Residence Hall Lodging
On-campus housing is available for participants in a traditional UMass residence hall, conveniently located within walking distance of the Fine Arts Center/Department of Music and award-winning UMass Dining Commons. Due to the wide age range of Jazz in July participants, all attendees under 18 will be housed together in one residence hall, while adults 18 and over will be housed in a separate residence hall. In both buildings, common lounge areas serve as informal spaces to continue the immersive Jazz in July experience, engage with your peers, and participate in evening jam sessions. The bedrooms, available in either single or double occupancy, provide each guest with a lockable, private space, either all their own or shared with one other participant (housing assignments for double occupancy rooms are based on roommate requests and attendee age/gender). Each bedroom has a twin bed, desk, chair, and dresser for each guest, as well as a linen pack containing two flat sheets, a blanket, a pillow with case, and two towels. The residence halls are monitored by Summer Conference Housing and Jazz in July staff at all times. Additional benefits of staying on-campus include free wireless internet, free parking near the residence hall, access to coin-operated laundry facilities, convenient health and wellness services at University Health Services, and close proximity to downtown Amherst and public bus routes. Please note: the residence halls are not air conditioned.

Check-in is typically available from 2 - 10 p.m. (ET) on your day of arrival, and check-out is by 2 p.m. on your day of departure. The Residence Hall Orientation Meetings will be held on Sunday, July 7, and Sunday, July 14, at 8 p.m. in the residence hall. Residential students are required to attend one of these meetings, but all Jazz in July participants are welcome! Rates are below and include a linen pack (two sheets, a pillow with case, a blanket, and two towels). All guests must complete and return a Credit Card Authorization Form prior to June 21, 2024.

Single or Double Occupancy Room
         One Week (July 7 - 12 OR July 14 - 19): $255.00
         Two Weeks (July 7 - 19): $580.00 
         (plus a 3% administrative fee)

Which residence hall will I be in? Can I request a specific building/room?
We will not know the exact residence halls that will be used until closer to the program, but we anticipate that both residence halls will be located in the Central Residential Area of campus (note guests under 18 will be housed in one residence hall, while guests over 18 will be housed in a separate residence hall). Click here to take a look at a campus map: Central is located around boxes D3 and D4. Complete arrival details, including your assigned residence hall, will be provided via email prior to your arrival.

What do I do if I have special housing requests, such as a roommate request, an accessibility need, or medication requiring refrigeration?
On the online registration form you will see a box for special requests on the "Attendee Information" page. Enter all of your needs in this box, including if you wish to share a double room with another attendee in particular, need a lower level or accessible room, have medication that requires refrigeration, or anything else. Note because those under 18 will be housed in one building and those over 18 will be housed in another building, we cannot assign a minor and an attendee over the age of 18 to the same double occupancy bedroom, regardless of the reason for the request and/or familial relation. We do our absolute best to accommodate all requests/needs received, with priority being given to early registrants. If you wish to further discuss your needs or requests please contact UMass Conference Services at 413-577-8102 or registration@umass.edu - we're happy to help!

What time is check-in and check-out?
Check-in is typically available from 2 - 10 p.m. (ET) on your day of arrival. On both Sunday, July 7, and Sunday, July 14, there is a Residential Hall Orientation Meeting at 8 p.m., so we recommend aiming to arrive sometime between 2 p.m. - 7 p.m. to give yourself plenty of time to check-in and get settled prior to this meeting (it is required of all guests staying in the Residence Halls, but is open to all Jazz in July participants). Check-out is by 2 p.m. on your day of departure. Because the buildings are used exclusively for Jazz in July participants, early check-in and late check-out are typically not available as the buildings are closed and not staffed outside of these set hours. If you have a performance scheduled around or after 2 p.m. on the Friday you are set to check-out, please contact us in advance (registration@umass.edu, 413-577-8102) or reach out to Jazz in July to discuss alternate arrangements. 

