FreshFest
Freshfest 2025: Monday, Aug. 25 to Wednesday, Aug. 27
FreshFest 2025 Facilitator Applications are live! We're looking for friendly, outgoing,
and creative rising Seniors, Juniors, and Sophomores to be Facilitators!
Sign up today!
and creative rising Seniors, Juniors, and Sophomores to be Facilitators!
Sign up today!
Every 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 new friends, explore campus and the Pioneer Valley, and settle in 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 your new home in a more intimate setting and with an extra advantage. As you get to know your classmates better, find answers to your 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.
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 your new home in a more intimate setting and with an extra advantage. As you get to know your classmates better, find answers to your 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
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 you the opportunity to become better acquainted with UMass Hillel and UMass Amherst in a more intimate setting before the rest of your classmates arrive. We have a full two days of programs to give you a meaningful end to your summer and a smooth start to college life. Plus, you’ll get to move into your dorm room two days before everyone else!
Who is FreshFest for?
FreshFest is for incoming freshmen or transfer students who are looking to find a sense of community on campus through Hillel.
When is FreshFest?
FreshFest will take place Aug. 25-27, 2025.
What will we be doing during FreshFest?
Imagine college meets camp. Previous FreshFests have included scavenger hunts of the UMass campus, hiking local parks, field trips to go bowling and pick up last-minute necessities from Target, yoga, campfires, open mic nights, and more.
How do I sign up to move into my dorm?
Once you have your student ID number, you will need to send it to [email protected] 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 invited to attend. Following the welcome dinner, parents and family are also invited to a Q&A about Jewish life on campus.
If you have any additional questions about FreshFest, contact us at [email protected] or 413-549-1710 x 201.
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 you the opportunity to become better acquainted with UMass Hillel and UMass Amherst in a more intimate setting before the rest of your classmates arrive. We have a full two days of programs to give you a meaningful end to your summer and a smooth start to college life. Plus, you’ll get to move into your dorm room two days before everyone else!
Who is FreshFest for?
FreshFest is for incoming freshmen or transfer students who are looking to find a sense of community on campus through Hillel.
When is FreshFest?
FreshFest will take place Aug. 25-27, 2025.
What will we be doing during FreshFest?
Imagine college meets camp. Previous FreshFests have included scavenger hunts of the UMass campus, hiking local parks, field trips to go bowling and pick up last-minute necessities from Target, yoga, campfires, open mic nights, and more.
How do I sign up to move into my dorm?
Once you have your student ID number, you will need to send it to [email protected] 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 invited to attend. Following the welcome dinner, parents and family are also invited to a Q&A about Jewish life on campus.
If you have any additional questions about FreshFest, contact us at [email protected] or 413-549-1710 x 201.
