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UMass Boston Campus Profile

• School Size Mid-sized
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Nationally recognized as a model of excellence for urban public research universities, UMass Boston is the most diverse research university in the Northeast.

UMass Boston at a Glance

The University of Massachusetts Boston is a nationally ranked public research university known for its inclusive culture, student-centered teaching and deep connections to the booming economy and rich civic life of Boston.

Engaged and Accessible Faculty

With a 16:1 student-to-faculty ratio and world-class faculty committed to student success, UMass Boston offers small class sizes and a dynamic classroom experience.

Top-Ranked Programs

UMass Boston's 10 colleges offer more than 150 undergraduate and graduate courses of study, including top-ranked programs in nursing, business and public policy, and The Princeton Review has repeatedly recognized the university as one of the "Best in the Northeast."

Multicultural Community

UMass Boston's exceptionally diverse student population is one of its greatest assets. With students from more than 140 different countries, UMass Boston fosters a collaborative, inclusive environment where students from a variety of backgrounds learn to view issues from different perspectives.

City of Boston

Located on Boston Harbor, UMass Boston's stunning oceanfront campus gives its students direct access to downtown Boston, home to a rich, vibrant culture and one of the nation's strongest economies. Roughly 500 companies recruit on campus, offering UMass Boston's talented students the opportunity to work for some of the world's top employers in industries ranging from finance and technology to health care and education.

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Explore UMass Boston

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With new academic buildings, dining areas and residence halls, UMass Boston is a 24/7 campus that offers tremendous value: the vast resources of a public research university at an affordable price.

Browse Academic Programs

With 10 colleges, and schools offering 77 undergraduate programs and 130 graduate programs, UMass Boston prepares students to solve some of the world's most pressing challenges and compete in a global economy.

Estimate Your Cost of Attendance

Our affordability calculator allows in-state students to estimate what an education at UMass Boston will cost.

Latest UMass Boston News

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Visiting Boston

With our rich history, diverse neighborhoods, and legacy of arts, culture, and education, Boston has something for everyone.

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Upcoming events.

• When June 25, 2024, 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM

38 Beacon Street Boston , MA 02108 United States

• Contact Parks and Recreation
• Phone 617-635-4505
• When July 09, 2024, 7:00 PM

Brighton Common 30 Chestnut Hill Ave Brighton , MA United States

• When July 10, 2024, 7:00 PM

Blackstone Square 1530 Washington Street Boston , MA 02118 United States

All Inclusive Boston

We are a city of people. All people. When you get here, whether it's for a weekend getaway or for the foreseeable future, we love you like our own. We see you. We celebrate you. And we want to show you everything. We are all inclusive.

Walking tours

There are a variety of free walks and trails throughout the City of Boston.

Museums and galleries

The City has a wealth of museums, with everything from the Museum of Fine Arts to the Old State House.

Shopping and dining

Boston offers world-class dining and shopping options as well as local, artisan, and ethnic favorites. 

Theaters and venues

We have a number of places for residents and visitors to watch plays, films, and concerts.

With the recent success of Boston’s professional teams, there’s much to experience in the City of Champions.

Farmers markets

The Office of Food Access helps to oversee almost 30 farmers markets in Boston.

Public restroom maps

On a budget.

Boston's public art

Search Boston’s art collection, watch artist videos, access a map of public art installations across the City, and more!

Walk to the sea

This walk encompasses four centuries of Boston history. Mixing historical landmarks with Boston’s skyscrapers, this walk is truly one worth taking.

State House

Tours last about 30-45 minutes and include an overview of the history and architecture of the State Capitol.

Bunker Hill Monument

Climb the 294 steps up the famous monument for one of Boston’s best views.

The Swan Boats paddle passengers around the Public Garden Lagoon for a 15-minute peaceful cruise.

View all events on a budget

There are many tours across the City. You can even visit the USS Constitution, the oldest commissioned warship in the world.

Uncovering Boston's history

It’s no secret Boston is rich with history. From the American Revolution to the site of the very first public school, it’s a city with stories to tell.

Planning your trip

Keep these dates and events in mind as they are usually busy times in Boston.

• December 31/January 1:  First Night/Day
• March (mid-month):  St. Patrick's Day Parade
• April (third Monday of the month):  Boston Marathon
• June (beginning of the month):  Pride Parade
• May (throughout the month): College graduation season
• June 29 - July 1:  Harborfest
• End of August/Early September: Moving day, students return 
• October (mid-end of month):  Head of the Charles Regatta
• December: Holiday season

Boston maps

We can't mail you any printed maps or guides, but these websites have some helpful maps.