Can I stay a night early or a night late?
The buildings are typically not open until the first day guests arrive (July 7) and usually close the last day guests depart (July 19). If you wish to stay outside of the standard dates, please contact our UMass Conference Services team to see if your requested early arrival/late departure dates are available (registration@umass.edu, 413-577-8102). If available, please note that additional fees will apply. 

Is linen provided?
Yes, each registered guest will be provided with a linen pack containing two sheets, a pillow with case, a thin blanket and two towels. Guests staying for one week will be provided with one linen pack, while guests staying for two weeks will be provided with two linen packs. If you'd prefer to bring your own linens, however, please feel free to do so!

Is Wi-Fi available?
Yes, wireless login credentials will be provided upon arrival. If you will not be bringing a computer, you can use the public computers located in the Learning Commons on the Lower Level of the Library.

Where do I park?
If you are staying with us in on-campus lodging, we will provide you with a complimentary parking pass to a surface lot located near your residence hall upon check-in. This pass must be filled out completely and displayed on your dashboard at all times to avoid ticketing and/or towing, and guests should only park in the lots listed on the pass. Parking in a lot not designated on the pass will likely result in ticketing and/or towing. Additional details, including the closest surface lot to your assigned building, will be sent via email as the program approaches. If you are not staying with us in on-campus lodging, you may be able to purchase a commuter parking pass through Jazz in July: please contact Jazz in July for further details.

What should I bring?
We encourage you to bring anything that will make your stay more comfortable! Below are some suggestions to keep in mind as you pack.

Each guest will be provided with two towels, two flat sheets, a pillow with case, and a thin blanket per week of stay, but please feel welcome to bring your own linens if preferred. The mattresses are thinner than you might be used to so a mattress pad and/or extra linens can be a good idea if you prefer your bed be on the softer side. 

Toiletries are not provided, so remember to bring shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, and body wash/soap. 

Single-sex bathrooms (including individual shower stalls) are located on each floor and will be shared with other guests, so you may wish to bring a robe, shower caddy, and shower sandals. 

The bedrooms will have a twin bed, desk, chair, and dresser/wardrobe for each guest, but there are no additional amenities or appliances in the bedrooms. Rooms do not have a microwave, refrigerator, or television, and there are no rooms with a private bathroom. Please also note that while there are drawers for your clothes, the wardrobes typically do not have hangers. These buildings are occupied by students during the academic year, and when they move out they take everything but the furniture. 

To keep yourself occupied during any downtime, consider bringing a laptop or tablet with access to online streaming services, books, playing cards, and desk lamps/book lights.  

The residence halls are not air-conditioned and July temperatures can range from the high 50s to mid 80s, so we recommend bringing a fan.

The UMass Amherst campus is large. While guests will be housed in the closest available buildings to the Fine Arts Center, it can still be a 10 - 15 minute walk to the Fine Arts Center and/or nearest Dining Commons. Pack layered clothing in case of unpredictable summer weather (including a rain jacket and umbrella), comfortable walking shoes, and a water bottle.

Will I be comfortable in a residence hall?
These rooms are not luxury hotel rooms, and the residence halls, rooms, beds, and bathrooms are designed with a college student in mind. If you would have trouble sleeping in a twin bed (particularly one on the thinner side), would feel uncomfortable using a shared bathroom, or would prefer to stay in a place that offers all the amenities under one roof, this may not be the ideal place for you. However, our residence halls are close to on-campus dining and all Jazz in July activities, allow you to spend additional time with other participants, and are the most affordable option in the area. We host thousands of guests in our residence halls each summer and most find the value and convenience unbeatable! However, we are more than happy to discuss your needs or concerns in depth to help you determine if this option will work for you - simply contact us at 413-577-8102 or registration@umass.edu.

What is a Credit Card Authorization Form?
The required credit card authorization form is the same idea as a hotel taking your credit card data at check-in for incidentals, but for security purposes we have you submit this information prior to your arrival (the residence halls don't have a secure space to collect and hold this data). All guests must complete and return a credit card authorization form to the UMass Conference Services Office by June 21, 2024. The form will be kept securely on file for the duration of your stay and will only be run in the event of any lost/damaged room keys and/or access cards, or in the event of any residence hall damages. Guests will be charged $100.00 for any lost/damaged room key and $25.00 for any lost/damaged access card. Click here to download the Credit Card Authorization Form. Forms can be returned by mail, or completed by phone (413-577-8102).

