The Top Ten Hidden Gems At UMass Amherst

Ever wonder what awesome things there are at UMass that you don't hear about? Here's the short list of behind-the-scenes greatness at UMass Amherst.

1. Durfee Conservatory

Durfee Conservatory - UMass / Via durfeeconservatory.umass.edu

The Durfee Conservatory may not look like much on the outside, but once you go in, an oasis of nature awaits. In the dead of winter, many students will stop by the "Tropical House" to warm up and enjoy some nature despite the cold and snow outside.

2. Library Learning Commons

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On the bottom floor of the W.E.B. DuBois Library you will find the Learning Commons, a hub of student study space. The "microclimates" created by the modern furniture enable students to have a space all their own to study in groups, while also having access to all of the library's resources nearby. And the chairs and couches are wicked cool!

3. Sweets and More

UMass Sweets and More / Via umass.edu

Perched atop Orchard Hill, Sweets and More has the best cookies, brownies, and other sweets on campus. What's even better? It's a student business - Sweets is owned and operated by its student co-managers.

4. Downtown Amherst

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Downtown Amherst is one of the best parts of life at UMass. Within walking distance, there are a ton of shops and restaurants that offer anything you could want. Whether it's Antonio's Pizza, Pasta e Basta for Italian, or Matt's Barber Shop for a snip, Downtown Amherst has everything you could ever need!

5. Five College Consortium

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The Five College Consortium enables UMass students to take courses at any of the Five Colleges in the Pioneer Valley. Whether it's Smith College, Mount Holyoke College, Hampshire College, or Amherst College, UMass students can take classes, become a part of the community, and broaden their horizons - all while paying UMass tuition!

6. Late Night at Berk

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Does your school's dining hall stay open until midnight (and sometimes 2AM) and serve awesome late night snack food? No? Didn't think so.

7. #2 in the Nation UMass Dining

Berkshire Dining Commons - UMass Dining / Via umassdining.com

While we're talking about food... UMass Dining is ranked #2 in the nation for best campus food by the Princeton Review. That's a pretty big deal considering there are 379 colleges that the Princeton Review evaluates. There are so many options, from vegetarian, to stir-fry, sushi, the grille, and so much more. You'll never have to eat the same thing twice.

8. Puffers Pond

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Just north of campus in North Amherst lies Puffers Pond, a haven during warm weather in Western Mass. Many students will head up to the pond on hot, sunny days to cool off or just lay in the sun. It's a beautiful spot to go walking through the woodland trails, too!

9. Peer-led Tutoring and SI Sessions

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On the 10th floor of the DuBois Library, UMass students can go for free tutoring and Supplemental Instruction (SI) sessions to make sure they're at the top of their game. Tutoring and SI sessions are led by other students who have taken the specific course you need help in before and did exceptionally well in it. They're super nice and a great resource!

10. The View!

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At every turn on campus there is a breathtaking view. Whether it's looking over the campus and surrounding town from the 23rd floor of the DuBois Library, or of the mountains to the West from nearly any point on campus, UMass truly is a beautiful place.