Find a number of interactive maps of the Boston area.

Find printable maps of Boston as well as the Greater Boston area.

Find your way around Boston's comprehensive public transit system.

To and from Logan Airport

Bus service

The MBTA offers free Silver Line bus service from all airport terminals to South Station.

The MBTA offers ferry-boat service from Hingham or Hull to the airport, weather permitting.

Logan Express

Massport offers an express bus service from Back Bay to Logan Airport.

Massport provides free shuttle-bus service between airline terminals and Airport Station on the MBTA’s Blue Line.

Boston police regulate all taxis and pedi-cabs. Learn what you can expect from your ride.

Recommended Resources

Get help before you plan your next visit to our great City.

The primary private sector marketing and visitor service organization.

The Greater Boston Convention and Visitors Bureau’s list of hotels.

Dedicated to promoting Massachusetts as a leisure-travel destination.

Get updates on events going on in the City.

We also put updates about events on our Facebook page.

Departments You May Need

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Visitor Info

We're delighted that you are interested in visiting UMass Amherst! Below you will find information about planning your visit and traveling to campus.

Campus Maps

Directions to Campus

When using GPS wayfinding programs, please use “UMass Amherst Campus Center Parking Garage.”

From the North From I-91 South, take exit 36 in Deerfield. At the end of the ramp, turn left and follow road to the intersection. Turn right onto Routes 5 & 10 South. Go 1 mile, then turn left onto Route 116 South. Follow 8 miles to the UMass exit.

From the East Via Route 2 West to Exit 71 (Belchertown/Amherst). From Route 2 take Route 202 South for about 15 miles to a blinking yellow light at Amherst Road. (You will see signs "to Rt 9 and Rt 116"). Turn right and follow Amherst Road (becomes Pelham Road after about 4 miles) for 7 miles to Amherst center. 

From the South From I-91 North, take Exit 25 in Northampton. From the exit ramp, turn right onto Route 9. Travel approximately 4.5 miles to Route 116 North (turn left at traffic lights). The UMass exit is 1 mile up. 

From the West From Route 2 East, follow to Greenfield/I-91 exit. Take I-91 South to Exit 36, Deerfield. At the end of the ramp turn left and follow the road to the intersection. Turn right onto Routes 5 & 10 South. Go 1 mile, then turn left onto Route 116 South. Follow for 8 miles to the UMass exit.

From I-90 (Mass Pike)

If you are a first-time visitor and traveling from the east or west on I-90 (Mass Pike), we recommend avoiding Exit 63 off of the Mass Pike, and instead following the directions to Exit 45 listed below.

Take Exit 45 (West Springfield). Follow I-91 North to Exit 25. From the exit ramp, turn right onto Route 9. Travel approximately 4.5 miles to Route 116 North (turn left at traffic lights). The UMass exit is 1 mile up.

Bradley International Airport Bradley (Hartford/Springfield) is 45 miles south of the University. Logan International Airport Logan (Boston) is 90 miles east of the University.

Transportation Services

Valley Transporter 800-872-8752, provides airport transportation services. Seemo Shuttle 413-586-1120, provides shuttle service to and from Bradley, Logan, and New York airports. Exclusive Car Service Inc. 877-695-4665, provides private car services to and from Bradley, Logan, and New York airports. Bluebird Transportation 413-221-4512, provides airport shuttle and car services from Bradley, Logan, and JFK airports. Michael's Limousine & Transportation Service 800-533-8470, provides transportation services to and from Bradley, Logan, and JFK airports throughout the local area.

Greyhound 800-229-9424, serves Springfield, Mass.

Pioneer Valley Transit Authority 413-586-5806 local service is free to students during the school year.

Peter Pan Bus Lines 800-343-999, services Amherst, Mass.

Amtrak for schedules, or call 800-872-7245

Visitor Parking Options

Campus center parking garage.

Visitor parking is available in the Upper Garage (Levels 2 - 6). Cost is $1.75/hour, and the garage is open 24/7. The Upper Garage entrance is located on Campus Center Way. Enter on Level 3 and exit on Level 4. Clearance is 7' 2".  