Have questions or need assistance? We're happy to help!
Please don't hesitate to contact UMass Conference Services at 413-577-8102 or registration@umass.edu.
Our offices are open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. ET (excluding federal and/or Massachusetts state holidays). All calls, voicemails and/or emails will be answered as soon as possible during our standard business hours. We look forward to hearing from you!

Meal Plans
UMass Dining, America's most awarded dining program, invites you to join our table! Here at UMass we pride ourselves in serving healthy, flavorful, world cuisine using freshly prepared, sustainable ingredients. We now offer SPE-certified dishes to ensure maximum nutrition and great taste, the first university in the nation to do so. We source locally year-round, serve sustainable seafood, and employ a “small plate, big flavor philosophy,” all in the aim of supporting the New England Food System. We welcome you to all that the UMass Dining experience has to offer!

Served all-you-care-to-eat style, breakfast, lunch and dinner will be available from 7 a.m. - 8 p.m. each day. Offerings always include many different food concepts, such as sushi, pho noodles, create-your-own stir-fry, pizza, dim sum brunch, pasta bar, salad bar, deli station, American fare, and much more. Vegan and vegetarian options are also available. 

Each participant who purchases a meal plan will be provided with a meal card on their first day of arrival, valid for meals at a nearby Dining Commons (the exact DC open for Summer 2024 has not yet been determined). One week meal cards will be pre-loaded with 14 swipes, valid for 5 breakfasts, 5 lunches and 4 dinners. Two week meal cards will be pre-loaded with 35 meal swipes, valid for 12 breakfasts, 12 lunches and 11 dinners. Meal plans are mandatory for participants under the age of 18 who stay in an on-campus residence hall. A Jazz in July staff member will be at the Dining Commons during each meal. 

Meal Plan Rates
       One Week: $224.70   
       Two Weeks: $567.37
       plus a 3% administrative fee charged per transaction

How does the meal card work?
Upon your arrival you will be provided with a meal card loaded with the number of swipes you purchased (5 breakfasts, 5 lunches and 4 dinners for a one week meal card; 12 breakfasts, 12 lunches and 11 dinners for a two week meal card). This meal card will be valid at one of our on-campus Dining Commons (either Worcester, Berkshire, or Hampshire). Note meal cards are not valid at any retail dining locations. Each time you go to the Dining Commons you must present your meal card to the cashier. The cashier will swipe your card and allow you to enter, deducting one swipe from your remaining balance. Remember to bring your meal card with you to each meal: failure to present your meal card to the cashier may mean you have to pay out of pocket to gain admittance to the Dining Commons!

Which Dining Commons will be open?
At this time we anticipate that either Worcester, Berkshire, and/or Hampshire Dining Commons will be open during your stay, however this may change as the 2024 schedules have yet to be posted. Please note that meal plans are only valid in the Dining Commons and cannot be used at any retail dining location.

I have a dietary restriction/food allergy. Can you accommodate me?
Yes! During the online registration process you will see a box that asks about any special requests, including any dietary restrictions and/or food allergies. Please detail your needs in this box. We will then pass your dietary restriction/food allergy along to the appropriate staff, and contact you if we have any questions or concerns. You may also find it helpful to click here to learn more about dining at UMass Amherst with special dietary needs and/or preferences. So we can be sure to accommodate you and make any needed preparations prior to your arrival, please detail all needs in full during the initial online registration process. If you wish to discuss your needs further, or wish to talk to the University dietician prior to your arrival, please contact us at registration@umass.edu or 413-577-8102.   

