University of Massachusetts, Amherst (UMASS)

Umass had the reputation of 'Zumass' because it was so wild. It has mellowed but is still considered one of the wildest universities. House parties are good. Amherst is limited to a few night spots which get very crowded. Europeans tend to like the Monkey Bar, but for a real cool place with a great american vibe, Dolanoes is the best place. McMurphy's is also pretty good. However be warned that all social life means you have to get into hiphop including at most night spots. The closest place for normal music is Boston (thats 2hrs away). Amherst have some very some good cool cafes. Take your pick. Hadley which is virtually Amherst anyway has all the main eateries for eating out. Diners include friendlies, Chilli's and the Ground Round. The new sit down down however is terrible, you have been warned. Northampton a nearby town accessible by the free local University buses is very trendy and bigger then downtown Amherst. There are a lot more trendy restaurants and cafes. A proper night out eating means heading to Northampton. The City Cafe is also a cool nightclub at night.

The dorms in South-west have the reputation of being crazy and the wildest which it is, but it is also the more populated and the facilties are good and you meet a lot of cool people.

Being from an english country their was not much lanuage difficulty at all. Most lanuage problems were in humour becuase of the different accents and words that exist between the US and Australia. Students and teachers do find some terminology humourous and at times certain american culture were vague to us but very quickly you will learn them. It was fun learning some american words and sharing a laugh with American friends over the way we speak. Remember if your an Australian don't say jumper or ring, they won't understand. You must say sweater and call. 'Heaps' is a word Americans love hearing Aussies say as well, just don't over use it.

Go to as many house parties as you can and avoid too many big nights out at the nightclubs. Try not to eat out as much and don't get addicted to ordering like i did. It can break the bank, but there are a lot of good choices and great food that can be ordered.

Get in contact with a student that is or has been at the school. The school is so large that administrators there find it difficult to help you greatly in depth. Live on-campus your first semester there so you can meet people. Save yourself some money and get the 14 meals per week plan because even though i would have gone over if i had this plan, you will order and eat out a lot. Last TIP, when ordering try a Calzone from DP Dough. I'm sure i won't be the last person to tell you that.