Metered Spaces

Visitors can park at metered parking spaces or in lots with meter paystations. Cost is $1.50/hour. Meters are enforced from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Use our interactive Parking Map to identify metered parking spots

Parking Passes

Visitors can purchase a One-Day Temporary Parking Pass for $8.00/day from Parking Services . Long-term (multi-day) parking passes are also available.

Electric Vehicle Charging

The University of Massachusetts has teamed up with ChargePoint to offer electric vehicle charging on campus. Guests and visitors to our campus may use any of the chargers on campus. You will need to have a ChargePoint account to use the chargers. Please visit the ChargePoint website for charger locations and current pricing: EVSE | Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Stations | ChargePoint

For more detail on EV charging on the UMass Amherst campus please visit please visit the UMass Transportation Services, Electric Vehicle webpage: Electric Vehicles - Transportation Services - UMass Amherst

Additional Information

Area lodging.

Find a place to stay when you visit campus.

Traffic Advisory

If you are planning to visit campus, check MassTraveler for the latest information and detour routes.

Parents & Families

The Office of Parent Services is available to assist parents and guardians with any questions they may have about UMass Amherst.

Inclement weather policy for tours and information sessions

In the case of severe weather, including snow, heavy rain and wind, lightning, hail or ice, the campus tour may be replaced with another form of programming. Tour guides will remain in one indoor location while sharing information about a variety of buildings and topics on campus, which can be supplemented with our online virtual tour at your convenience. In the case of light rain or snow, tours will be held as scheduled and tour guides will make every effort to spend as much time indoors as possible. Both information sessions and tours will be cancelled if the University is closed (see UMass Amherst Emergency Closing Status ).  

Campus Telephone Numbers

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Boston lighthouses highlighted on harbor cruises ahead of whale watching season.

Whale watching excursions pushed back to protect endangered right whales in Mass. waters

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Boston’s treasured lighthouses are being highlighted on harbor cruises while an endangered species is given space to feed in the waters off Massachusetts.

“Everyone loves a lighthouse!” said David Coffin, the narrator of the Boston Harbor City Cruise lighthouse tour. “How can you not like a lighthouse?”

The two-hour tour is a limited-edition cruise meant to highlight the historic structures and Boston history. Visitors onboard can opt for indoor or outdoor seating, where they get a view of the U.S.S. Constitution, the Boston Light, Graves Light and other notable points in these waters.

And during the journey, Coffin, a noted sea chantey singer, who’s made a name for himself on TikTok, will treat visitors to a rendition of a locally inspired chantey.

In addition to relying on interest in lighthouses, the tour also replaces a traditional whale-watching excursion.

“We used to start whale watches at the end of March,” said Coffin. “But now, as of last year at least, there’s a speed restriction out on Stellwagen Bank where the whales feed, and our boats will take you. So a whale watch today with a speed restriction would be about eight hours.”

Video below: How scientists identify and track right whales

That speed restriction on these waters is meant to protect one of the most endangered animals on the planet - the North Atlantic right whale.

“We’ve created this problem, we’ve caused this population to decrease significantly,” said Dr. Sarah Sharp, an animal rescue veterinarian with the International Fund for Animal Welfare. “But the good side of that is that it’s also in our hands to help save this population and really be a part of that solution for these animals.”

Watch the video above to learn more about conservation efforts to protect the North Atlantic right whale.

Asparagus Valley Pottery Trail returns this weekend

The eight-studio driving tour of western massachusetts includes stops in the northampton area, hadley, shelburne falls, and more..

This weekend is one for the potheads, in the most literal sense.

For the 20th year, the Asparagus Valley Pottery Trail returns in Western Massachusetts. On Saturday and Sunday, pottery enthusiasts from all over can tour the scenic Pioneer Valley to visit open studios, talk shop, and purchase works from 29 different potters.

“We all have this weird, innate drive to transform clay into a pot,” said Tiffany Hilton, who’s based in the Northampton area. “How that brings meaning to our lives and adds value to someone else’s life is this weird, shared goal.”

The trail , a self-guided tour for drivers to complete at their own pace, features eight different studios and activities along the way including live music, food trucks, and demonstrations. It spotlights many local artists who have lived in Western Mass. for years, as well as guests from all over the country, some this year coming from as far away as Minnesota or Arkansas.