Can I pay at the door? 
Meal plans cannot be purchased on-site. If you do not register for a meal plan you can instead pay for meals by cash or card at the door. If you think you will want to eat most meals at the Dining Commons we strongly recommend you contact us prior to your arrival to purchase a meal plan. Please also note that meal plans are required for any Residence Hall guest under the age of 18. 

What is a typical menu?
Our Dining Commons offer a variety of options at each meal (including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options), so there is always something to satisfy your palette! Typical offerings are below, with daily specials also available. Visit the Dining Commons page during your stay or look for the UMass Dining Services app in the App Store for daily menus. 

Breakfast: hard boiled eggs; scrambled eggs; make-your-own omelet station; pancakes, french toast and/or waffles; assorted hot and cold cereals; oatmeal; assorted bagels, toast and breakfast breads; fresh fruit; low-fat yogurt; fat-free cottage cheese.

Lunch and Dinner: sushi; pho noodles/noodle bar; create-your-own stir-fry; pizza; salad bar; pasta bar with cheese tortellini, fettuccine pasta, whole grain spaghetti, and assorted sauces; deli station with build-your-own sandwiches; soups; grill station featuring sliders, burgers, grilled chicken sandwiches, and fries; international lines; fresh fruit; assorted desserts, cakes and ice cream

Have questions or need assistance? We're happy to help!
Please don't hesitate to contact UMass Conference Services at 413-577-8102 or registration@umass.edu.
Our offices are open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. ET (excluding federal and/or Massachusetts state holidays). All calls, voicemails and/or emails will be answered as soon as possible during our standard business hours. We look forward to hearing from you!

Location
Jazz in July is held in the University of Massachusetts Amherst Fine Arts Center. The residence halls are typically located in the Central Residential Area, within walking distance to the Fine Arts Center and one of our award-winning Dining Commons. The exact residence halls for those who select to stay on campus has yet to be determined, but will be sent out to all those registered in late spring/early summer. Those with a meal plan will be able to eat at one of our on-campus Dining Commons (Worcester, Berkshire, or Hampshire), but at this time the summer 2024 schedule has not yet been announced. Additional information, including building addresses, will be sent out to all registered participants as July approaches. To help plan your visit, especially if it is your first time at the University, we recommend taking a look at a detailed campus map.

Parking
Residence Hall Guests
For those who select to stay in an on-campus residence hall, complimentary parking will be available in a surface lot located near your assigned building. Typically upon your arrival to campus you can pull in close to your assigned residence hall to check-in and move in your luggage (please put your flashers on and move your car within 15 minutes). At check-in ask the Summer Conference Housing desk clerk for a surface lot parking pass. You can move your luggage to your assigned bedroom, but rather promptly return to your car with this parking pass. Fill out the pass completely and display it prominently on your dashboard, leaving it there for the duration of your visit. You should then move your car to one of the lots designated on the pass. Note the lot numbers on this pass: you may only park in a lot designated on the pass, and parking elsewhere will likely result in ticketing and/or towing. Passes are typically valid for the following lots: Green lots 25, 26, 33; Purple lots 22, 44, 49; Yellow lots 11, 12, 13. Additional arrival details will be sent by email as the program approaches, including pertinent updates regarding check-in and parking. Click here to view an interactive campus parking map (note the most convenient surface parking lot is typically lot 49).

Commuting Attendees
To park on campus without the possibility of ticketing and/or towing, you must first obtain a valid parking permit (or pay to park at the meters or Campus Center Parking Garage). In previous years Jazz in July has had surface lot parking passes available for commuters to purchase for an additional fee. Note availability does vary based upon construction and lot availability around campus, so we recommend contacting Jazz in July for additional details: 413-545-3530,  jazzinjuly@acad.umass.edu.

Accessible Parking
Attendees with a valid state-issued reserved accessible license plate or placard may park in any marked Handicap Space or any nonrestricted, nonreserved space or lot, at no charge, as long as your plate or placard is clearly displayed at all times during your stay. To locate reserved accessible parking, visit the  UMass Parking Map. Handicapped spaces are designated by the blue circle with an "H", or can be filtered using the search bar. You may also click here to view a complete campus accessibility map. Note those with limited mobility are also welcome to park in the Campus Center Parking Garage, where there are a number of reserved accessible spaces on Level 2. However, all guests must pay to park in the Campus Center Parking Garage.

