FreshFest 2023 Registration is closed.

Each fall, UMass Hillel hosts our annual FreshFest, a pre-orientation program for new Jewish students at UMass Amherst! Incoming freshmen and transfer students will get to make some new friends, explore campus and the Pioneer Valley, and settle in a little extra before classes begin.

We know that moving to a new place and getting to know a new school can be overwhelming. That’s why FreshFest facilitators ‐ upperclassmen students 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, 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 get to know your classmates better, find answers for your many questions, and have lots of fun, you'll feel empowered and ready to start your UMass adventure. And, moving into your dorm room two days early means no crowds and fewer hassles for you and your family.

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Frequently Asked Questions
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What is FreshFest?
FreshFest is a pre‐orientation program for incoming Jewish freshmen and transfer students offered by UMass Amherst Hillel. You’ll bond with your fellow new students as well as upperclassmen facilitators through activities at Hillel, as well as on and off campus.

Why should I participate in FreshFest?
Starting college can feel overwhelming. 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 two days before everyone else!

Who is FreshFest for?
FreshFest is for all Jewish students who are either incoming freshmen or transfer students.

When is FreshFest? 
FreshFest will take place Aug. 29-31, 2023.

What will we be doing during FreshFest? 
Previous FreshFests have included scavenger hunts of the UMass campus, field trips to go bowling and pick up last-minute necessities from Target, yoga, GaGa ball, campfires, open mic nights, and more. While we're still finalizing this year's agenda, you can expect to participate in a variety of fun activities during FreshFest. 

How do I sign up to move into my dorm?
Once you have your student ID number, you will need to send it to umasshillel@gmail.com or call (413-549-1710 x201) if you haven’t already submitted it via the registration form. We will contact Residential Life and arrange your early move in. At the beginning of August you will receive an email 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 before 1 pm to allow plenty of time before programming begins.

Do I have to pay the early move-in fee to Residential Life?
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.

Can parents and family members participate in any part of FreshFest? 
Yes! FreshFest begins with a welcome dinner. Parents and family members of FreshFest participants are welcome to attend at a cost of $15 per person (not including the FreshFest participant, their meal is already covered!). Following the welcome dinner, parents and family are also invited to a Q&A about Jewish life on campus. A registration form for the welcome dinner and Q&A will be sent out to participants and their families later in the summer.
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If you have any additional questions about FreshFest, contact us at umasshillel@gmail.com or 413-549-1710 x 201.