Housing

From June 17 through July 14, participants will be housed in four-person, air conditioned apartments on the UMass Amherst campus, in an area called North Apartments. Each apartment includes: 4 single bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, a full kitchen and living room. See the virtual tour of an apartment! Free parking is available behind the building.
COST:  $1,485 ($55 per night)
NB: cost will be deducted from NEH participant stipend.

– Apartments with ADA features are also available.
– Kitchens are not outfitted with cookware, plates, glasses, etc.
– Coin-operated washers and dryers are located in North Apartments.
– Replacement cost for lost keys: $ 50 

Meals

Lunch time on weekdays is conceived of as an integral part of Institute activities, when participants can continue discussions, compare thoughts and otherwise get to know each other. Lunches will be served at Franklin Dining Hall at UMass, which was ranked as #1 in the nation for campus dining two years running. Those wishing to, may add breakfast M-F to their meal plan.
COST: Lunch only (M-F): $225 ($11.25/meal).
– Optional: Lunch & Breakfast (M-F): $ 400 ($20/day).
NB: cost will be deducted from NEH participant stipend.

There are many dining options for weekday evenings and weekends. Amherst has a wide selection of international restaurants at different price points, as does Northampton. At UMass, meals may be purchased at the dining hall, as well as at the Blue Wall, the cafeteria-style restaurant at the center of campus. And, of course, participants can prepare breakfast and other meals in their own kitchens. 

Recreational Facilities

Passes to the gymnasiums and other recreational facilities on the UMass campus are available to those who are interested. Options include exercise and weight machines, tennis courts, pools, etc.  for those who want them. For those who like to swim, Totman Gymnasium, right next to North Apartments, offers lap swimming M-F mornings. See more.
COST: Optional: Under $40 (TBA).
NB: cost will be deducted from NEH participant stipend.

Local Transportation

The UMass Amherst campus is located about 1 mile north of the town of Amherst. Institute activities will take place in the center of campus, which is about ¾ mile from North Apartments. For many, it will be pleasant to walk or bike these distances.

For others, a variety of other means of transportation is available. Free busses run regularly from the North Apartment area through the UMass campus and on to Amherst and/or local supermarkets, etc. Busses to the nearby mall and the neighboring town of Northampton cost $1.25.

Parking
For those who drive to the Summer Institute, free parking is available directly behind North Apartments.

U-Card

Each participant will need a campus U-Card to provide access to apartments and rooms, the dining hall and UMass’ W.E.B. Du Bois Library. If you choose to use UMass’ recreational facilities, the U-Card will also give you access to on-campus gyms, etc.
COST: $10 (replacement cost if lost, $20)
NB: cost will be deducted from NEH participant stipend.

Linens

Linen sets are provided by UMass. They include: 2 sheets, a pillow and case, a blanket and 2 towels.
COST:  $12 per set.
NB: cost will be deducted from NEH participant stipend.

Selection Deadline

Participants must decide the following by Monday, April 30:
– whether or not to live on campus
– whether to opt for a Breakfast/Lunch or simply a Lunch meal plan (M-F)
– whether or not to purchase access to UMass’ recreational facilities

Travel to UMass Amherst
Things to do in the area