Have questions or need assistance? We're happy to help!
Please don't hesitate to contact UMass Conference Services at 413-577-8102 or registration@umass.edu.
Our offices are open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. ET (excluding federal and/or Massachusetts state holidays). All calls, voicemails and/or emails will be answered as soon as possible during our standard business hours. We look forward to hearing from you!

Location
Jazz in July is held in the University of Massachusetts Amherst Fine Arts Center. The residence halls are typically located in the Central Residential Area, within walking distance to the Fine Arts Center and one of our award-winning Dining Commons. The exact residence halls for those who select to stay on campus has yet to be determined, but will be sent out to all those registered in late spring/early summer. Those with a meal plan will be able to eat at one of our on-campus Dining Commons (Worcester, Berkshire, or Hampshire), but at this time the summer 2024 schedule has not yet been announced. Additional information, including building addresses, will be sent out to all registered participants as July approaches. To help plan your visit, especially if it is your first time at the University, we recommend taking a look at a detailed campus map.

Traveling by Plane
If you are traveling to Amherst by plane, the closest airport is Bradley International Airport in Windsor Locks, Connecticut (near Hartford). This airport is approximately 45 miles (about a 50 minute drive) from the UMass campus. From Bradley attendees will need to book a shuttle service or rent a car to get to campus (see the transportation options below). 

Attendees may find additional flight options into Logan International Airport in Boston, located approximately 90 miles (about a 2 hour drive) from the UMass campus. While more flight options are typically available into Logan, please remember to account for extra travel time to campus. Please also be sure to organize transportation to/from the airport to campus in advance of your arrival. From Logan attendees may book one of the shuttle services below, rent a car, or travel by Peter Pan Bus. Click here for Peter Pan bus ticket purchase details and scheduling. To ensure appropriate bus service to/from campus please select "Boston (Logan Airport), MA" as your "From:" destination and "Amherst UMass, MA" as your "To:" destination. 

Transportation Services 
Shuttle services and/or rental cars should be arranged prior to your travel. Please note there are no standing shuttles that run each day between Bradley/Logan and the UMass campus so additional arrangements must be made.

Valley Transporter, 413-253-1350
Seemo Shuttle, 413-586-1120
Exclusive Car Service, 413-534-3505
Bluebird Transportation, 413-221-4512
Enterprise

Driving to Campus

From the South, via I-91 North
Take Exit 25 in Northampton: From the exit ramp, stay in the right lane to take the first rotary exit, turning right onto Route 9. Travel approximately 4.5 miles to Route 116 North. Turn left onto 116 and go one mile to the UMass exit. Stay to the right as you exit to merge onto Massachusetts Avenue. Stay in the left lane and take a left at the second intersection onto Commonwealth Avenue (the first set of lights is only a blinking yellow light, take a left at the next set of lights). Stay in the right lane and continue on Commonwealth Avenue until you reach a set of traffic lights. At these lights turn onto Campus Center Way. Stay to the left and travel up the hill - you will see the garage entrance on your right. 

From the North, via I-91 South
Follow I-93 to I-495 South. Follow to Route 2 West. Continue on Route 2 to U.S. 202 South. Follow for about 15 miles to the blinking light at the Pelham exit marked “Route 9 and 116 Amherst.” Turn right and follow for seven miles to Amherst center. Turn right onto North Pleasant Street. Stay on North Pleasant Street (you will need to turn left twice to remain on North Pleasant Street, - follow signs to the UMass Campus). As you enter campus you will come to a set of lights. Stay to the left to turn onto Massachusetts Avenue. Follow Massachusetts Avenue through campus until you come to a set of lights. At the lights take a right onto Commonwealth Avenue. Continue on Commonwealth Avenue until you reach a set of traffic lights. Turn right onto Campus Center Way. Stay to the left and go up the hill. You will see the garage entrance up the hill on your right.

