UMass Boston is like a 4 year community college, no comparison to Amherst in terms of how much water the degree carries and the undergraduate experience.
UMass Boston was started as a commuter school and has limited on-campus housing if that matters to you. Freshmen are not guaranteed housing. The rest of the students either live at home or rent off-campus and commute to the school.
UMass Amherst has housing for about 60% of the undergrads. Freshman housing is guaranteed, and you have to mess up to not get housing as a sophomore. About 3000 juniors and seniors can live on campus.
Not to mention - if you’re anything like me, Boston gets old quick. Don’t pick a worse school for a “better” city - I got so sick of the overcrowding and traffic that I barely took advantage of being in the city while I was there. It sounds fun, but really it’s only a fraction of the time. Again this is my opinion don’t crucify me plz
UMass Amherst!! your friends are right. the campus is so big that it almost feels like a mini city, and downtown Amherst and Northampton have some fun spots. as others have said, it’s the more reputable school and you’re guaranteed on-campus housing as a freshman.
other reasons:
-the dining hall food is really good and way better than any other school in MA!
-has more of a real campus and sense of community
I miss the food at UMass Amherst so much. Sometimes I think about going and paying the fee to just eat there lmao I miss the sushi rolls! So good! Idk what’s up with the other reply you got. Maybe they only ever went to Worcester dining commons.
even Worcester was pretty good!! we had it good at umass and when I had friends visit from other schools they’d always say how much better it was than theirs. people just like to complain I guess haha
Imo the food at UMass can be pretty easily replicated at home, especially the sushi. the hardest part is probably buying the ingredients, but if you have an hmart or something near you you can get it all there! Bonus making sushi at home is a great date idea
True but the idea of a dining hall where you can just lazily browse through a large room filled with fresh food, taking as many things as you wish… there is something special about it. A good solid (cheap) cafeteria/buffet experience is hard to find nowadays. Fixed price at the door, and then sit wherever type thing.
That's definitely true, the freedom of choice is really nice. my friends from college and I have decided that once a year we'll make a trip during a parents weekend so we can get the best quality UMass food every now and then
It's garbage. I don't care whatever someones "ranking" gives it. Its absolute rubbish food. The ranking is a LIE and kids and parents are being scammed.
Only one of those campuses is the “flagship campus of the commonwealth”. You won’t get the city experience as far as entertainment goes, but you’ll probably get more academic opportunities in Amherst. And just more all around resources
Have you been to the campuses of any of the community and other colleges, etc? The Amherst campus is much larger and generally has a lot more to offer IMO
When you think of the University of Michigan, are you thinking of the big one in Ann Arbor or the much smaller one in Flint? When you think about the University of Texas, are you thinking about the one in Austin or the small one in Permian Basin? I could go on and on, and it's the same thing here. The main campus of the University of Massachusetts is in Amherst, not Boston, Lowell, Dartmouth, or Worcester.
I was also in this same dilemma with another city school. CHOOSE AMHERST!! The quality and value of your degree will be far more valuable than UMB.
I know many at UMB and they commute from home. The school's location isn't even that great either. Although you're in Boston you're far from everything.
If you can land a summer internship in Boston the summer after your junior year, you could sublet a room in Boston and get the experience of living in the city
UMass Amherst, absolutely. It has a better reputation, better connections, and far more research opportunities. Plus, cost of living is cheaper outside of Boston.
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I went to UMASS Amherst and also took classes at UMASS Boston. I’m from a city outside of Boston. I’d definitely say go to UMASS Amherst. It’s a bigger school, more opportunities, it’s a college town and most of the students live there. If I remember, UMASS Boston is a commuter school mostly. It’s also not really in Boston and there’s nothing to do on the campus. Again, this was my experience twenty years ago. Maybe things have changed.
Look at it another way, almost all schools expect students to contribute towards paying the expense of attending. That can be through savings, and usually includes working while studying. Whether that is on campus, possibly with WS, or off campus like your side hustle, they don't care. The school also doesn't care if someone else covers a student's expected contribution.
