Before You Start

Welcome to UMass Amherst

Discover which steps you need to take before you start your program.

Contact Your Advisor

We have a team of dedicated personal advisors whose job it is to make sure all your questions are answered and to ensure you have a smooth transition to the university.

Before you start on any of the steps below, contact your local personal advisor. Simply select your region of the world below, and send your advisor an email, Skype, WhatsApp, or WeChat message. We look forward to meeting you very soon!

Africa

China

Latin America

North America

North Asia

Russia/Central Asia/Eastern Europe

South Asia

Southeast Asia

UK and Western Europe

Vicky (North China)

WeChatvickychen7910Tel:+86-135-2182-7910Email Vicky

Mark (Central China)

QQ:15800624575Tel:+86-158-0062-4575Email Mark

Lisha (North China)

QQ:18310168200Tel:+86-183-1016-8200Email Lisha

Jane (West China)

QQ:713070180Tel:+86.159.2876.6884Email Jane

Annie (South China)

QQ:1738675071Tel:+86-135-7055-0749Email Annie

Viraja (South & West India)

WhatsApp:+91 7028090894Skype:+91 7028090894Tel:+91 7028090894Email Viraja

Unnati

WhatsApp:+91-972-501-2676Tel:+91-972-501-2676Email Unnati

Sonam

WhatsApp:+91-895-004-9050Skype:sonam.parashar3Tel:+91-999-647-1494Email Sonam

Sakshi (India)

WhatsApp:+91-995-351-0160Skype:arorasakshi187Tel:+91-995-351-0160Email Sakshi

Saranya (Excluding Vietnam)

WhatsApp:+66-96-982-0007Skype:awesome.saranyaTel:+66-96-982-0007Email Saranya

Hoang (Vietnam)

WhatsApp:+84-937-225-295Skype:hoangvtb1983Tel:+84-937-225-295Email Hoang

George

WhatsApp:+57-304-533-6418Skype:georgelalcantaraTel:+57-304-533-6418Email George

Tomi (Africa)

WhatsApp:+234-703-414-1021Skype:Tomi AfilakaTel:+234-703-414-1021Email Tomi

Shayan (Pakistan)

Tel:+92-335-822-0020WhatsApp:+92-335-822-0020Skype:shayanchawlaEmail Shayan

Chau (Vietnam)

Tel:+84-908-792-892WhatsApp:+84-908-792-892Skype:diemchau.dtEmail Chau

Marianna

Tel:+34-692-46-41-16WhatsApp: +34-692-46-41-16Skype:marianna.zubenkoEmail Marianna

Doris (South China)

Tel:+86-150-1870-6751WhatsApp:2282183545Email Doris

Erik (North China)

Tel:+86-185-1136-3010WhatsApp:18511363010Email Erik

Bibiane (Korea)

Tel:+82-10-7711-6538WhatsApp:+82-10-7711-6538Email Bibiane

Ekta (India)

Tel:+91-965-001-0409WhatsApp:+91-965-001-0409Skype:ekta.aneja05Email Ekta

Ajith (India)

Tel:+91-971-722-2408WhatsApp:+91-971-722-2408Skype:ajitks10Email Ajith

Taha (Pakistan)

Tel:+92-307-333-6878WhatsApp:+92-307-333-6878Skype:tshahid29Email Taha

Alice (Northwest)

Tel:+1-857-315-8730WhatsApp:+1-857-315-8730WeChataliceqinusEmail Alice

Chris (Southwest)

Tel:+1-508-948-7542WhatsApp+1-508-948-7542WeChat:chris040594Email Chris

Complete Your Pre-Arrival Checklist

1. Mark your calendar for orientation

Your mandatory orientation will take place on August 31. Schedules and zoom links will be distributed to you in emails leading up to the start of your program. You should plan to be in orientation from 4 p.m. – 8 p.m. China Standard Time.

2. Pay tuition and fees

Please refer to your statement of fees to make the tuition payment. Payments can be made through Flywire, and must be completed two weeks prior to the start of your program.

3. Log in to your UMass Amherst email

You will receive an email with activation instructions. The email will come from UMass Amherst’s IT team and will include instructions on how to log in for the first time. If you need additional support, you can find resources here.

4. Install Zoom

In order to attend your orientation, you will need Zoom. Zoom is the audio and video technology used as part of the virtual experience. If you are located in China, you can download the Zoom link here. If you are not located in China, you can download the Zoom link here. You do not need to sign up for an account. 

5. Order textbooks

You will receive information about your textbooks as it gets closer to the start of class. Please be sure to check your email for the list of textbooks.

6. Purchase your second monitor

As part of the Live-to-Device experience, we recommend all students purchase a second monitor. The experience is designed to be optimized with a use of the second monitor. You can find recommended specifications to purchase the monitor here.

7. Install Google Chrome

Google Chrome is required for the use of UCommons. You will use UCommons, and therefore Google Chrome, for all of your Live lectures. You can download Google Chrome from the link here, if you are located in China, and the link here, if you are located anywhere outside of China.

8. Complete your UCommons profile

UCommons is the platform you will use for all Live lectures. Within one week of confirming your enrollment, you will be able to set up UCommons. Please utilize the guide here to complete the setup.

9. Sign up for a Hoylu Sketch account

Hoylu Sketch is the software we use for our interactive whiteboard. You will be able to interact on the whiteboard with your professor and any other student in the classroom. You can register for Hoylu Sketch here.

10. Ensure you have proper equipment for Live lectures

To ensure the best experience for you and your fellow students, there are certain technology requirements you must meet. Please ensure that you have:

    1. Either a Mac or Windows machine to participate in Live lectures. Please note that our technology is not compatible with phones or tablets.
    2. A camera on your laptop—it is a requirement to be on video to get credit for the course.
    3. The Google Chrome browser
    4. Headphones with a microphone
    5. Strong bandwidth (ie internet speed). You can test your bandwidth here. Please ensure that your internet bandwidth is a minimum of:
      • Receiving 1080p HD video requires 10.0 Mbps (up/down).
      • Sending 1080p HD video requires 10.0 Mbps (up/down).
    6. A second monitor: Please refer to item number 6 in this checklist for additional details regarding recommended models and specifications.

Ready to learn more about the programs offered in your home country through UMass Amherst?

Contact