From the North, via I-93 South
Follow I-93 to I-495 South. Follow to Route 2 West. Continue on Route 2 to U.S. 202 South. Follow for about 15 miles to the blinking light at the Pelham exit marked “Route 9 and 116 Amherst.” Turn right and follow for seven miles to Amherst center. Follow signs to UMass. 

From the East or West, via I-90
Travelers have a choice of four routes:

Off Exit 63 (Palmer/Ware): Follow Route 32 South to Palmer; take Route 20 West to Route 181 North into Belchertown, and then Route 9 West to Amherst. Follow signs to UMass.

Off Exit 54 (Ludlow): Follow Route 21 North to U.S. 202 North to Route 9 West to Amherst center. Follow signs to UMass.

Off Exit 49 (Chicopee): Follow Route 33 North to Route 116 North to Amherst center. Turn left at the light onto Route 9 West. Follow signs to UMass.

Off Exit 45 (West Springfield): I-91 North to Exit 19 to Route 9 East to Amherst. Follow signs to UMass.

Traveling by Bus
Amherst and the surrounding area are serviced by Peter Pan Bus Lines, Greyhound and the Pioneer Valley Transit Authority (PVTA). The most convenient service is offered by Peter Pan, so when possible those traveling by bus should book a Peter Pan bus ticket using "Amherst UMass, MA" as the destination (note the "Amherst Center, MA" stop is in downtown Amherst and will require additional travel to arrive on campus). Greyhound offers bus service to nearby Northampton, MA, located about a 20 minute drive from campus. From Northampton attendees should plan to travel to campus via a taxi service, Uber/Lyft, or PVTA bus.

Traveling by Train
Amtrak provides passenger rail service to nearby Northampton, MA, located a 20 minute drive from the UMass campus, and Springfield, MA, located a 30 minute drive from the UMass campus. For schedule information and to purchase tickets, visit Amtrak's website and select "Northampton, MA (NHT)" or "Springfield, MA (SPG)" as your arrival destination.

If you take a train to Northampton, MA, you will then need to take either a bus or taxi to the UMass campus. Both PVTA and Peter Pan buses service the area, but the bus stops are not located at the train platform and will require about a 7 minute walk. If you prefer, you may use one of the many local taxi services or Uber/Lyft. We encourage you to carefully plan your trip - including bus or taxi services - prior to your arrival as the Northampton train platform is not a train station and area maps, bus schedules, and bus tickets will not be available once you arrive. If you decide to take a train out of Northampton, remember to purchase your return ticket online prior to arriving at the platform. The train platform is located at 170 Pleasant Street in Northampton, MA.

If you take a train to Springfield, MA, we recommend booking a shuttle service, such as Valley Transporter, to get you from Springfield to Amherst. Bus services, including Peter Pan, are also available, but will require about a 15 minute walk from the train station to the bus stop. The train will arrive at the Springfield station building, located at 66 Lyman Street in Springfield, MA. This station building does have a waiting room, ticket office, quik-trak kiosk, and payphone, but we do still encourage you to plan your trip, including services from the train station to campus, prior to your arrival.

Have questions or need assistance? We're happy to help!
Please don't hesitate to contact UMass Conference Services at 413-577-8102 or registration@umass.edu.
Our offices are open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. ET (excluding federal and/or Massachusetts state holidays). All calls, voicemails and/or emails will be answered as soon as possible during our standard business hours. We look forward to hearing from you!

For Program Information:
Contact Jazz in July: 413-545-0132 or jazzinjuly@acad.umass.edu

For Housing or Meal Plan Registration Information:
Contact UMass Conference Services: 413-577-8102 or registration@umass.edu.

Need to submit a Credit Card Authorization Form?
Click here to download the Credit Card Authorization Form. Forms can be returned by mail, or completed by phone (413-577-8102). To complete by phone, please call during our standard office hours (Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. ET). Forms must be received by June 21, 2024.