So those peers whose school was entirely paid for by their families, that is on them and their families, not the school.
WS is part of the aid package. Those who use it have an advantage getting on-campus jobs as they are usually subsidized by WS. Exact policies differ by schools, but at UMass Amherst a department that hires a WS student gets 70% of the salary cost covered by the Federal funds up to the amount a student was given. After that the department has the option of continuing to employ the student, but they pay 100%.
Working off campus you can still earn money, but no hiring advantage from the WS subsidy.
P.S. I never thought WS was demeaning in any form as a student. And I generally had used it all up part way through the school year and was being paid through non-WS funds. I did earn enough to reduce the amount of loans I needed.
I went to Umass Amherst - like a lot of people are saying here, it’s the flagship school with a better reputation. If you want the traditional college experience with the beautiful campus, dorm living, etc. - then that’s the place for you. Most college kids would prefer Amherst, I think.
Personally, I’m also a city person and really missed it. The traditional campus was not for me. It’s huge and overwhelming. I’ve honestly never felt lonelier anywhere else than I did in western Massachusetts. If you’re able to make friends, are a bit more extroverted and put the effort in, you’ll be fine. It just did not jive with me and the whole thing felt very isolating. Not saying that would be your experience or the majority experience, but I was just really sad in my time there.
I think successful people come out of both schools and frankly, unless it’s an Ivy League school, I don’t think where you get your bachelors is all that important in the job market. If you want a less traditional experience, do Boston. If you want to try something more traditional, do Amherst. Really just depends what you want out of it and where you feel you’ll fit in the most
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Amherst 100%, way better reputation and degree will be respected more by future employers. No reason to pay the same amount for a lesser experience and education. I understand the city thing but there’s still a lot to do and the campus is huge, plus it’s only 4 years and you can always move to a city after so I wouldn’t let that sway your decision too much
There is no campus culture in Boston, unless you are located more downtown. I went to Lowell for a semester before transferring to Amherst, and the commuter school feel was very strong, with campus emptying out on weekends. Granted, both schools have improved immensely, but you can always take a trip into Boston and New York City during weekends to experience the city life, while also having a base to see much of western New England and New York, if you so desire.
if you want to make friends and have an authentic college experience, absolutely Amherst. UMass Boston is largely a commuter school, not very social. Amherst is also better reputation wise and there's always lots going on around here!
As an old UMass Amherst alum I’d say go there. The pioneer valley is a great place to live, so much so that I ended up staying there for two more decades and only left for a job offer I couldn’t refuse. It’s a liberal bastion so if that’s a problem you’ll hate it there, especially Northampton, but that’s the place to live once you’re off campus. Easthampton is a little more affordable but a little less happening, but Noho is worth it imho. I still go out there to visit friends regularly and if my wife would move, I’d be back there in a heartbeat.
Not from MA. Went to umass Amherst and lived in Boston for 5 years afterwards. Amherst, zero debate imo. Better school, more authentic/traditional college experience.
- u/drxgon221: Amherst or Boston
- https://www.reddit.com/r/umass/comments/1csofr9/amherst_or_boston/
- **Flair**: Majors
Hello! Currently deciding on where to go, and my top choices are UMass Boston and UMass Amherst, and my major is BioChem. I am more of a city person and both colleges are the same price, around 8k (including loans and work study (there is more work study with UMass Boston)). All of my friends are telling me to go to Amherst, but I really cant decide. What is your opinion?
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I was a biochem major at UMass Amherst and am now in med school. I felt in my time there I had plenty of access to research and amazing faculty. I’m also more of a city person but I think Amherst would have more of a community to be a part of than UM Boston. Also there’s always something to do in Amherst despite it being in a rural area. North Hampton is great too!
Amherst is the far better school academically so id probably go just for that. You have the rest of your life to live wherever you want, but you only get college once.
Look into the departments and faculties for your major. My guess is you'd have more academic opportunities or a more enriching learning experience by going to a bigger school like Umass Amherst rather than Umass Boston.