Hilton, who’s been on the trail for 19 years, will be selling mugs, bowls, and decorative planters. One of the great joys, she observed, is seeing returning customers who not only continue to buy her work, but comment on her growth as an artist.

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“Twenty years ago, I was not making the best pots I’ve ever made,” she said. “It’s really fun to see the customers who come once a year when they tell me the changes they see in my work. It’s kind of this time-lapse film.”

The Pioneer Valley has attracted many potters over time. Though there’s no single answer why, Mary Barringer, a potter who’s been living in Shelburne Falls for more than 35 years, thinks it’s a mix of the relative affordability compared to other parts of the state and proximity of studios to one another.

“Things are relatively close together compared to many rural places,” said Barringer, who’s been on the trail for 18 years. “Potters are an interesting mix of solitary and convivial. Most of us work alone, but we do really love to connect up with each other.”

The trail offers an opportunity for potters to solidify these bonds among themselves, while also connecting deeper with the public, who can take a peek inside studios that often remained closed throughout the year.

“This is practically the only time that our workspaces are actually open to the public,” said Barringer. “This is a chance for us to clean up, which is always good — without the pottery trail, I might never clean my studio — but it’s a chance for people to see where it all happens.”

The pottery trail is also an opportunity to see some of the top potters in the country in their element, Hilton said.

“Even if you have no interest in making your own pot, it’s really fun to see people who are so jazzed up and excited about what they’re doing,” said Hilton. “You can’t not be happy and proud for them.”

Asparagus Valley Pottery Trail. April 27-28, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. For more information, visit asparagusvalleypotterytrail.com .

Henry Bova can be reached at [email protected] .

Become   A Beacon

Class of 2028 Campus Tours and Information Sessions

United States—Massachusetts

• On-Campus Admitted Student Admission Information Session and Tou Friday, April 26 at 12:00 PM Boston, MA
• On-Campus Admitted Student Admission Information Session and Tour Monday, April 29 at 12:00 PM Boston, MA

UMass Boston

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We are Beacons. Now, you're one too.

The truth is, you’re only just getting started.

You’ve got an exciting journey ahead, filled with all kinds of opportunities. Like researching more effective ways to protect the Boston Harbor against climate change. Tracing the historical roots of school segregation in Washington D.C. Studying female self-portraiture through a feminist lens. Whatever question, problem, or practice ignites you, we will be here to fuel the fire. That’s what Beacons do.

Deposit Deadline is Now June 1

Due to the recent updates by the Department of Education, colleges will not begin to receive students' FAFSA information until mid-March. UMass Boston has extended the enrollment deposit deadline to June 1

We Are UMass Boston

We were built out of unique times for unique times. Our campus reflects our diverse, complex world. And we've made it our unwavering commitment to bring education to all. Because that's what Beacons do. We bring knowledge and light to where there is not. We see progress in potential, and potential in progress.

Here's what happens next.

You're on your way, but there are a few important next steps to becoming a part of the UMass Boston community.

Let’s make it official. Let us know you’re coming.

Sign Up for Orientation

Get to know all the ins and outs of this amazing campus and community.

Stay on track! We've compiled all your important next steps here.

A community unlike any other.

There's an energy to this place that's hard to explain. Always alive, active, in motion. Students from all over the U.S. and the world. Unparalleled research opportunities. Over 100 clubs and students orgs. And 120+ acres overlooking the Boston Harbor. We can’t wait for you to be part of it. Until then, we invite you to learn more about us—there's a lot to take in.

100+ Programs of Study

Find what lights your fire.

100+ Clubs & Student Groups

Whatever you’re into, we’ve got you covered.

A One-Stop Solutions Spot

Your guide to all things financial aid and beyond.

Beacon Gateway is the hub for all your next steps!

Beacon Gateway is the admissions portal for accepted students. Here, you can submit your New Student Deposit and Housing Reservation Fee, register for Orientation, complete health forms, sign up for placement exams, and more. Please note: on-campus housing is prioritized for full-time first-year students.

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Experience UMass Boston

Visit our campus to experience UMass Boston's vibrant atmosphere and rich opportunities. Immerse yourself in our diverse community and envision yourself as a part of the Beacon community.

In-Person Campus Tours

Schedule an in-person tour of UMass Boston's campus to experience the vibrant community firsthand.

Connect with Your Counselor

Interested in speaking one-on-one with an admissions counselor? Schedule a 15- or 30-minute phone or Zoom chat to get your questions answered.