Office of Residential Engagement and Wellbeing Social Wellbeing Resources

How do I meet people and make friends?

• Check out the 150+ student organizations listed on The Hub.
• The Daily Mammoth and Event Calendar include happenings on campus that you may be interested in.
• ProjectConnect is a great way to get to know students outside of your social group.
• Consider starting a study group for one of your classes.
• Try eating with different people at Val, or sit at the Community Table (in the front room).
• Attend tea times in your residence hall.
• Hang out or study in common spaces in your residence, or in the Resource Centers.
• Try out an intramural sport or wellness class.

How do I find affinity groups? Explore my identities? Find safe spaces and support?

• The Resource Centers often become a second home for students. They provide information and training, spaces to hang out or study, and a wide array of programs:
  • Center for International Student Engagement 
  • Multicultural Resource Center
  • Women’s and Gender Center
  • Queer Resource Center
  • Center for Diversity and Student Leadership
• Our student organizations include a number of affinity groups.

How do I improve my communication and relationship skills? How can I increase my ability to navigate complex social situations and engage in difficult conversations?

• Peer Support Skills Training (PSST) is a three-session training to help students develop listening, support, and crisis response skills.
• The Office of Diversity and Inclusion often holds trainings, discussion series, and other skill-building opportunities.
• The Peer Advocates (PAs) offer healthy relationship workshops on request (peeradvocate@amherst.edu).
• ProjectConnect is a great way to meet students outside of your social group and get more comfortable interacting across difference.
• The Loeb Center for Career Exploration and Planning can help you develop interviewing and networking skills.

How do I find support and resources if I experience a social issue or difficulty?

• Your Resident Counselor (RC) can help with residential concerns such as noise issues or roommate conflicts.
• If you witness or experience a violation of community standards, you can report it and request intervention.
• The Counseling Center is available for support.

What are some fun things to do in the surrounding area?

• Amherst is part of a Five-College Consortium, which expands the courses and resources available to you. Consider visiting the other campuses and/or taking a class.
• The PVTA provides public transportation to the Five College campuses, downtown Northampton, and other surrounding towns.
• Check out this list of fun places to explore and things to do in the area.

How can I get involved? Help bridge divides? Contribute to making Amherst a stronger community?

• Get involved in student governance through the Association of Amherst Students (AAS).
• The Center for Community Engagement (CCE) offers opportunities for engagement, such as the Design Thinking Challenge and the Idea Accelerator.
• Take advantage of the funding available for the TYPO/TYPO-X/TYSO program (take your professor out/take your staff out) and take a professor or staff member out for a meal.
• Volunteer to sit on a committee.
• Many student jobs provide meaningful ways to be involved.