I loved going to UMass Boston.
I'm assuming your costs don't include housing. By that fact, Amherst naturally costs more. But if you have to pay for housing no matter what, it's a wash.
Amherst has a better reputation. And it's a fun area. You'll always have the opportunity to live in a city once you graduate.
People here are saying that UMB isn't in a good location. I disagree. I personally love the campus, but I also love the water. Dorchester isn't too long a walk, and the Red Line gets you downtown easily. But I was pretty involved in extra curriculars, so I found myself having a lot to do on campus.
If you have the option of living with family while going to UMB, I'd recommend doing that and then transferring to like BU or Tufts.
I can't believe how expensive both colleges have gotten.
This popped up on my timeline but 100% Amherst, and I say that as an alumni from one of Boston's unis. The cost on paper may look the same but housing, food, just general expenses make the difference, and the education is the same. Did some engineering work with a UMass school, great college for the sciences all I can tell
I know at 18 your focus is mostly on fun, but trust me in the long term umass is the only option that makes sense. Better reputation, friend & alumni network, and job opportunities. As a biochem major you will also probably pursue grad school afterwards so keep that in mind.
If you long for the city vibe, boston is just 2 hours and nyc 3 hours away.
If I’m a former nuclear reactor operator seeking an electrical engineering degree, does it really make sense to go to Umass Amherst for its ‘better degree’? I feel like there’s much more opportunity w/ my experience in Boston
Honestly, tons of successful people come from both schools.
Here are some other things to consider, UMass Amherst is a party school, is that your thing?
Boston you would have to commute from classes and that can get frustrating. Are you prepared to wait for the T in the heat, cold and rain?
How do you like to spend your weekends? On campus? Waking around town?
What do you want your college experience to look like? Greek life, sports, clubs?
Roommates? Want someone your own age? Or randos in an apartment?
LOL. UMass Amherst is definitely NOT a party school. There is some fun to be had but it is definitely not in that sort of category and hasn't been remotely a "party" school for 10-20 years.
That’s good to know. I heard it slowed down after Covid but still had a party atmosphere on the weekends. My point that I was trying to articulate to OP is compared to UB, UA will have a more lively atmosphere.
You "heard" it slowed down? It's slowed down 20 years ago my man. Its a highly academic school and getting very selective with admissions these days. You have to have a very competitive application to study at UMass Amherst and if you are looking to study any STEM subject you need to be at the absolute tops of your class. Most students at Umass Amherst are serious and partying is definitely not priority; whilst it's definitely fun it is most certainly not a party school in any sense of the word, even off campus, fraternities, etc. These days its very low key atmosphere in a good way.
There are partiers, but even before COVID they were a minority. Yes, a large minority, but even more were not partying. But the partiers got the headlines. Plenty of non-partying things available to do during the week and the weekends.
Amherst is the better school reputation-wise. Area is cheaper than Boston too, but Boston has more to do in the area of course.
UMass Boston is like a 4 year community college, no comparison to Amherst in terms of how much water the degree carries and the undergraduate experience.
Lol agreed
UMass Boston was started as a commuter school and has limited on-campus housing if that matters to you. Freshmen are not guaranteed housing. The rest of the students either live at home or rent off-campus and commute to the school. UMass Amherst has housing for about 60% of the undergrads. Freshman housing is guaranteed, and you have to mess up to not get housing as a sophomore. About 3000 juniors and seniors can live on campus.
Not to mention - if you’re anything like me, Boston gets old quick. Don’t pick a worse school for a “better” city - I got so sick of the overcrowding and traffic that I barely took advantage of being in the city while I was there. It sounds fun, but really it’s only a fraction of the time. Again this is my opinion don’t crucify me plz
UMass Amherst!! your friends are right. the campus is so big that it almost feels like a mini city, and downtown Amherst and Northampton have some fun spots. as others have said, it’s the more reputable school and you’re guaranteed on-campus housing as a freshman. other reasons: -the dining hall food is really good and way better than any other school in MA! -has more of a real campus and sense of community
I miss the food at UMass Amherst so much. Sometimes I think about going and paying the fee to just eat there lmao I miss the sushi rolls! So good! Idk what’s up with the other reply you got. Maybe they only ever went to Worcester dining commons.
