FreshFest 2018!
Registration is now open!
UMass Hillel is thrilled to launch our fourth annual FreshFest, a two day pre-orientation program for new Jewish students at UMass Amherst! You’ll get to know your new classmates better, explore campus and the Pioneer Valley, and settle in a little bit extra before classes begin.
We know that moving to a new place and getting to know a new school can be intimidating. That’s why FreshFest facilitators ‐ sophomores, juniors, and seniors who know Hillel and UMass inside and out - will assist you while you are here. Our facilitators have a diverse range of majors/minors, are involved in a variety of extracurricular activities, and come from many different backgrounds, and can hardly wait to meet you.
Our goal is to ensure that you become familiar with UMass and Amherst in a more intimate setting and with an extra advantage. As you begin to make friends, learn the campus and get answers for your many questions, you will feel empowered and ready to start your UMass adventure. And, moving into your dorm room a day early means no crowds and fewer hassles for you and your family.
The Early Bird Registration fee is $225 if you register by July 6th. The regular cost for FreshFest is $275, and registration will be open until August 6th. So if you register by July 6th, you'll save $50.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is FreshFest?
FreshFest is a two-day pre‐orientation program for all incoming Jewish students offered by UMass Amherst Hillel. You’ll bond with your fellow new students as well as sophomore, junior, and senior facilitators through ice breakers, on campus activities, and off campus adventures.
Why should I participate in FreshFest?
Starting college can feel really scary. FreshFest gives participants the opportunity to become better acquainted with UMass Hillel and UMass Amherst in a more intimate setting before the rest of your classmates arrive. Plus, you’ll get to move into your dorm room a day before everyone else!
Who is FreshFest for?
FreshFest is for ALL Jewish students—regardless of affiliation—both in the class of 2022 or transfer students.
How do I sign up?
Fill out the form below!
When does FreshFest start?
Students will be able to move into their dorms Thursday morning August 30th beginning at 8:30AM. We understand that families traveling from a farther distance may be coming earlier in the week (in order to hit that 8:30AM move in time on Thursday). So Hillel will be offering dinner and programming for students and parents who are in town on the evening of Wednesday, August 29th. If you're arriving prior to Thursday morning for move-in, you will need to make your own accommodations for the night. You can find a list of suggested hotels here: https://www.umass.edu/visitorsctr/lodging.
How do I sign up to move into my dorm?
Once you have your student ID number, you will need to send it to Rebekah, Assistant Director of UMass Hillel via email or phone (413-549-1710 x208), if you haven’t already submitted it via the registration form. She will contact Residential Life and arrange your early move in. At the beginning of August you will receive an e-mail from Residential Life with directions on how to sign up for your early move in time. The email from Residential Life will include instructions on selecting an early move in time. We encourage participants to choose move-in slots between 8:30-9:30AM. This will give you plenty of time to move in and get settled in your dorms before lunch.
Do I have to pay the early move in fee?
No, your early move-in fee is included in the cost of FreshFest. You should not see any additional charges on your bursar bill. Please let us know if you do, and we’ll help contact Residential Life to see what the issue is.
So, what are you waiting for?!
Registration is open and will remain open until Tuesday, August 6th. Spots fill quickly, so register TODAY!
If you have any additional questions about FreshFest, contact Rebekah via email or (413) 549-1710 x208.
We know that moving to a new place and getting to know a new school can be intimidating. That’s why FreshFest facilitators ‐ sophomores, juniors, and seniors who know Hillel and UMass inside and out - will assist you while you are here. Our facilitators have a diverse range of majors/minors, are involved in a variety of extracurricular activities, and come from many different backgrounds, and can hardly wait to meet you.
Our goal is to ensure that you become familiar with UMass and Amherst in a more intimate setting and with an extra advantage. As you begin to make friends, learn the campus and get answers for your many questions, you will feel empowered and ready to start your UMass adventure. And, moving into your dorm room a day early means no crowds and fewer hassles for you and your family.
The Early Bird Registration fee is $225 if you register by July 6th. The regular cost for FreshFest is $275, and registration will be open until August 6th. So if you register by July 6th, you'll save $50.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is FreshFest?
FreshFest is a two-day pre‐orientation program for all incoming Jewish students offered by UMass Amherst Hillel. You’ll bond with your fellow new students as well as sophomore, junior, and senior facilitators through ice breakers, on campus activities, and off campus adventures.
Why should I participate in FreshFest?
Starting college can feel really scary. FreshFest gives participants the opportunity to become better acquainted with UMass Hillel and UMass Amherst in a more intimate setting before the rest of your classmates arrive. Plus, you’ll get to move into your dorm room a day before everyone else!
Who is FreshFest for?
FreshFest is for ALL Jewish students—regardless of affiliation—both in the class of 2022 or transfer students.
How do I sign up?
Fill out the form below!
When does FreshFest start?
Students will be able to move into their dorms Thursday morning August 30th beginning at 8:30AM. We understand that families traveling from a farther distance may be coming earlier in the week (in order to hit that 8:30AM move in time on Thursday). So Hillel will be offering dinner and programming for students and parents who are in town on the evening of Wednesday, August 29th. If you're arriving prior to Thursday morning for move-in, you will need to make your own accommodations for the night. You can find a list of suggested hotels here: https://www.umass.edu/visitorsctr/lodging.
How do I sign up to move into my dorm?
Once you have your student ID number, you will need to send it to Rebekah, Assistant Director of UMass Hillel via email or phone (413-549-1710 x208), if you haven’t already submitted it via the registration form. She will contact Residential Life and arrange your early move in. At the beginning of August you will receive an e-mail from Residential Life with directions on how to sign up for your early move in time. The email from Residential Life will include instructions on selecting an early move in time. We encourage participants to choose move-in slots between 8:30-9:30AM. This will give you plenty of time to move in and get settled in your dorms before lunch.
Do I have to pay the early move in fee?
No, your early move-in fee is included in the cost of FreshFest. You should not see any additional charges on your bursar bill. Please let us know if you do, and we’ll help contact Residential Life to see what the issue is.
So, what are you waiting for?!
Registration is open and will remain open until Tuesday, August 6th. Spots fill quickly, so register TODAY!
If you have any additional questions about FreshFest, contact Rebekah via email or (413) 549-1710 x208.
Fill out my online form.
Calendar
Sorry the Calendar feed is currently unavailable. View full calendar directly.
umasshillel@gmail.com
5