Room sizes vary; many students appreciate the spaciousness of corner rooms. However, the fourth floor is noted for having smaller rooms and thin walls that may affect privacy. The bathrooms, described as clean, are located on alternating floors, creating an inconvenient situation for some. Notably, the dorm lacks an elevator which may be challenging for moving items. Despite these drawbacks, Lewis Hall is generally praised for its convenience and is considered a decent living option on campus.

Birch Reviews

University of Massachusetts Amherst CHCRC

Browse dorms on campus

Prince Hall

Leach Hall

Lewis Hall

Thatcher Hall

John Quincy Adams Hall