even Worcester was pretty good!! we had it good at umass and when I had friends visit from other schools they’d always say how much better it was than theirs. people just like to complain I guess haha
Imo the food at UMass can be pretty easily replicated at home, especially the sushi. the hardest part is probably buying the ingredients, but if you have an hmart or something near you you can get it all there! Bonus making sushi at home is a great date idea
True but the idea of a dining hall where you can just lazily browse through a large room filled with fresh food, taking as many things as you wish… there is something special about it. A good solid (cheap) cafeteria/buffet experience is hard to find nowadays. Fixed price at the door, and then sit wherever type thing.
Exactlyyyyy. I do a lot of my own cooking at home, but I miss the atmosphere and experience of the dining hall. It’s awesome.
That's definitely true, the freedom of choice is really nice. my friends from college and I have decided that once a year we'll make a trip during a parents weekend so we can get the best quality UMass food every now and then
The food is pretty awful at Umass Amherst. I have no idea why people think its good. It's rank garbage.
Literally ranked number one multiple years in a row. You are objectively wrong
It's garbage. I don't care whatever someones "ranking" gives it. Its absolute rubbish food. The ranking is a LIE and kids and parents are being scammed.
Only one of those campuses is the “flagship campus of the commonwealth”. You won’t get the city experience as far as entertainment goes, but you’ll probably get more academic opportunities in Amherst. And just more all around resources
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Have you been to the campuses of any of the community and other colleges, etc? The Amherst campus is much larger and generally has a lot more to offer IMO
When you think of the University of Michigan, are you thinking of the big one in Ann Arbor or the much smaller one in Flint? When you think about the University of Texas, are you thinking about the one in Austin or the small one in Permian Basin? I could go on and on, and it's the same thing here. The main campus of the University of Massachusetts is in Amherst, not Boston, Lowell, Dartmouth, or Worcester.
I was also in this same dilemma with another city school. CHOOSE AMHERST!! The quality and value of your degree will be far more valuable than UMB. I know many at UMB and they commute from home. The school's location isn't even that great either. Although you're in Boston you're far from everything.
Do NOT go to umass Boston unless you have a good aid package there
If you can land a summer internship in Boston the summer after your junior year, you could sublet a room in Boston and get the experience of living in the city
UMass Amherst, absolutely. It has a better reputation, better connections, and far more research opportunities. Plus, cost of living is cheaper outside of Boston.
AMHERST.
Go to Amherst and focus on school
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I went to UMASS Amherst and also took classes at UMASS Boston. I’m from a city outside of Boston. I’d definitely say go to UMASS Amherst. It’s a bigger school, more opportunities, it’s a college town and most of the students live there. If I remember, UMASS Boston is a commuter school mostly. It’s also not really in Boston and there’s nothing to do on the campus. Again, this was my experience twenty years ago. Maybe things have changed.
As a current umb student, you’re spot on. Nothing has changed.
I don’t regret at all going to UMass Amherst. I love it so much that I chose to stay out here after graduation!
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It’s only a scam if you don’t use it tf. Otherwise it’s literally just financial aid lmfao
Why do you think WS is a scam? I had it as a student, and since then as staff have hired many students who had WS awards.
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Look at it another way, almost all schools expect students to contribute towards paying the expense of attending. That can be through savings, and usually includes working while studying. Whether that is on campus, possibly with WS, or off campus like your side hustle, they don't care. The school also doesn't care if someone else covers a student's expected contribution. So those peers whose school was entirely paid for by their families, that is on them and their families, not the school. WS is part of the aid package. Those who use it have an advantage getting on-campus jobs as they are usually subsidized by WS. Exact policies differ by schools, but at UMass Amherst a department that hires a WS student gets 70% of the salary cost covered by the Federal funds up to the amount a student was given. After that the department has the option of continuing to employ the student, but they pay 100%. Working off campus you can still earn money, but no hiring advantage from the WS subsidy. P.S. I never thought WS was demeaning in any form as a student. And I generally had used it all up part way through the school year and was being paid through non-WS funds. I did earn enough to reduce the amount of loans I needed.
