Policies & Perks

Who can live with RDs at UMass?

Partner & live on policy

RDs can have permanent live on residents within their apartments if they wish. Permanent apartment residents are not limited to spouses or legal domestic partners -- family members, friends, and others are welcome to live on with RDs. RDs cannot, however, collect money for use of their extra space -- example: using their apartment as an Air BnB over breaks, or charging a roommate to stay with them.

apartment residents

Permanent apartment residents that wish to live with the RD, will have full access to the RD apartment -- including swipe access to the building in which the apartment is located. Apartment residents will receive a UMass Identification Card that has their photo and states that they are an "Apartment Resident". If the apartment resident has a car, they can purchase a parking pass at a discounted rate. See below for more details regarding parking.

Residential parking

Each RD receives two designated and reserved parking spaces near their residential cluster.

parking pass

RDs receive a parking pass sticker to use in their designated spot, free of charge. RDs can buy a parking pass window hang tag from parking services for around $13, if they do not want to put the sticker on their window. Permanent apartment guests must buy a parking pass at the designated rate set by Parking Services and will park in reserved spots as well.

Guest Parking Pass

Each RD receives a parking pass that guests can use for the day, or overnight visits to campus, in one of the designated residential staff parking spots only. These passes are renewed yearly by the department, free of charge.

Picture of Actual Parking Sign for RD Spot

Pet Policy

Pets are welcome to live on with RDs at UMass Amherst.

Pets do not need to be registered as ESAs. Upon hire, you can ask for the paperwork to register your pet with the department. All live-in pets must have up to date vaccinations, and veterinarian paperwork.

Each Pet Owner is permitted no more than two (2) pets. These pets may be a dog, cat or other non-exotic, non-venomous animal housed in either an aquarium no larger than 25 gallons or cage no larger than 3 cubic feet. Dogs must be size appropriate for the apartment and therefore cannot be taller than 25 inches at the shoulder or weigh more than 40 pounds in adulthood.

Pets are not service or assistance animals. Staff with service or assistance animal needs should review information about housing accommodations on the Residential Life website.

Check out some of our campus cuties to the left!

Getting maiL as an RD...

RDs cannot receive personal mail or packages to their work addresses. RDs are encouraged to obtain a P.O. Box at one of the local Post Offices.

Tips:

Most RDs get the "extra small" or "small" P.O. Box option -- this is perfect for some bills, magazines, and other mail. Packages are sorted differently, and will not be in your P.O. box. You can either purchase a larger box or a temporary key will be provided to access your package.
Some incoming RDs will split the yearly cost of the P.O. Box with another RD.
You will save some money if you are able to pay for the entire year of the P.O. Box rather than paying monthly.

More Info About P.O. Boxes

Post Office at 145 University Drive, Amherst, MA 01002

Approximately 2 miles from Campus

Self Service & P.O. Box Areas are open 24/7

Most RDs use this post office because of the 24/7 access!

Eating on campus

You can experience our number one university dining! As of Fall 2023, RDs are provided a meal plan equivalent to about 5 meals per week, and are traditionally provided 3 meal swipes daily during RA training periods. UMass Amherst also is unique in having student-run businesses operate on-campus, which includes businesses within some residence halls such as the Greeno Sub Shop, Sweets and More, and Sylvan Snack Bar.

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