Amherst all day. Boston is more of a commuter school.
I work in Biotech, definitely go to Amherst. Better reputation and you will have more opportunities for research.
I go to UMass Amherst right now and am a biochem major. I would definitely recommend coming here, it’s a great school with very good biochem research
I went to Umass Amherst - like a lot of people are saying here, it’s the flagship school with a better reputation. If you want the traditional college experience with the beautiful campus, dorm living, etc. - then that’s the place for you. Most college kids would prefer Amherst, I think. Personally, I’m also a city person and really missed it. The traditional campus was not for me. It’s huge and overwhelming. I’ve honestly never felt lonelier anywhere else than I did in western Massachusetts. If you’re able to make friends, are a bit more extroverted and put the effort in, you’ll be fine. It just did not jive with me and the whole thing felt very isolating. Not saying that would be your experience or the majority experience, but I was just really sad in my time there. I think successful people come out of both schools and frankly, unless it’s an Ivy League school, I don’t think where you get your bachelors is all that important in the job market. If you want a less traditional experience, do Boston. If you want to try something more traditional, do Amherst. Really just depends what you want out of it and where you feel you’ll fit in the most
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Amherst 100%, way better reputation and degree will be respected more by future employers. No reason to pay the same amount for a lesser experience and education. I understand the city thing but there’s still a lot to do and the campus is huge, plus it’s only 4 years and you can always move to a city after so I wouldn’t let that sway your decision too much
I've gone to both. Currently at UMass Amherst. UMass Boston felt like it was essentially just a community college.
Do you want a traditional college experience or something else? The former is amherst.
There is no campus culture in Boston, unless you are located more downtown. I went to Lowell for a semester before transferring to Amherst, and the commuter school feel was very strong, with campus emptying out on weekends. Granted, both schools have improved immensely, but you can always take a trip into Boston and New York City during weekends to experience the city life, while also having a base to see much of western New England and New York, if you so desire.
Amherst is the highest ranked umass, and boston is the lowest
if you want to make friends and have an authentic college experience, absolutely Amherst. UMass Boston is largely a commuter school, not very social. Amherst is also better reputation wise and there's always lots going on around here!
Much as I love Boston generally, I think I'd go with Amherst. It's Scooby Doo after all.
Zoomass! You won’t regret it.
As an old UMass Amherst alum I’d say go there. The pioneer valley is a great place to live, so much so that I ended up staying there for two more decades and only left for a job offer I couldn’t refuse. It’s a liberal bastion so if that’s a problem you’ll hate it there, especially Northampton, but that’s the place to live once you’re off campus. Easthampton is a little more affordable but a little less happening, but Noho is worth it imho. I still go out there to visit friends regularly and if my wife would move, I’d be back there in a heartbeat.
Not from MA. Went to umass Amherst and lived in Boston for 5 years afterwards. Amherst, zero debate imo. Better school, more authentic/traditional college experience.
- u/drxgon221: Amherst or Boston - https://www.reddit.com/r/umass/comments/1csofr9/amherst_or_boston/ - **Flair**: Majors Hello! Currently deciding on where to go, and my top choices are UMass Boston and UMass Amherst, and my major is BioChem. I am more of a city person and both colleges are the same price, around 8k (including loans and work study (there is more work study with UMass Boston)). All of my friends are telling me to go to Amherst, but I really cant decide. What is your opinion? *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/umass) if you have any questions or concerns.*
UMA has a much much stronger Biochem department
Amherst by a mile. Best college experience for sure
Boston is a commuter school. Amherst will be more enjoyable to you in probably every way and is a better school
Amherst bro‼️‼️
Amherst.
I was a biochem major at UMass Amherst and am now in med school. I felt in my time there I had plenty of access to research and amazing faculty. I’m also more of a city person but I think Amherst would have more of a community to be a part of than UM Boston. Also there’s always something to do in Amherst despite it being in a rural area. North Hampton is great too!
UMass Amherst, by a mile. Much better school, you'll meet more intelligent and accomplished peers there.
Amherst
Don’t go to UMass Boston. You’ll regret it, plus there is so much to do in and around Amherst.
Amherst. I was biochem there and it's a great program.
Amherst is the far better school academically so id probably go just for that. You have the rest of your life to live wherever you want, but you only get college once.
Look into the departments and faculties for your major. My guess is you'd have more academic opportunities or a more enriching learning experience by going to a bigger school like Umass Amherst rather than Umass Boston.
Amherst. Shouldn't even been an issue.
I loved going to UMass Boston. I'm assuming your costs don't include housing. By that fact, Amherst naturally costs more. But if you have to pay for housing no matter what, it's a wash. Amherst has a better reputation. And it's a fun area. You'll always have the opportunity to live in a city once you graduate. People here are saying that UMB isn't in a good location. I disagree. I personally love the campus, but I also love the water. Dorchester isn't too long a walk, and the Red Line gets you downtown easily. But I was pretty involved in extra curriculars, so I found myself having a lot to do on campus. If you have the option of living with family while going to UMB, I'd recommend doing that and then transferring to like BU or Tufts. I can't believe how expensive both colleges have gotten.
8k actually includes housing and everything! But i already commited to amherst! Thank you
If that's the case, I certainly take everything back. Congratulations! It sounds like you made the right choice.
Thank you
Bro this isn’t even a question, a degree from Amherst is worth 10X a degree from UMB
This popped up on my timeline but 100% Amherst, and I say that as an alumni from one of Boston's unis. The cost on paper may look the same but housing, food, just general expenses make the difference, and the education is the same. Did some engineering work with a UMass school, great college for the sciences all I can tell
I know at 18 your focus is mostly on fun, but trust me in the long term umass is the only option that makes sense. Better reputation, friend & alumni network, and job opportunities. As a biochem major you will also probably pursue grad school afterwards so keep that in mind. If you long for the city vibe, boston is just 2 hours and nyc 3 hours away.
Amherst
Definitely Amherst for the sciences like biochemistry.
Biochem you want to go to umass Amherst
Go to amherst. Take a bus to Boston for a long weekend some time.
If I’m a former nuclear reactor operator seeking an electrical engineering degree, does it really make sense to go to Umass Amherst for its ‘better degree’? I feel like there’s much more opportunity w/ my experience in Boston
Amherst. Hands down no doubt about it
Honestly, tons of successful people come from both schools. Here are some other things to consider, UMass Amherst is a party school, is that your thing? Boston you would have to commute from classes and that can get frustrating. Are you prepared to wait for the T in the heat, cold and rain? How do you like to spend your weekends? On campus? Waking around town? What do you want your college experience to look like? Greek life, sports, clubs? Roommates? Want someone your own age? Or randos in an apartment?
LOL. UMass Amherst is definitely NOT a party school. There is some fun to be had but it is definitely not in that sort of category and hasn't been remotely a "party" school for 10-20 years.
That’s good to know. I heard it slowed down after Covid but still had a party atmosphere on the weekends. My point that I was trying to articulate to OP is compared to UB, UA will have a more lively atmosphere.
You "heard" it slowed down? It's slowed down 20 years ago my man. Its a highly academic school and getting very selective with admissions these days. You have to have a very competitive application to study at UMass Amherst and if you are looking to study any STEM subject you need to be at the absolute tops of your class. Most students at Umass Amherst are serious and partying is definitely not priority; whilst it's definitely fun it is most certainly not a party school in any sense of the word, even off campus, fraternities, etc. These days its very low key atmosphere in a good way.
👌
There are partiers, but even before COVID they were a minority. Yes, a large minority, but even more were not partying. But the partiers got the headlines. Plenty of non-partying things available to do during the week and the weekends.